American Indian Sovereignty and the U.S. Supreme Court

The Masking of Justice

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Native American Studies
Cover of the book American Indian Sovereignty and the U.S. Supreme Court by David E. Wilkins, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David E. Wilkins ISBN: 9780292774001
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: January 1, 2010
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: David E. Wilkins
ISBN: 9780292774001
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: January 1, 2010
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English

"Like the miner's canary, the Indian marks the shift from fresh air to poison gas in our political atmosphere; and our treatment of Indians, even more than our treatment of other minorities, reflects the rise and fall in our democratic faith," wrote Felix S. Cohen, an early expert in Indian legal affairs.

In this book, David Wilkins charts the "fall in our democratic faith" through fifteen landmark cases in which the Supreme Court significantly curtailed Indian rights. He offers compelling evidence that Supreme Court justices selectively used precedents and facts, both historical and contemporary, to arrive at decisions that have undermined tribal sovereignty, legitimated massive tribal land losses, sanctioned the diminishment of Indian religious rights, and curtailed other rights as well.

These case studies—and their implications for all minority groups—make important and troubling reading at a time when the Supreme Court is at the vortex of political and moral developments that are redefining the nature of American government, transforming the relationship between the legal and political branches, and altering the very meaning of federalism.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"Like the miner's canary, the Indian marks the shift from fresh air to poison gas in our political atmosphere; and our treatment of Indians, even more than our treatment of other minorities, reflects the rise and fall in our democratic faith," wrote Felix S. Cohen, an early expert in Indian legal affairs.

In this book, David Wilkins charts the "fall in our democratic faith" through fifteen landmark cases in which the Supreme Court significantly curtailed Indian rights. He offers compelling evidence that Supreme Court justices selectively used precedents and facts, both historical and contemporary, to arrive at decisions that have undermined tribal sovereignty, legitimated massive tribal land losses, sanctioned the diminishment of Indian religious rights, and curtailed other rights as well.

These case studies—and their implications for all minority groups—make important and troubling reading at a time when the Supreme Court is at the vortex of political and moral developments that are redefining the nature of American government, transforming the relationship between the legal and political branches, and altering the very meaning of federalism.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book The Art of Professing in Bourbon Mexico by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book El Eternauta, Daytripper, and Beyond by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Roman Military Law by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Blood of the Earth by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Unlearning the Language of Conquest by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Cycles, Sequels, Spin-offs, Remakes, and Reboots by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Sacred Consumption by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book The Pleasure of Miss Pym by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Edible and Useful Plants of the Southwest by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Brave Black Women by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book A Tortilla Is Like Life by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Ruth Benedict by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Beowulf by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Rubén Darío and the Romantic Search for Unity by David E. Wilkins
Cover of the book Spare Time in Texas by David E. Wilkins
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy