A federal judge ruled in favor of nine members of the Snoqualmie Tribe of Washington who were banished last year.

Judge James L. Robart said the tribe violated the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968. The banished members, including former chairman Bill Sweet, weren't properly notified and were denied due process, the 20-page opinion stated.

"This is a first-of-a-kind ruling," attorney Rob Roy Smith told The Seattle Times. "It is very significant not only for these Snoqualmie tribal members, but for Indian Country."

The judge said the tribe has 90 days to redo its banishment proceedings.

Get the Story:
Banished Snoqualmie tribal members win federal court ruling (The Seattle Times 5/2)

Court Decision:
Sweet v. Hinzman (April 30, 2009)