Law
Lawsuit over state raid of reservation goes to jury


Final arguments were heard on Thursday in a lawsuit challenging the actions of state troopers during their raid of the Narragansett Reservation in Rhode Island.

Two tribal members and a tribal employee accuse the troopers of excessive force during the July 14, 2003, raid of the tribe's smokeshop. Adam Jennings' ankle was broken during the incident.

State troopers testified that they took the three inside the smokeshop at the time by surprise. They said they properly identified themselves as police officers.

The jury will begin deliberations on Monday. The plaintiffs are asking for unspecified damages.

Get the Story:
Indians' lawsuit going to jury (The Providence Journal 3/25)
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Smoke shop suit targets state cops (The Narragansett Times 3/25)
Trooper Testifies In Smoke-Shop Trial (Turn to 10 News 3/24)

Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org
Smoke Shop Showdown - http://www.projo.com/extra/2003/smokeshop

Related Stories:
State troopers defend actions in reservation raid (3/24)
State troopers on trial over raid of reservation (3/22)
Narragansett Tribe marks one year after state raid (07/15)
Narragansett Tribe to mark anniversary of raid (7/13)
State's raid on tribal land sparks strong reactions (07/16)