18 U.S.C. § 1153

18 U.S.C. § 1153 is a federal law that grants special jurisdiction to certain courts—known as “Indian tribes” courts and federal courts with jurisdiction over tribes—to prosecute crimes committed within Native American territories. It recognizes the unique status of Native American tribes and allows them to handle serious crimes—such as murder, manslaughter, or other felonies—committed by or against tribal members, or involving tribal lands. This law ensures that justice can be administered efficiently within tribal communities while respecting their sovereignty and jurisdictional boundaries.