"Talk about an abuse of power. Talk about brazen interference with an ongoing trial on government malfeasance. If things are looking bad for you, according to the federal government, don't fire your lawyer - fire the judge!

On Aug. 16, after severe tongue-lashings from the highly independent and respected U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, the Justice Department took the very rare step of requesting a hearing to argue the removal of the judge from the Indian trust case - perhaps the most damning piece of Indian litigation in the history of the United States.

The judge is highly frustrated by the same dogged obstructionism that Indians have experienced for decade upon decade in the United States. Now that he knows what it's like - he must be terminated."

Get the Story:
Editorial: If Indian Trust case goes bad, fire the judge! (Indian Country Today 9/22)

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
Office of Special Trustee - http://www.ost.doi.gov
Cobell v. Norton, Department of Justice - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/cobell/index.htm

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