Lawyers for an Indian man challenging dual tribal-federal prosecution and for the government will argue before the U.S. Supreme Court today. On Friday, they will discuss the case at the Oklahoma University College of Law.

U.S. v. Lara tests the limits of inherent tribal sovereignty and whether Congress can recognize it. OU law professor Lindsay Robertson told the OU Daily the case "may be the most important Indian law case of our generation."

Alexander Reichert, a public defender, is representing Billy Jo Lara, a member of the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribe who was charged for a crime on the Spirit Lake Reservation.

The Bush administration is represented by Edwin Kneedler, a Department of Justice attorney who argues Indian law cases before the court.

Get the Story:
Chippewa case to be examined (The Oklahoma University Daily 1/21)

Relevant Documents:
Docket Sheet: No. 03-107 (Supreme Court) | Briefs: U.S. v. Lara (NCAI/NARF Supreme Court Project)

Get the Decision:
8th Circuit: U.S. v. Lara (en banc) (March 24, 2003) | U.S. v. Lara (panel) (June 20, 2002)

Related Decisions:
9th Circuit: U.S. v. Enas (June 29, 2001) | 7th Circuit: U.S. v. Long (March 20, 2003)

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