A federal judge has ordered Department of Justice lawyers to show why they should not be held in contempt for refusing to produce witnesses in the billion-dollar Indian farmers' discrimination case.

U.S. District Judge Emmet G. Sullivan criticized the lawyers at a hearing on Friday, The Washington Post reported. "What gives you the authority to instruct witnesses not to comply with a subpoena of this court?" he was quoted as saying.

The Keeps Eagle suit accuses the Department of Agriculture of systemic racism. Native farmers allege they were wrongly denied loans, services and other assistance.

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Federal Judge Scolds Justice Dept. Lawyers (The Washington Post 1/24)

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