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JUNE 20, 2001

The US Sentencing Commission on Tuesday held a hearing in Rapid City to consider whether American Indians in South Dakota receive unfair sentencings for their crimes.

Among the testimony received was to grant sole criminal jurisidiction for some crimes to tribes. The federal government has jursidiction over "major" crimes like murder with tribes having concurrent authority but a former US Attorney under President Carter said tribal courts should be allowed to prosecute cases on a selective basis.

Other witnesses suggested attacking the root problems of crime such as drug and alcohol abuse. Treatment programs, instead of prison time, should be used for tribal members.

The Commission can make changes to federal sentencing guidelines.

Get the Story:
Panel urged to give tribes sentencing options (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 6/20)

Relevant Links:
US Sentencing Commission - http://www.ussc.gov

Related Stories:
Hearing to focus on sentencing (6/19)