Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
2 senses
An adjective describing something located on or relating to an island, including territories under United States jurisdiction.
An adjective describing a community or group isolated from external influences and broader society.
Each sense below has its own examples, sources, and questions.
An adjective describing something located on or relating to an island, including territories under United States jurisdiction.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
An adjective describing a community or group isolated from external influences and broader society.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Ibrahim Iqbal offers a contract bearing an official seal from the government of Guam in a contract dispute. The opposing party challenges the document's authenticity. Because the seal purports to come from an insular possession of the United States, the court admits the document without additional proof of its genuineness.
Ivan Ivanov faces retrial after an appeal in the Philippine Islands. The court examines whether constitutional protections against double jeopardy extend to proceedings in insular possessions acquired by the United States. The analysis turns on whether the insular location alters the applicability of the protection.
Iris Irons challenges a federal aid project affecting wildlife in Sri Lanka. An agency memorandum describes the affected river system as an insular ecosystem vulnerable to development. The court considers the isolated nature of the ecosystem when evaluating standing and environmental harm.
It refers to territories such as Puerto Rico or Guam that fall under United States jurisdiction but are not states. A seal from such a possession makes a document self-authenticating under Rule 902.
Supporting sources
Courts have examined whether full constitutional guarantees apply in insular possessions acquired by the United States. The analysis often considers whether imposing the guarantee would disrupt local practices.
Supporting sources
Imani Idowu contests a legislative veto affecting immigration from an insular territory. The court reviews historical use of vetoes in insular affairs legislation. The insular status of the territory shapes the separation-of-powers analysis.
Igor Ito alleges discriminatory legislation targeting a discrete and insular minority group. The court applies heightened scrutiny because the group is politically powerless and isolated from the political process. The insular character of the minority triggers closer judicial review.
Ideal Solutions challenges a taking in an insular island community. The dissent notes that insular locations can intensify the impact of eminent domain on tightly knit groups. The court weighs whether the community's isolation affects the public-use determination.
The label highlights that the group lives apart from mainstream society and maintains a distinct way of life. This isolation supports claims for religious exemptions from generally applicable laws such as compulsory education statutes.
Supporting sources
…veto provisions. See National Wilderness Preservation Act: Hearings on S. 4 before the Senate Committee on Interior and Insular Affairs, 88th Cong., 1st Sess., 4 (1963) (President Kennedy's proposals for withdrawal of wilderness areas); President's Message to the Congress Transmitting the Budget for Fiscal Year…