If a Native American committed a major felony crime on the reservation, what court would hear the case?

• A. State Court
• B. Federal Court
• C. Tribal Court
• D. Military Court

Answer: (B)

Crimes classified as major in Indian country fall under federal jurisdiction. The Indian Major Crimes Act defines and assigns federal authority over serious offenses—such as murder, rape, and robbery—when committed by a Native American on a reservation. Because these offenses are counted among the major crimes covered by that act, the case would be heard in federal court.

Tribal courts generally don’t prosecute major crimes by Native Americans in Indian country, and state courts have limited or no jurisdiction there unless specific legal arrangements apply. So for a major felony on the reservation, federal court is the proper venue.