Us Code § 5202 - Purchase of restricted Indian lands; preference to Secretary of the Interior; waiver of preference

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 5202 — Purchase of restricted Indian lands; preference to Secretary of the Interior; waiver of preference, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5202. Purchase of restricted Indian lands; preference to Secretary of the Interior; waiver of preference

Whenever any restricted Indian land or interests in land, other than sales or leases of oil, gas, or other minerals therein, are offered for sale, pursuant to the terms of this chapter or any other Act of Congress, the Secretary of the Interior shall have a preference right, in his discretion, to purchase the same for or in behalf of any other Indian or Indians of the same or any other tribe, at a fair valuation to be fixed by the appraisement satisfactory to the Indian owner or owners, or if offered for sale at auction said Secretary shall have a preference right, in his discretion, to purchase the same for or in behalf of any other Indian or Indians by meeting the highest bid otherwise offered therefor.

The preference right of the Secretary to purchase shall be considered as waived where notice of the pendency of sale is given in writing to the Superintendent of the Five Civilized Tribes for at least ten days prior to the date of sale and the Secretary does not within that time exercise the preferential right to purchase.

(June 26, 1936, ch. 831, §2, 49 Stat. 1967; Aug. 4, 1947, ch. 458, §10, 61 Stat. 734.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 502 of this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Amendments

1947—Act Aug. 4, 1947, added second paragraph.

About This Section

25 U.S.C. § 5202 is part of Title 25 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 25 U.S.C. § 5202. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Using This Page

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 5202

What does United States Code § 5202 cover?

Section 5202 ("Purchase of restricted Indian lands; preference to Secretary of the Interior; waiver of preference") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 5202?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 5202" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 5202 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.