The Seneca Nation Appeals Court has ruled that a tribal judge overstepped her authority by asserting jurisdiction in a child custody dispute.
The appeals court said the case of Koby Hammer Parker, 4, belongs in Erie County court because that's where it originated. Koby is the son of a Seneca man and a non-Indian woman.
The case drew attention because Koby is not considered Seneca since his mother is not a tribal member. Seneca culture is matrilineal based.
Koby's mother said she would seek full custody in county court.
Get the Story:Court rules Seneca judge lacked jurisdiction (The Buffalo News 4/6) Relevant Links:
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