The Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island has won a decision in a lawsuit that was filed by a former attorney.

The tribe hired Douglas Luckerman in the wake of the state's 2003 raid of the reservation. He claims he is owed $1.1 million in legal fees in a lawsuit in federal court.

Judge William E. Smith, however, said the tribe's court should resolve the dispute. Luckerman enterd into a "consensual relationship" with the tribe, the August 29 decision stated.

"[A]ccordingly, the tribal court has at least a colorable claim of jurisdiction over suits arising from that relationship," Smith wrote.

Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, Luckerman v. Narragansett Tribe.

Get the Story:
Judge orders lawsuit against Narragansett Indian Tribe heard in tribal court (The Providence Journal 9/10)

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Narragansett Tribe seeks dismissal of lawsuit by former lawyer (08/08)