What protection do Native Americans have under U.S. law?
Native Americans in the United States are protected under U.S. law in a variety of ways. The primary source of legal protection for Native American tribes and their members is the federal Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, which provides Native Americans with fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly and due process of law. This Act also affords Native Americans protection from unreasonable search and seizures, the right to trial by jury, and the right to petition for redress of grievances. Additionally, Native Americans are protected by treaties made between the federal government and individual tribal governments. These treaties guarantee the rights of Native Americans to self-governance, hunting and fishing rights, and the ability to practice their cultural and religious traditions. Finally, Native Americans have protection under the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The U.S. Supreme Court has further extended these protections to Native Americans by recognizing tribal sovereignty and the right of Native Americans to sue in federal court. Overall, Native Americans are afforded a great deal of legal protection in the United States. These protections are enshrined in U.S. law and form an important part of the relationship between Native American tribes and the United States government.
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