"Sometimes, truth is not a defense - even when it's a widely respected federal judge who is laying it on the line.

Royce Lamberth, who has won kudos from all corners since President Ronald Reagan put him on the District of Columbia Circuit bench 19 years ago, has overseen a decade-long suit by the Native American Rights Fund against the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Evidence appears overwhelming that Interior's bungling of tribal land rights has cost Indians billions in lost revenues. Yet Interior has dallied, delayed and stalled the action until Lamberth finally lost his judicial cool.

Most impartial observers would agree that Lamberth pretty much nailed it. But judges, said the appeals court to which Interior whimpered, can't be that honest. So Lamberth's off the case, which drags on. Too bad."

Get the Story:
Interior's well-kicked posterior (The Cleveland Plain-Dealer 7/16)

Court Decisions:
Lamberth Removal | IT Injunction

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Kempthorne - 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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