10th Circuit to hear Arapaho eagle killing case

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals is holding arguments on December 17 in the case of a Northern Arapaho man who killed an eagle for use in the Sun Dance.

Winslow Friday was prosecuted for killing an eagle without a federal permit. But a judge threw out the charges, saying the government's permitting process infringes on Native religious rights.

The Bush administration appealed. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants Native Americans to obtain eagles and eagle parts through the National Eagle Repository but the process can take years.

The Northern Arapaho Tribe is supporting Friday. The tribe says the government never grants any permits for Native Americans to kill eagles.

The court will be hearing the case in Denver [PDF: Schedule].

Get the Story:
Eagle case heads back to court (AP 11/26)

Lower Court Decision:
US v. Friday (October 16, 2006)

10th Circuit Briefs:
US Opening Brief | Friday Response Brief | US Reply Brief

Relevant Links:
Northern Arapaho Tribe - http://www.northernarapaho.com
National Eagle Repository - http://www.r6.fws.gov/law/le65.html

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