United States v. Wheeler

William C. Plouffe Jr.

The U.S. Supreme Court, in United States v. Wheeler (1978), highlighted the continuing problems concerning race, justice, and equal protection in the U.S. criminal justice system. The case involved a member of an Indian tribe and the question of double jeopardy. The entry begins with a review of the facts in the case, which is followed by the effects of the decision on Indians. The defendant, Anthony Wheeler, was a member of the Navajo Indian tribe and resided on a reservation in Arizona. He apparently had sex with an underage minor who was also a Navaho Indian. Wheeler was arrested by the tribal police. In the Navajo Tribal Court, he pled guilty to disorderly conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, in violation of the Navajo Tribal Code. He was sentenced to 15 days in jail or a fine of $30 on the first charge and sentenced to ...

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