Indian Tribe
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
a body of the aboriginal Indian race of men found in the United States. Such a tribe, situated within the boundaries of a state, and exercising the powers of government and sovereignty, under the national government, is deemed politically a state; that is, a distinct political society, capable of selfgovernment; but is not deemed a foreign state, in the sense of the constitution. It is rather a domestic dependent nation. Such a tribe may properly be deemed in a state of pupillage; and its relation to the United States resembles that of a ward to a guardian.
5 Pet. R. 1, 16,17; 20 John. R. 193; 3 Kent, Com. 308 to 318; Story on Const. § 1096.