Legal Document

437 U.S. 634 98 Supreme Court Reporter 2541 57 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 489 UNITED STATES, Petitioner,v.Smith JOHN and Harry Smith John. John, Appellants, versus State of MISSISSIPPI. Nos. 77-836, 77-575. Argued April 19, 1978. Decided June 23, Syllabus Lands designated as a reservation for Choctaw Indians residing in central Mississippi held, on the basis history relations between Choctaws States, to be "Indian country," defined 18 Code KF62 § 1151 (1976 ed.) include "all land within limits any Indian under jurisdiction Government," used Major Crimes Act, 1153, which makes who commits certain specified offenses "within country . subject same laws penalties all other persons committing [such] offenses, exclusive States." Neither fact that are merely remnant larger group Indians, nor federal supervision over them has not been continuous, affects power deal with these statutes. Hence, Act provided proper prosecution assault intent kill (one offenses) occurring such lands, had no similarly prosecute him offense. Pp. 2543-2552. Number 560 Federal Reporter, 2nd 1202, reversed remanded; 77-575, 347 So.2d 959, reversed. or Haw. Hawai‘i KFH45 A2 Bartow Farr III, Phoenix, Ariz., States. Richard baron Collins, John Carl KF105 F3 Andre, Jackson, Miss., Mississippi. Mr. Justice BLACKMUN delivered opinion Court. 1 These cases present issues concerning state crimes committed lands area More precisely, questions presented whether phrase is it was 1885, being 9 Mar. 3, 23 Statutes-at-Large 385, later codified and, if so, statutes operate preclude exercise criminal offenses. 2 * In October 1975, Southern District Mississippi, John1 indicted by grand jury Artis Jenkins, violation §§ 1153 113(a).2 He tried before December 15, convicted lesser included offense simple assault.3 A sentence 90 days local jail-type institution fine $300 were imposed. On appeal, Appeals Fifth Circuit, considering issue its own motion, see App. Pet. Certiorari Page 39A, ruled without case because took place, that, therefore, did provide prosecution. 1205-1206 (1977). The sought review, we granted petition certiorari 77-836. 434 1032, 764, 54 779 (1978). 3 1976, John4 Leake County, aggravated upon Miss.Code Ann. 97-3-7(2) (Supp.1977). incident indictment related. motion dismiss charge ground denied. Circuit County May charged. sentenced two years penitentiary. relying earlier decision Tubby State, 327 272 (1976), Tax Comm'n, 505 633 (1974), rehearing denied, 535 300, en banc 541 469 held his arguments against state-court merit. 959 Characterizing one falling this Court's 28 1257(2) ed.), filed notice an appeal We postponed jurisdiction, now note jurisdiction. Antoine Washington, 420 194, 95 944, 43 129 (1975); McClanahan Arizona 411 164, 93 1257, 36 (1973). II 4 There dispute Indian, presumed he descendant hundreds made their homes what story brethren left settle Oklahoma, told pages reports courts. See, e. g., Nation 397 620, 1328, 25 615 (1970); Winton Amos, 255 373, 41 342, 65 L.Ed. 684 (1921); Fleming McCurtain, 215 56, 30 16, 88 (1909); Nation, 179 494, 21 149, 45 291 (1900); 119 1, 7 75, 306 (1886); Chitto 138 F.Supp. 253, 133 Ct.Cl. 643, cert. 352 841, 77 64, (1956); 81 296 56 246, 80 457 (1935). 5 At time Revolutionary War, occupied large areas just after formation our country, they entered into treaty friendship Treaty at Hopewell, (1786). But allow westward expansion. Choctaws, attempt avoid proved fate, series treaties gradually relinquishing claims lands.5 6 Despite concessions, when became 10, 1817, still retained claims, recognized Government, more than three-quarters State's boundaries. popular pressure make available non-Indian settlement, responsibility felt some combined shape policy aimed persuading give up completely remove new many known Territory, part Oklahoma Arkansas. first effectuate policy, Doak's Stand, 210 (1820), resulted exchange million acres. Because, however, complications arising discovered much promised already settled, most remained delegation went D. C., untangle situation negotiate yet another treaty. See 234 (1825). Still, few moved. Only election Andrew Jackson Presidency 1828 efforts persuade leave meet success.6 Even himself acted behalf grown impatient policies, taken steps assert Choctaws. early 1829, legislation enacted purporting extend legal process territory. 1824-1838 Miss.Gen.Laws 195 (Act Feb. 4, 1829). annual address Congress 8, President position question support immediate removal. S. Doc. 21st Cong., 1st Sess., 15-16 (1829). Further encouraged, Legislature passed abolish government impose anyone assuming role chief. also declared rights white living enjoyed effect throughout territory occupied. 207 Jan. 1830). 8 debated assertions wise.7 only message heard Government longer would stand Indians. Appreciating realities, again agreed Government. September 27, 1830, Dancing Rabbit Creek, 333, signed.8 It cede east 10 They west river, where remain perpetually free ontrol, fall 1833. help plan pay move. Each "head family desirous become citizen States," id., 335, permitted do so signifying intention six months agent assigned area. reserved, least 640 acres per household, fee five years. Ibid. Other reserved various chiefs others improved lands. Id., 335-336. Those remained, "lose privilege citizen," although receive share annuity those chose remove. remaining end formal ratification Creek Senate February 1831. Cong.Deb. (1831). account attempts satisfy obligations both remained,9 removed,10 best historians. enough say here failure attempts, characterized incompetence, corruption, embarrassment intractable problem century. 643 (1956). try induce During 1890's, acutely aware toward favored allotment tribal holdings, including holdings order way Oklahoma's statehood. inclusion then distribution among largest obstacles encountered during effort.11 even era, supported removal join West, there doubt properly regarded Executive Branch 11 until 1916 recognition presence manifested secure appropriations Bureau Affairs year item (for $1,000) enable Secretary Interior "to investigate condition Mississippi" report "as need additional school facilities." 39 138. H.R.Doc. 1464, 64th Sess. (1916). March 1917, hearings Union, House Committee Investigation Service, exploring desirability providing services general appropriation 1918. This appropriation, debate House, Cong.Rec. 1136-1140 (1918), funds establishment agency physician, maintenance schools, purchase farm equipment.12 purchased through sold contract individuals keeping pattern eventually individual rather collectively. provisions similar years.13 12 1930's, shifted back preservation communities generally. shift led enactment Reorganization 1934, 48 984, discontinuance program. groups who, enacted, voted passage. vote reported & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions dian Affairs. Hearings 2755 3645 Affairs, 73d pt. 2, 82 (1934); H.R. 7902 423 (1934). 30, 1935, voted, anticipated 988, 478 accept Act. T. Haas, Ten Years Tribal Under I. R. Atlantic 17 (U.S. Relations Pamphlet (1947)). 13 By time, obvious original method authorized 1918 appropriations—by particular purchaser—not inconsistent encouraging commonly but benefits intended. H.R.Rep.No.194, 76th (1939). 1939, essentially title previously "in trust one-half blood, resident shall Interior." Ch. 235, 53 851. 1944, Assistant Department officially proclaimed aid totaling 15,000 acres, reservation. Fed.Reg. 14907.14 14 1945, 987, 476 Band adopted constitution bylaws; duly approved appropriate authorities 1945.15 15 With historical sketch background, turn jurisdictional John's case. III 16 determine charged (alleged have "on Reservation America"), look terms statute relies, is, 1153. alleged offense, provided: "Any COMMITS ASSAULT WITH INTENT TO KILL WIthin indian [such offense], definition country" elsewhere chapter Title 1151.16 Both concluded situs constitute therefore afford court. agree. exceptions pertinent here, includes term three categories land. first, concerned,17 notwithstanding issuance patent." language appeared 1948 revision 18. Reviser's Notes indicate based several decisions interpreting relating cases, McGowan, 302 535, 58 286, 410 (1938), Reno Colony, consisting 28.38 Nevada, out appropriated 1917 1926 hundred theretofore scattered purposes 247 (the predecessor 3618 ed.)), forfeiture vehicle transport intoxicants country. noted "fundamental consideration establishing colony protection dependent people." U.S., 538, S.Ct., 287. principal test applied drawn from case, Pelican, 232 442, 34 396, 676 (1914), "had validly set apart use such, superintendence Government." 449, 399; 539, 288.18 benefit supervision. apparent reason why previous "reservation," time. Celestine, 278, 285, 93, 94, (1909). about matter 1939 when, hereinabove described, trust, clarified proclamation 1944 subsequent approval bylaws Band. 19 argues, 1934 intended apply Assuming moment authority can found find argument unpersuasive. "Indians" descent members [in 1934] tribe jurisdiction," descendants reservation, blood." 479 ed.). description lived Interior, passed.19 references legislative supra, 645-646, confirm view excepted operation Act.20 IV 20 appears concede, Brief Appellee 44, provides charged, concession, assumption ordinarily pre-emptive applies, seems us correct.21 necessary premise decisions. Seymour Superintendent, 368 351, 424, 346 (1962). Williams Lee, 358 217, 220, n. 5, 79 269, 270, 251 (1959); Rice Olson, 324 786, 989, 89 1367 (1945); re Carmen's Petition, 165 942 (N.D.Cal.1958), aff'd sub. nom. Dickson Carmen, 270 809 (CA9 1959), 361 934, 375, 355 (1960).22 produce result. suggests since 1830 fully assimilated political social life long ago abandoned supervisory Because abandonment, lapse organization given "[t]o regulate Commerce Tribes," Const. Article I, cl. cannot To recognize whom special may exercised anomalous arbitrary.23 22 assume argument, does times Mississippi's unchallenged. But, particularly elaborate history, recounted above, agree less affairs groups. removed destroys them. Wright, 300 (CA4 1931), 285 52 312, 76 932 (1932).24 argues specially boundaries Creek. seem cruel joke familiar execution treaty, renegotiated it. 640-643. And source regarding status law, nothing continued Clause. true each electing "a extension citizenship not, itself, powers V 24 hold involved Accordingly, judgment 77-575 reversed; further, 77-836 reversed, remanded further proceedings consistent opinion. ordered. son, jointly father indictment. counsel Johns advised death 18, 1978, concede moot. 3; et al. 1. brief silent this. moot read: person property following namely, murder, manslaughter, rape, carnal knowledge female, wife, attained age sixteen years, commit incest, kill, dangerous weapon, resulting serious bodily injury, arson, burglary, robbery, larceny above "As section, rape accordance committed, female imprisoned discretion incest punished committed." section amended 585, added kidnaping list covered changes, ways law incorporated. Section 113, specifying punishment assaults territorial prosecutions H.R.Rep.No.94-1038 (1976); S.Rep.No.94-620 U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News 1125. Keeble 412 205, 1993, 844 (1973), entitled instructions appears, 5; 6, argued instructions, enter conviction misdemeanor listed Appeals, deciding extent urged reach issue. Felicia 495 353 (CA8), 419 849, 88, 42 (1974). indictment, convicted. As stated concedes renders him. Fort Adams, 66 (1801) (21/2 ceded); Confederation, 73 (1802) (establishment generally); Hoe-Buckin-too-pa, (1803) (900,000 conformity Confederation agreement); Mount Dexter, (1805) (4 acres); St. Stephens, 152 (1816) (ceding relatively small tract Columbus, stands). DeRosier, Jr., Removal 29 (1970). commissioners sent Stand. From ceded capital, named planned. Pacific KF135 P2 Fortune, Formative Period, History (R. McLemore ed., 1973). Jackson's regard played significant Presidential popularity 277. generally supra 100-115; M. Young, Redskins, Ruffleshirts, Rednecks: Allotments Alabama 1830-1860, Pages 14-21 (1961); G. Foreman, Removal: Emigration Five Civilized Tribes (1953 ed.); Cohen, Handbook Law 56-59 (1941); Prucha, Policy: Reassessment, Judge Am. Hist. 527 (1969). 585 (1830). debates culminated 28, passage Bill. 411. Abel, Events Resulting Consolidation West River, 1906 Annual Report American Historical Assn. 377-382 (1908). stage constitutional crisis surrounding Worcester Georgia, 515, 483 (1832), Burke, Cherokee Cases: Study Law, Politics, Morality, Stan.L.Rev. 500 (1969); Miles, After Marshall's Decision: Georgia Nullification Crisis, S69 519 Perhaps evidence circumstances lies very words. signed contained preamble: "Whereas General Assembly extended said chartered [Choctaw lands], protect people laws; Now live peace determined sell accordingly articles treaty." preamble stricken ratified Senate. 346-347 generally, 47-72; Riley, Land Claims, Publications Society 345 (1904). anxious conceal far originally, simply disinterested job dissolute, task refused record elected remain. g. Coleman Doe, Miss. 40 (1844); F.Supp., 257, Ct.Cl., 648-649. Speculators soon began pressing cause refused. due efforts, cloud created put sale recordation investigation situation. Papers, Public 448-525 (1860); H.R.Rep.No.663, 24th (1836). Although might wonder concern motivated events, measures remedy substitute replace despite file claims. One measure claimants issued scrip enabling claim half unless Aug. 1842, 513. administration unsuccessful practice, none removal, 649, established fund paid lieu scrip. 777 (1845). settlement 1852 unsuccessful, 1855 determination amounts owing abide promises. 22, 1855, 611. 1859, formula calculated, Cong.Globe, 35th 1691; S.Rep.No.374, (1859), pursuant direction, computed total almost $3 million. Exec.Doc. 82, 36th (1860), reprinted H.R.Rep.No.251, 45th (1878). War Between interrupted payment award, war, themselves forced prove once again, (1886), rev'g 59. 129-167; Territory 1830-1833, Chronicles 103 (1928); Debo, Rise Fall Republic (2d ed. 1961); 9, supra. potential right participate acknowledged Chickasaws close war. 774 (1866). frauds speculation implementation difficult place. contemporaneous events Wade, response flood portion should b distributed, resisted rolls. 1897 1907, rolls finally closed, repeated Dawes Commission, Congress, criteria enrollment participation allotment. Again, conditioned complete Estate 51 284 (1916), rev'd part, (1921). 573 (1918). Appropriation Bill Subcommittee 65th 153, 175-176 Shortly made, Cato Sells, Commissioner traveled gain firsthand information there. report, observed: "Practically full-bloods. Very homes. entirely laborers croppers. industrious, honest, necessarily frugal. Most barely exist, suffer want necessaries medical aid. visited me conspicuous pitiable poverty. families children, age, spent day school. indicated willingness go school, parents send Several young boys girls expressed ardent desire education." 1918, 79-80 (1919). (1919), (1920); 1236 570 (1922); 1191 (1923); 409 (1924); 1149, 1155, 1159 (1925); 44 461, 468, 472 (1926); 941, 947, 951 (1927); 206, 216, 220 1568, 1578, 1581 (1929); 46 299 (1930); 1121, 1135 (1931); 47 109 (1932). language, affected "not resale existing contracts hereafter canceled." Proclamation recited specifically "by virtue act 21, 1934," acquired outstanding "for thereof Indian." Civil Rights 1968, 1301 seq. originally reference but, instead, referred "reservation" Territories. infra. t form re-enacted 328 Criminal 1909, 35 (codified 548), amended, 336 (1932) (adding covered, deleting Territories, expressly running reservation). express deleted favor referring 1151. Note, four times, 63 94 (1949) (relating crime rape); 1100 (1966) (1968) injury); (1976) (see ), changed substantially. second category borders subsequently thereof, State." third allotments, titles extinguished, rights-of-way same." Inasmuch sufficient consider categories. Some suggested technical limited country." Bates Clark, 204, 471 (1877). Throughout 19th century, apparently statutory 1834, 729. dropped compilation Revised Statutes. Ex parte Crow Dog, 556, 27 1030 (1883). little choice continue principles develop according changing conditions. Donnelly 228 243, 33 820 (1913). expansive scope incorporated completed recounts: "After colored race, indeed surprising approximately 85 percent full bloods. Their racial integrity intact spite absence permanent sort community life. Many older speak English." E. Groves, 20-Mar. 20, 1936, (Bureau Affairs). unpublished memorandum dated August 31, Solicitor Interior. reads: "They [the Mississippi] tribe." 273 (1941). reading entire memorandum, convinces supports concerned deeds deed prepared designating grantee "the Mississippi." recommended could written "[t]he organized (48 984) Act], Surely thi entity Mississippi," entity, exist. disputed pre-empt Oliphant Suquamish Tribe, 435 191, 203-204, 14, 1011, 1018, 55 209 (1978); Wheeler, 313, 325 1079, 1087, 303 view. Kagama, 118 382-383, 1109, 1113, (1886). proposed bill either therefor crimes," similarly, 934 (1885). conference broader intended, "take away courts, not" Indian. 2385. provision read reservation," change. effort, courts below, assimilation demonstration th m. educational State. Peterson, Indians: Recent Current Social 84, passim (Ph.D. dissertation, University 1970); Jennings, V. Beggs, Caldwell, Economic Condition Relation Educational Program 1945); Taylor, Citizens 177 (1972). relinquished ability power. concerned, hints, historically anomalous, Congress. 1950's, emphasized assimilation, thorough survey tribes economic congressional resolution calling freedom "at earliest possible time," 67 B 132 (1953), conferring respect civil causes reservations, granting consent assertion 588-590. H.R.Rep.No.2680, 83d 31-32, (1954). H.R.Rep.No.2503, 82d 313 (1953).

Classification Label: 1