Michigan asks Supreme Court to hear another tribal casino suit


Artist's rendering of the proposed Kewadin Lansing Casino. Image from Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians

The state of Michigan is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear another off-reservation gaming case.

Attorney General Bill Schuette sued the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians for proposing the $245 million Kewadin Lansing Casino. But the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals said the tribe didn't waive its sovereign immunity.

A similar issue was considered by the Supreme Court as part of Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community. In that case, the Bay Mills Indian Community actually opened an off-reservation casino.

The justices have yet to issue a decision in the Bay Mills dispute. Oral arguments were heard December 2, 2013.

Turtle Talk has posted documents from the new case, Michigan v. Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians.

6th Circuit Decision:
Michigan v. Sault Ste Marie Tribe (December 18, 2013)

Related Stories:
Law Article: Court grants stay in off-reservation gaming dispute (03/06)
Sault Tribe wants 6th Circuit to reconsider stay in gaming case (02/28)

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