Law Gives Tribes New Authority Over Non-Indians - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

NBCRightNow.com - Tribal courts now have the authority to prosecute non-Indians in domestic violence cases.

President Obama signed the bill into law Thursday. Many who live on reservations believe the measure is a huge step forward due to the high rates of domestic violence with no prosecution.
Others say it could take years to make a difference.
    
Indian women are victims of domestic violence at rates more than double the national average.
    
The new law allows Indian courts to prosecute non-Indians for a set of crimes limited to domestic violence and violations of protection orders. Tribal officials say the measures implementation will be slow as tribes amend their legal codes and ensure defendants receive the same rights offered in state and federal courts.