The case of Johnson v. M'Intosh was a critical moment in the history of Indian law in particular and American land claims in general. Although land claims and Indian property had been the subject of numerous cases before state courts and endless conversation in the state and federal governmentts, Johnson v. M'Intosh presented the Supreme Court with its first case to consider these issues together. The result was a decision with a profound impact on the way Americans claimed property and the way the American government treated Indians.

This is an unusual document in both intellectual and technological terms. Since this is the first law case we have considered in depth, it is important that you read Professor Konig's background information and instructions for briefing a case. In addition, you will navigate this case differently from other on-line documents. The key on the left-hand side of your browser enables you to select a page. Note that you do not have to read the entire case. As a result, the key does not include links to every page. In addition, numerous portions are shaded. You do not have to read these portions, although you may if you wish.

The document is too long for a single Acrobat file. As a result, the case exists in three parts:

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3