The Atlas Obscura Podcast National Parks Week: Yellowstone’s Zone of Death
Jun 3, 2025
Discover the eerie 'Zone of Death' in Yellowstone National Park, where legal loopholes create a bizarre situation for potential criminals. Hear about a law professor's intriguing link between a visit to the park and groundbreaking legal revelations. Unravel the complex implications of jurisdictional ambiguities that complicate serious crime prosecutions, highlighting a real poaching case. Explore how this unique area inspires creativity while reminding visitors to tread carefully in its stunning yet perplexing landscapes.
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Legal Loophole in 'Zone of Death'
- The 'Zone of Death' in Yellowstone is legally problematic because it is in Idaho but under Wyoming's federal jurisdiction.
- This unique legal setup creates a loophole where crimes committed there might not be prosecutable with a valid jury.
Perfect Crime Scenario
- Crimes of passion committed in the Zone of Death could go unpunished due to the lack of a proper jury.
- This makes the area potentially the perfect place to commit a spontaneous crime and evade prosecution.
Fix the District Lines
- Congress could easily fix the loophole by redrawing district lines within minutes.
- Brian Colt pushed for legislative change, but received no response or action so far.
