United States v. Kagama

Kagama, a Yurok Native American accused of murder, was selected as a test case by the Department of Justice to test the constitutionality of the Major Crimes Act of 1885. Kagama and his son Mahawaha went to Iyouse’s house, where an argument ensued that resulted in the death of Iyouses’ wife. The local district attorney declined to prosecute, citing a...