Law 720 - Federal Law and Indian Tribes

The study of the relationships between Federal, state, and Native Nation governments, the source and scope of their respective sovereigns and time.  Professor Monette has the distinction of being the only Native Nation member who grew up in his Native Nation's territory or reservation, bringing hands-on experience and knowledge of the actual (not only academic) legal issues confronting Native Nations on a day-to-day basis.

Law 940 - Law of Indian Tribes

The Law of Indian Tribes seminar will focus on the political and legal systems of the “Indian Tribes.” By introducing the study of tribal governments, this seminar will study the constitutions and laws of the Tribes, old and new, written and unwritten, as norm and custom and positive law. This seminar will explore the ways history, legislation, and litigation influence the development of case law. It will study several judicial opinions rendered by the Tribes’ courts and regulatory bodies. There is no prerequisite.

Certificate in Federal Indian Law

The University of Wisconsin Law School finds that a well-rounded legal education is necessary for the successful practice of law for Native Nations, including a broad array of courses such as patent law, corporate finance, insurance law, administrative law, family law, international law, personal injury, and others.  For these reasons, the UW Law School does not offer a certificate in Federal Indian Law.

Interdisciplinary Legal Studies

For students interested in the nexus of environmental law and Native Nations, the Law School offers a program in partnerhsip with the University of Wisconsin's renowned Nelson Institute, so named after Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, the founder of Earth Day, as well the academic home of historic environmental giants Aldo Leopold and John Muir.

For students interested in criminal law with Native Nations, the Law School's nationally known Remington Center provides courses and clinical experience with public defense, prosecution, institutionalized persons, and court clerkships.

Every law student may, in consultation with the Office of Student Affairs, develop a specialized path of interdisciplinary study, such as in business, economics, food safety, energy, etc., in conjunction with nearly every academic department of the University of Wisconsin.

See the University of Wisconsin Law School Course Schedules for the availability of these courses.