The Major Crimes Act authorizes federal courts to prosecute certain offenses involving Native Americans on tribal lands.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only federal
• D. Only tribal

Answer: (A)

The Major Crimes Act establishes federal criminal jurisdiction for a defined list of serious offenses that occur in Indian country. When one of these enumerated crimes happens on tribal lands and involves Native Americans, federal courts are authorized to prosecute the case. This creates a uniform, nationwide handle for serious crimes in tribal areas, covering offenses such as murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery, burglary, arson, and larceny, among others. While tribal courts handle many other offenses and there can be cooperation or different arrangements in some contexts, the act specifically authorizes federal prosecution for these major crimes in Indian country. So, the statement aligns with how the Major Crimes Act operates.