What is the Indian Civil Rights Act?
The Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA) is a United States federal law that was enacted in 1968. Its purpose is to protect the civil rights of Native Americans living on reservations, just as the Bill of Rights protects citizens of the United States. The ICRA provides a list of rights including basic freedoms of speech, press, and religion; protection from cruel and unusual punishment; and due process of law. It also guarantees equal protection under the law for Native Americans and stops tribal governments from violating Native American rights. In New Jersey, the ICRA applies to the federally recognized Native American tribes, such as the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Tribe, the Ramapough Lenape Nation, and the Powhatan Renape Nation. For example, the ICRA prohibits the tribes from enacting any law which would be considered a violation of the constitutional rights of the tribe’s members. Additionally, any federal grant money provided to these tribes must be approved by the federal government and be within the provisions of the ICRA. The ICRA is an important law for Native Americans living in New Jersey because it helps to ensure that their civil rights are preserved and that they are treated fairly. The ICRA also ensures that tribal governments must govern according to the same laws that apply to citizens of the United States. This ensures that no Native American tribe is unfairly denied civil rights or discriminated against. Ultimately, the ICRA works to protect the rights of Native Americans living in New Jersey and ensure they are treated equally under the law.
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