The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in Kansas v. Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, on October 3, the first day of the court's October 2005-2006 term.

The state of Kansas is arguing that it has the authority to impose a distribution tax on gasoline sold on the reservation. The tribe counters that the state has no right to interfere with its economy.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the tribe in August 2004. The state filed a petition for writ of certiorari, which was accepted on February 28.

The Kansas case will be the first heard by Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr. if he is confirmed by the Senate by the start of the October term.

Gas Tax Decision:
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation v. Richards (August 11, 2004)

Relevant Links:
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation - http://www.pbpindiantribe.com
NARF-NCAI Tribal Supreme Court Project - http://www.narf.org/sct/index.html

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