Law
Oneida Nation files lawsuits to challenge taxes


The Oneida Nation of New York has filed 22 lawsuits against school districts and local governments, challenging assessments and taxes on tribal-owned land, The Syracuse Post-Standard reports.

The tribe says it is exempt from property taxes despite the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in the Sherrill. A spokesperson says the tribe is relying on federal and state laws that were not addressed by the decision.

In an 8-1 decision, the Supreme Court held the that tribe cannot "unilaterally" assert sovereignty over its ancestral lands without going through the land-into-trust process. The court didn't determine whether any of the lands were in trust and didn't say specifically whether the tribe's reservation still exists.

Get the Story:
Oneidas challenge counties on tax bills (The Syracuse Post-Standard 8/17)

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

Oneida Nation Decision:
Syllabus | Opinion [Ginsburg] | Concurrence [Souter] | Dissent [Stevens]

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