Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) ordered the state to appeal a court decision that restricts state jurisdiction in Indian Country.

Pawlenty said the Minnesota Court of Appeals decision threatens public safety because it allows tribal members who live on reservations to avoid registration with a state offenders' database. He ordered attorney general Mike Hatch to use "whatever resources are necessary" to overturn the ruling.

The court on Tuesday said the state can't force Indians on reservations to sign up with the offender registry because the law is "civil/regulatory" in nature. Only "criminal/prohibitory" laws can be enforced on the reservation, the court said.

Get the Story:
State fights legal shield for Indian criminals (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 7/29)
pwlat

Court Decision:
Minnesota va. Jones (July 26, 2005)

Related Stories:
State may seek agreements with tribes on registry (7/28)
Minnesota appeals court limits state jurisdiction (7/27)