National
City urges review of Oneida Nation treaty rights case


The U.S. Supreme Court has received all the briefs in a case challenging the Oneida Nation's treaty rights in New York.

The tribe has secured two victories affirming the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua. The courts have ruled that the treaty established a reservation where state and local taxation is not allowed.

The city of Sherrill is appealing the latest decision from the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals. The city wants to be able to impose property taxes on land the tribe has bought in its treaty claim.

Now that all the briefs are in, the Supreme Court will decide whether to take the case. According to the docket sheet at http://www.supremecourtus.gov/docket/03-855.htm, the state of New York and two counties filed amicus briefs.

Get the Story:
Sherrill files final Supreme Court brief (The Oneida Dispath 2/4)

Get the Decision:
Majority Opinion | Van Graafeiland Dissent

Lower Court Decision:
Oneida Nation v. Sherrill et al (June 4, 2001)

Relevant Links:
Oneida Nation - http://www.oneida-nation.net

Related Stories:
Oneida Nation urges Supreme Court to reject tax case (01/29)
Appeals court upholds 1794 Oneida treaty (07/22)
Dissenting judge suggested tribe wanted casino (07/22)
Oneida Nation awaits ruling on tax status (04/29)
Taxes of Oneida land questioned (05/15)
Judge: Oneida land is Indian Country (6/7)
Oneida Nation disputes tax lawsuit (2/1)