Why is it OK for us to smoke on Native American Reservations?
By maezee
@maezee (41997)
United States
November 29, 2009 6:54pm CST
I know that it's legal, but I'm just wondering: WHY! I don't get it. When I go to the casino, or a restaurant, or anywhere on a reservation - smoking is almost ALWAYS permitted, whereas elsewhere in my state (Minnesota) - it's been outlawed. Why are native americans (or anyone who lives on a reservation) exempt from this? I'd like to hear opinions as well as facts if you have them. I'm truly curious to know! And do you think it's right?
1 response
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
30 Nov 09
This is because reservations are considered outside the legal jurisdiction of the federal and state governments. They are essentialy soviergn nations and create and enforce their own laws. They have their own police forces, their own courts and justice systems and such. If someone flees the law to a reservation, the tribal government must recieve an extradition request and they can honor it or not.
