Judge wants brief on Wyandotte Nation casino and Patchak ruling

Thursday, July 5, 2012  

A federal judge wants to know whether the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Salazar v. Patchak affects the proposed Wyandotte Nation casino in Kansas.

The tribe sued the Bureau of Indian Affairs for failing to approve a land-into-trust application for 10.5 acres in Park City. A land claim settlement mandates that the property be placed in trust but the Obama administration hasn't made a decision.

The state was allowed to join the lawsuit and now Judge Julie Robinson wants to know whether the Patchak ruling affects the case. At issue is whether the state has standing and whether the federal government waived its sovereign immunity -- two issues that were discussed by the Supreme Court.

Get the Story:
High Court Ruling May Impact Kansas Tribal Casino Land Case (AP 7/5)

District Court Decision:
Wyandotte Nation v. Salazar (July 3, 2012)

Supreme Court Decision:
Salazar v. Patchak (June 18, 2012)

Kansas allowed to join Wyandotte Nation gaming lawsuit (4/13)