Supreme Court delays action on Onondaga Nation land claim

Monday, October 7, 2013  

The U.S. Supreme Court has delayed action on the Onondaga Nation land claim.

The petition in Onondaga Nation v. New York was due to be considered at a closed-door conference on September 30. Instead, the court will take up the matter this Friday, according to Docket No. 12-1279.

A decision from the justices to accept the case could be announced early next week. Or the court could delay action or ask the Obama administration for its views on the matter.

The tribes hopes the Supreme Court agrees to hear the dispute. The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed the land claim outright so additional review could revive the case.

In 2005, the tribe laid claim to more than 4,000 square miles, including the entire city of Syracuse. The case was dismissed, however, due to the "disruptive nature" of the claim.

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

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

2nd Circuit won't reinstate Onondaga Nation land claim lawsuit (10/19)