Lawyers involved in tribal issues in Oklahoma criticized the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in the Oneida Nation case.

Ken Bellmard, who represents the Miami Nation and other tribes, said the court has changed precedents dating back to 1830. Lindsay Robertson, an Indian law expert at the University of Oklahoma, said the consequences of the decision are "enormous" because the court based its ruling on issues not provided in briefs.

Richard Grellner, another tribal attorney, said the decision could affect efforts by Oklahoma tribes to claim land in other states. He said states will cite the ruling as they fight tribes.

Get the Story:
High court's action scrutinized in state (The Oklahoman 3/31)
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Get the Decision:
Syllabus | Opinion [Ginsburg] | Concurrence [Souter] | Dissent [Stevens]

Relevant Links:
Oneida Nation - http://www.oneida-nation.net
NARF-NCAI Tribal Supreme Court Project - http://doc.narf.org/sc/index.html

Decision in Oneida Indian Nation v. City of Sherrill:
Majority Opinion | Van Graafeiland Dissent

Decision in Cayuga Indian Nation v. Village of Union Springs:
Decision | Order (April 23, 2004)

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