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NOVEMBER 6, 2000

The state of New York tried to rid itself of responsibility in the land claims cases of the St. Regis Mohawk, Seneca, and Cayuga Nations, leaving the door open for individual landowners to be sued, the exact move for which they have criticized the Department of Justice.

According to The Albany Times-Union, lawyers for the state three years ago tried to gain immunity from suit in the land claims lawsuits. Had they succeeded, the tribes, or the Department of Justice could have sued landowners themselves.

Instead, landowners have been prevented from being sued. In the case of the Oneida Nation, only the state is being sued for settlement of land illegaly transferred to the state.

Get the Story:
State sought immunity from Indian lawsuits (The Albany Times Union 11/6)

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