Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Law
"Power Over This Unfortunate Race": Race, Politics And Indian Law In United States V. Rogers, Bethany R. Berger
"Power Over This Unfortunate Race": Race, Politics And Indian Law In United States V. Rogers, Bethany R. Berger
William & Mary Law Review
"[F]rom the very moment the general government came into existence to this time, it has exercised its power over this unfortunate race in the spirit of humanity and justice, and has endeavoured by every means in its power to enlighten their minds and increase their comforts, and to save them if possible from the consequences of their own vices."
In 1846, in United States v. Rogers, the Supreme Court blithely announced the above vision of the history of Indian-United States relations. The first part of the quote describes Indian people as a race and an inferior one; the second part …