(Washington, D.C.) In a surprise decision, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday, July 10th that Native American land in Oklahoma is not subject to state prosecutors for crimes. Passing by one vote, the 5-4 decision favored a Native American man who was convicted of rape by state authorities inside the Native American territory.
Judge Neil Gorsuch stated the claim by the Muscogee Nation was valid. The Creek Nation includes 3 million acres of land, including a significant portion of the city of Tulsa.
The decision indicates that only federal authorities can press charges against Native Americans who allegedly commit egregious crimes on the tribe’s land. An estimated 1.8 million people live on the tribal lands, less than 15% are Native Americans.
In the case of Jimcy McGirt, who was convicted of child rape, the decision overturns their convictions on state charges. McGirt, along with convicted murderer Patrick Murphy whose case is also effected, can still be tried by federal authorities.
