Do Native American laws override state laws?
No, Native American laws do not override state laws in Oklahoma. Native American tribes are subject to the same laws as the state and federal governments. The federal government recognizes the distinct and separate sovereignty of Native American tribes, and in fact the Constitution of the United States assigns the government a trust responsibility to protect it. However, Native American law can be complex and often difficult to understand, and it is possible that some Native American laws may conflict with state and federal laws. In such cases the state and federal governments look at the unique circumstances of Indian tribes and their relationship to the United States. Tribal law enforcement works in conjunction with the FBI and other federal and state agencies when conflicts arise. The state also has authority to regulate and enforce state laws on some Native American reservations, although the tribe may also have the authority to enforce their own laws within their reservation. Ultimately, the state and federal government have the ultimate authority with regard to state laws. Native American laws are respected and recognized, but may be limited by the federal government based on their trust responsibility. The relationship between the tribes and the state is something that must be negotiated between the two parties, as well as other government entities.
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