An aerial view of the Big Lagoon Rancheria in northern California. Image from Google Maps
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will broadcast oral arguments in Big Lagoon Rancheria v. California, an Indian gaming case, next week. An en banc panel of the court will determine whether the Big Lagoon Rancheria can pursue a casino on land that was placed in trust by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1994. Tribes, tribal organizations and the Department of Justice have submitted briefs in hopes of preventing land acquisitions from being challenged long after they have been finalized. The case is being closely watched throughout Indian Country. Interest in the case prompted the 9th Circuit to broadcast the hearing. "En banc courts are used to resolve intra-circuit case conflicts and legal questions deemed by the court to be of exceptional importance," the 9th Circuit said in a press release. "Less than 20 cases per year typically receive en banc review." The hearing takes place at 10am Pacific time, on Wednesday, September 17. A link will be available on www.ca9.uscourts.gov on the morning of the hearing. Related Stories:
Tribes closely watching Big Lagoon Rancheria casino land dispute (08/29)
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