Federal · Title 25 — Indians

25 U.S.C. § 202: Inducing conveyances by Indians of trust interests in lands

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

It is unlawful to induce Native Americans to sign documents conveying trust lands or to file such documents for record. Violators are guilty of misdemeanor, punishable by fines up to $500, or for second offense up to $500 fine and/or one year imprisonment.

Read the full statutory text

It shall be unlawful for any person to induce any Indian to execute any contract, deed, mortgage, or other instrument purporting to convey any land or any interest therein held by the United States in trust for such Indian, or to offer any such contract, deed, mortgage, or other instrument for record in the office of any recorder of deeds. Any person violating this provision shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500 for the first offense, and if convicted for a second offense may be punished by a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of the court. This section shall not apply to any lease or other contract authorized by law to be made.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.