Sharp v. Murphy
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Sharp v. Murphy and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of Sharp v. Murphy.
The Supreme Court affirmed the Tenth Circuit's decision that Congress has not disestablished the Creek Reservation. As a result, Mr. Murphy's crime falls under exclusive federal jurisdiction because it occurred in Indian country and he is an Indian. The decision aligns with the reasoning in McGirt v. Oklahoma.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Sharp v. Murphy.
The Court held that Congress has not disestablished the Creek Reservation, affirming the Tenth Circuit's decision.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Sharp v. Murphy. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why State–Federal Power is relevant to Sharp v. Murphy
The case involves the allocation of authority between state and federal governments, specifically regarding jurisdiction over crimes committed in Indian country.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Mr. Murphy's crime is subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction because Mr. Murphy is an Indian and the crime occurred in Indian country.
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Why Judicial Review is relevant to Sharp v. Murphy
The Court's decision involves reviewing and affirming the lower court's interpretation of congressional action regarding the disestablishment of the Creek Reservation.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The judgment of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit is affirmed for the reasons stated in McGirt v. Oklahoma.
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Why Preemption is relevant to Sharp v. Murphy
The decision implies federal law preempts state jurisdiction over crimes committed in Indian country.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Mr. Murphy's crime is subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction because Mr. Murphy is an Indian and the crime occurred in Indian country.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Sharp v. Murphy that support the summary and concepts above.
The judgment of the Court of Appeals is affirmed for the reasons stated in McGirt v. Oklahoma, 591 U. S. 894 (2020).
Congress has not disestablished the Creek Reservation and thus Mr. Murphy's crime is subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction.
Justice Gorsuch took no part in the consideration or decision of this case.
