In the vast expanse of Yellowstone National Park, nestled between Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, lies a peculiar anomaly known as the “zone of death.” This small, 50-square-mile area has gained infamy due to its unusual legal status, posing intriguing challenges for the American justice system.
Discovered by law professor Brian Kalt in 2015, the “zone of death” exists in the overlap of Yellowstone’s boundaries with Idaho. What makes this area unique—and somewhat perplexing—is its jurisdictional quirk. Despite being part of Yellowstone, which spans multiple states, this specific zone falls entirely under Wyoming’s federal jurisdiction.
The crux of the issue lies in the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees an impartial jury composed of residents from the state and district where the crime was committed. However, due to the “zone of death” being uninhabited, it is practically impossible to form a jury from the immediate area should a crime occur there.
This legal loophole was highlighted in a case involving the illegal poaching of an elk within the Montana section of Yellowstone. The scarcity of residents made it unfeasible to convene a jury, resulting in the defendant receiving a reduced sentence as a resolution.
The term “zone of death” was coined because of this specific legal predicament. While Yellowstone is federally administered, cases originating within its borders typically fall under state jurisdiction for prosecution. In the case of the “zone of death,” however, Wyoming holds sole jurisdiction, complicating the enforcement of criminal law due to the absence of a resident jury pool.
Despite efforts to address this legal anomaly, including proposals for legislative action, the issue remains unresolved. Legal scholars continue to debate potential solutions to ensure constitutional rights are upheld within this unique geographic area.
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