Methamphetamine and Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction on the Wind River Reservation

Abstract

The drug methamphetamine is creating an epidemic on Tribal reservations. Non-Indian drug dealers are targeting vulnerable addicted populations, including the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming in hopes to replace the alcohol addiction already present with addiction to methamphetamines. Under U.S. federal law, Tribal Nations do not have criminal jurisdiction over non-Indians. The methodology used to research this problem comprised mainly of traditional legal researching court cases, law review articles, news articles, and other documents such as testimonies before Congress. The findings suggested various remedies used by Tribal Nations are utilizing in conjunction with other state and local law enforcement agencies. However, in terms of exercising self-determination and preventing any further diminishment of inherent Tribal sovereignty, the implementation of banishment sentencing of non-Indians best achieves these goals stemming from the methamphetamine epidemic.