2nd Circuit won't reinstate Onondaga Nation land claim lawsuit

Friday, October 19, 2012  

Barely a week after hearing oral arguments, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals has refused to revive the Onondaga Nation land claim.

In 2005, the tribe sued over about 4,000 square miles, including the entire city of Syracuse. A federal judge dismissed the case in September 2010, citing decisions by the 2nd Circuit that killed other New York tribal land claims.

"The disruptive nature of [tribal land] claims is indisputable as a matter of law," the 2nd Circuit said in a summary order today.

Oral arguments took place last Friday.

2nd Circuit Decision:
Onondaga Nation v. New York (October 19, 2012)

District Court Decision:
Onondaga Nation v. New York (September 22, 2010)

Related Stories:
2nd Circuit takes up Onondaga Nation land claim on October 12 (10/4)
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe hails recommendation in land claim suit (10/2)
Onondaga Nation asks 2nd Circuit to reinstate land claim (2/28)
Onondaga Nation the latest to see dismissal of land claims case (9/23)