Major Crimes Act

The Major Crimes Act of 1885 is a U.S. law that gives federal courts jurisdiction over certain serious crimes—like murder or kidnapping—committed by Native Americans on tribal lands. Prior to this, these crimes were mostly handled by tribal authorities, which often lacked the power or resources to prosecute such offenses effectively. The Act was intended to ensure that these serious crimes are prosecuted by federal authorities, providing a consistent legal process and accountability in cases involving Native Americans and federal jurisdiction.