Thursday, April 26, 2007

Amnesty Reports High Rape Rate on Reservations

Amnesty International released a report this week decrying the high rape rate in Indian Country. Tribal law enforcement agencies don't have adequate resources to patrol and respond quickly. Moreover, the tribe lacks jurisdiction if the perpetrator is not an Indian. Crimes may be prosecuted by local, federal, or tribal authorities. Low enforcement and prosecution contributes to underreporting and more offenses. Native American Women Face High Rape Rate, Report Says, Wash. Post, April 26, 2007.

The report is Maze of injustice: The failure to protect Indigenous women from sexual violence in the USA (AI Index: AMR 51/035/2007) (April 24, 2007). Amnesty's summary is here.

Reminder: 2007 is the first year that Indian law is a subject that may be covered in the Washington State bar exam.

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