The shuttered Bay Mills Indian Community casino in Vanderbilt, Michigan. Photo © Bay Mills News
All eyes are on the U.S. Supreme Court for a decision in Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community, an Indian gaming case. The court heard oral arguments on December 2, 2013. Other cases heard around the same time, and even more recently, have been adjudicated so tribal advocates are wondering what's taking so long. "What it tells us is that the court is struggling," Richard Guest, an attorney with the Native American Rights Fund said at the winter session of the National Congress of American Indians earlier this month. Guest said the decision might come this week but the justices did not issue one this morning. It's possible it could be released tomorrow. The outcome will determine whether the state of Michigan can sue the Bay Mills Indian Community for operating an off-reservation casino on land that has not been placed in trust or restricted status. Tribal advocates fear the court could significantly erode the doctrine of sovereign immunity. You can listen to the oral arguments on the Supreme Court website or on the Indianz.Com Souncloud.
Relevant Documents:
Supreme Court Order List | Supreme Court Docket Sheet No. 12-515 6th Circuit Decision:
Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community (August 15, 2012) Related Stories:
Audio of Supreme Court hearing in Bay Mills gaming dispute (12/10)
Opinion: Supreme Court turns tribal casino case 'radioactive' (12/10)
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