The town of Charlestown, Rhode Island, is being urged to buy property adjacent to land held in trust for the Narragansett Tribe.

The tribe's land happens to be the 31 acres at issue in Carcieri v. Kempthorne. Local officials say a negative decision from the U.S. Supreme Court could hurt the town.

"This property has been the subject of much speculation by the town as a potential, suitable site for an Indian casino and has caused grave concerns as to the potential ramifications of an adverse ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court," Solicitor Robert E. Craven and Town Administrator Edward M. Barrett said in a memo, The Providence Journal reported.

At issue in the case is whether the Interior Department can take the 31 acres in trust for the tribe. If the court rules for the government, the tribe's land would be free from state jurisdiction.

The tribe would like to buy the adjacent parcel but doesn't have the money for it, Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas said.

Get the Story:
Developer says casino promoters eyeing parcel abutting trib (The Providence Journal 10/15)
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Supreme Court Documents:
Docket Sheet | Questions Presented | Order List

1st Circuit Decisions:
En Banc (July 20, 2007) | Panel (February 9, 2005)

Briefs and Other Documents:
Carcieri v. Kempthorne (NARF-NCAI Tribal Supreme Court Project

Relevant Laws:
Rhode Island Indian Claims Settlement Act (US Code)

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