Guassac
United States v. Guassac
169 F.3d 1188
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitMarch 2, 1999Nos. 98-50035, 98-50051California97 words
Lead Opinion
Appellants contend that the Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians is not an “Indian Tribal Organization” within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. § 1163 and, therefore, that we must reverse their conviction because the district court lacked jurisdiction over them. The Tenth Circuit rejected a *1189 similar claim in United States v. Palmer, 766 F.2d 1441 (10th Cir.1985). We agree with their reasoning and conclude that “federal criminal statutes are applicable uniformly to all tribes within the jurisdiction of Congress.” Id. at 1444 . Accordingly, this case was properly brought under 18 U.S.C. § 1163 .
AFFIRMED.