John Dunn
Tulsa -
918.526.8000

Mannford - 918.865.8030

 

Some have described me as “unwavering” when it comes to principles. Others say that I exhibit the trait of "loyalty to a fault" or that I am "utterly relentless” when pursuing an objective. As your attorney, I promise to be a loyal advocate and to be unwavering in the pursuit of your goals. I am a zealous advocate that does not shy away from conflict and litigation. I believe that the strongest weapon that an attorney can have is knowledge of his case. I will aggressively prepare your case for litigation while attempting to resolve the issues on favorable terms - a kind of "peace through strength" approach to the practice of law.

Home Indian Law Overview Jurisdiction Tribal Court Current Litigation Links Contact

TULSA INDIAN LAW ATTORNEY


Subject matter jurisdiction is a critical part of any case.  This is something that allows a Court to hear a case and exercise authority over the parties.  This is a defense that can be raised at any time and it cannot be waived. 

 

Under federal law, a person who is an Indian that commits a crime in Indian Country can not be prosecuted in state court.  Depending on the crime, they would either be in federal court or in tribal court.  At one time, it was believed that if the defendant is a non-Indian but the victim is an Indian and the crime occurs in Indian Country, the offender will be in federal court.  However, on June 29, 2022, the United States Supreme Court decided the case of Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta, 142 S.Ct. 2486 (2022), which held that the Federal Government and the State have concurrent jurisdiction over crimes committed by non-Indians against Indians in Indian Country. 

 

The exception to the rule concerning jurisdiction seems to be over Section 14 of the Curtis Act.  While this issue is still being litigated, Section 14 of the Curtis Act gives municipalities that were organized under the Curtis Act jurisdiction over "all inhabitants" within their boundaries, including Indians.  (It is important to note that regardless of litigation, if the town was not organized under the Curtis Act, it has no jurisdiction over Indians.)   

 

Indian Country is an area that by treaty has been established as a reservation for an Indian tribe.  The character of the reservation does not change based upon how the land is owned.  (Imagine if the State of Oklahoma shrunk because the government sold land to a private person.  In the same way, an Indian Reservation is not diminished by selling land to non-Indians.) 
 

 

[footer.asp]