Challenge to tribal casino win denied

TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2002

A Michigan tribe on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's refusal to hear its victory on a casino licensing case.

"We applaud the Supreme Court's decision to let stand the ruling of the Sixth District Court that deems the current licenses illegitimate and the process used to issue them a violation of our First Amendment rights," said tribal attorney Conly Schulte.

The tribe successfully challenged how the city approved three casino in 1997. A federal appeals court said the process was unconstitutional.

The tribe then sought to invalidate the licenses. With the Supreme Court declining the case, Schulte said U.S. District Judge Robert Holmes Bell can now rule on the issue.

"We now anxiously await Judge Bell's decision on the re-bidding so the City of Detroit can move to rectify the injustice and get on with authorizing permanent but legal casinos," said Schulte.

Get the Story:
Supreme Court to let Michigan judge rule on casinos (The Detroit Free Press 6/18)
Court Won't Hear Detroit Casino Case (AP 6/17)

Get the Case:
LAC VIEUX LAKE BAND v. MICHIGAN GAMING CONTROL BD., No. 00-1879 (6th Cir. January 11, 2002)