Kialegee Tribal Town raises immunity defense in casino suit

Monday, March 26, 2012  

The Kialegee Tribal Town says sovereign immunity requires the dismissal of an anti-gaming lawsuit filed by Oklahoma attorney general Scott Pruitt.

The tribe says its has not waived its immunity through its corporation charter or through the Class III gaming compact, as Pruitt has claimed.

"This court's acceptance of [Pruitt's claim] could undermine the sovereign immunity of the hundreds of Indian tribes in this country conducting business through tribal corporations — including many, if not all, of Oklahoma's recognized tribes," tribal attorney said in a brief, The Tulsa World reported.

Judge Gregory Frizzell has scheduled a hearing in the case on May 2.

Get the Story:
Oklahoma Indian tribe asks federal judge to dismiss Attorney General's lawsuit over casino (The Tulsa World 3/24)

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Kialegee Tribal Town objects to brief from casino opponents (3/22)