Leonard Peltier is a Native American activist from the United States He is best known for his role in the 1975 shootout at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation between federal agents and members of the American Indian Movement (AIM). Peltier was convicted of two counts of murder and was sentenced to two consecutive terms of life imprisonment. He has maintained his innocence throughout his incarceration, and supporters of Peltier have argued that the FBI was complicit in securing his conviction.
The following five essay topics provide interesting avenues for exploration and discussion concerning Leonard Peltier:
1. The 1975 shootout at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation: Explore the events that took place between federal agents and AIM members, discuss the lengthy legal proceedings that ensued, and analyze both the evidence presented and the arguments of the prosecution and defense.
2. The Appeal of Leonard Peltier's Conviction: Which legal arguments have been used to challenge the conviction? Discuss the international support for his release, and the claims that the trial violated Peltier's civil rights.
3. The Impact of Leonard Peltier's Conviction: Discuss the implications for Native Americans, for the FBI and for the US justice system more broadly. Consider how Peltier's case has been influential in the struggle for Native American rights.
4. Native American Activism: Analyze how Peltier's case has been connected to Native American activism, and assess the influence of historical and present-day activists on the struggle for Native American rights.
5. The Legacy of Leonard Peltier: Analyze the impact of Peltier's activism and imprisonment, and consider how his story is remembered in both Native American and mainstream culture. Discuss the implications of his ongoing incarceration, and consider what his legacy might be if he were to be granted clemency.