[1] The law allows tribal courts operating in Indian country to increase jail sentences handed down in criminal cases.

Scholars, such as Kevin Washburn, had written extensively about the problem and the lack of tribal involvement in federal criminal justice on Indian reservations in 2007.

[3] In 2008, Denver Post reporter Michael Riley published a four-part series of articles called "Lawless Lands; The Crisis in Indian Country" drawing attention to the problem.

In 2009, Attorney General Eric Holder made it a Department of Justice priority to increase engagement, coordination and action on public safety in Indian Country.

[5] Finally, Attorney General Holder and the Justice Department brought this message to Capitol Hill and worked in concert with members of the House and Senate to pass the Tribal Law and Order Act.

[6] The purposes of the Tribal Law and Order Act are: Clarify the responsibilities of the federal, state, tribal, and local governments with respect to crimes in Indian Country; increase coordination and communication among federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies; empower tribal governments with the authority, resources, and information necessary to safely and effectively provide public safety in Indian Country; reduce the prevalence of violent crime in Indian Country and to combat sexual and domestic violence against Alaska Native and Native American women; prevent drug trafficking and reduce rates of alcohol and drug addiction in Indian Country; and increase and standardize the collection of criminal data to and the sharing of criminal history information among federal, state, tribal, and local officials responsible for responding to and investigating crimes in Indian Country.