Wisconsin county files land-into-trust lawsuit

Friday, October 5, 2007  

Sauk County in Wisconsin has filed a lawsuit against the Interior Department that challenges the legality of the land-into-trust process

The county claims Section of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 violates the U.S. Constitution. It's an argument that's been made in several lawsuits over the years.

The courts so far have consistently rejected the claim. The 1st Circuit, the 2nd Circuit, the 8th Circuit, the 10th Circuit and most recently the D.C. Circuit have upheld the land-into-trust process.

At issue for the county is a 5-acre parcel the Ho-Chunk Nation wants in trust.

Get the Story:
County takes feds to task (The Baraboo News-Republic 10/5)

Appeals court backs tribe in land-into-trust dispute (7/23)
Appeals court backs Michigan land-into-trust acquisition (7/5)
Supreme Court won't hear land-into-trust cases (10/3)