Laws: Cases and Codes : U.S. Code : Title 25 : Section 233


   
U.S. Code as of: 01/19/04
Section 233. Jurisdiction of New York State courts in civil actions

      The courts of the State of New York under the laws of such State
    shall have jurisdiction in civil actions and proceedings between
    Indians or between one or more Indians and any other person or
    persons to the same extent as the courts of the State shall have
    jurisdiction in other civil actions and proceedings, as now or
    hereafter defined by the laws of such State: Provided, That the
    governing body of any recognized tribe of Indians in the State of
    New York shall have the right to declare, by appropriate enactment
    prior to September 13, 1952, those tribal laws and customs which
    they desire to preserve, which, on certification to the Secretary
    of the Interior by the governing body of such tribe shall be
    published in the Federal Register and thereafter shall govern in
    all civil cases involving reservation Indians when the subject
    matter of such tribal laws and customs is involved or at issue, but
    nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent such courts
    from recognizing and giving effect to any tribal law or custom
    which may be proven to the satisfaction of such courts: Provided
    further, That nothing in this section shall be construed to require
    any such tribe or the members thereof to obtain fish and game
    licenses from the State of New York for the exercise of any hunting
    and fishing rights provided for such Indians under any agreement,
    treaty, or custom: Provided further, That nothing herein contained
    shall be construed as subjecting the lands within any Indian
    reservation in the State of New York to taxation for State or local
    purposes, nor as subjecting any such lands, or any Federal or State
    annuity in favor of Indians or Indian tribes, to execution on any
    judgment rendered in the State courts, except in the enforcement of
    a judgment in a suit by one tribal member against another in the
    matter of the use or possession of land: And provided further, That
    nothing herein contained shall be construed as authorizing the
    alienation from any Indian nation, tribe, or band of Indians of any
    lands within any Indian reservation in the State of New York:
    Provided further, That nothing herein contained shall be construed
    as conferring jurisdiction on the courts of the State of New York
    or making applicable the laws of the State of New York in civil
    actions involving Indian lands or claims with respect thereto which
    relate to transactions or events transpiring prior to September 13,
    1952.



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