Interim law dean cited in Supreme Court case upholding Native American rights

June 16, 2023

On June 15, the  U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA)–a significant win for Tribal sovereignty. Wake Forest School of Law Interim Dean Nell Newton’s article “Federal Power Over Indians: Its Sources, Scope, and Limitations” was cited by Justice Neil Gorsuch in his concurring opinion in Haaland v. Brackeen (No. 21-376, decided June 15, 2023). The Supreme Court’s decision in the case upheld the constitutionality of the ICWA, a 43-year-old federal law that protects the well-being and best interests of Indian children and families by upholding family integrity and stability and by keeping Indian children connected to their community and culture. 

As a prominent scholar of Indian Law, Dean Newton’s work is crucial to understanding federal policy on Tribal issues.

Read her cited article here.