Law
Cherokee chief sued over vacant legal position


Cherokee Nation Chief Chad Smith is the target of a lawsuit that seeks to force the appointment of an attorney general.

In the lawsuit, eight of 15 tribal council members say tribal law requires an attorney general who will make decisions independent of a general counsel. They say the attorney general represents the tribe's interests while a general counsel represents the chief's interests.

Smith has appointed a general counsel. The tribal council approved Andre Diane Hammons' confirmation as general and also approved her to fulfill the duties of an attorney general, a tribal spokesperson said.

Get the Story:
Appoint attorney general, Cherokee councilors direct chief in lawsuit (The Muskogee Phoenix 4/13)

Cherokee Nation Judicial Appeals Tribunal Decision:
Allen v. Cherokee Nation (March 7, 2006)

Relevant Links:
Freedmen Of The Five Civilized Tribes - http://www.freedmen5tribes.com
Freedmen Conference - http://www.freedmenconference.com

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