Supreme Court declines tribal cases

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2002

In two separate actions, the Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear two Indian-related cases.

In the first case, the Court said it would not review the Miami Nation of Indiana's attempt to gain federal recognition. The tribe was denied acknowledgment by the first Bush administration, a decision affirmed by the federal court system.

The tribe is hoping to gain Congressional recognition.

In another action, the Court declined to review an appeal brought by two Maine tribes. The Penobscot Nation and the Passamaquoddy Tribe wanted the federal courts to intervene in a lawsuit affecting the state's freedom of information act.

The 1st Circuit Court of Appeals last June said it wouldn't get involved. Yesterday's action affirms that ruling.

Get the Story:
Miami Indians lose legal battle (The Indianapolis Star 2/20)