Court hears dispute over Narragansett testimony

Thursday, November 1, 2007  

The Rhode island Supreme Court on Wednesday heard oral arguments in a dispute over the testimony of Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) and his role in a raid of the Narragansett Reservation.

The court was skeptical of Carcieri's claim of executive privilege, according to the Associated Press. But The Providence Journal said the justices also had tough questions for the tribal members who want to ask the governor about his role in the July 14, 2005, raid of a tribal-owned smoke shop.

Carcieri ordered the raid in order to prevent the sale of tax-free cigarettes. The raid, however, turned violent and seven tribal members -- including Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas -- were arrested as television cameras watched.

The tribal members say Carcieri's testimony is key because Carcieri said he told the state troopers to avoid a confrontation. The former head of the troopers already testified there was no such directive.

Get the Story:
Court considers executive privilege (The Providence Journal 11/1)
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High court skeptical of Carcieri's avoiding testimony in tribal case (AP 11/1)

Relevant Links:
Narragansett Tribe - http://www.narragansett-tribe.org

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