Family plans further appeals in Peoria Tribe casino liquor case

Tuesday, October 29, 2013  

An Oklahoma couple who sued the Peoria Tribe for allegedly over-serving alcohol to a casino patron will take their case to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary, their attorney said.

Jennifer and Charles Sheffer sued after their vehicle was struck by someone who had been drinking at the Buffalo Run Casino. They cited a provision in the Class III gaming compact in which the tribe agreed to waive immunity for suits in a "court of competent jurisdiction."

The Oklahoma Supreme Court, however, determined that the state system does not meet that definition. Congress hasn't waived the tribe's immunity either, the September 24 decision stated.

The Sheffers will ask the Oklahoma court to rehear the case. If the request is denied, their attorney plans to file a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Turtle Talk has posted documents from the case, Sheffer v. Buffalo Run Casino.

Get the Story:
Court Says Oklahoma Tribe Immune from Dramshop Liability Lawsuit (AP 10/29)

Peoria Tribe can't be sued for serving liquor to casino patron (10/28)