DOJ to join argument in tribal court jurisdiction case

Thursday, April 3, 2008  

The U.S. Supreme Court granted a motion to allow the Department of Justice to participate in oral arguments in an upcoming tribal jurisdiction case.

The court will hear Plains Commerce Bank v. Long on April 14. The case concerns a non-Indian bank's attempt to avoid the jurisdiction of the courts of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota.

The Bush administration is backing behalf of Ronnie and Lila Long, tribal members who suedPlains Commerce Bank in tribal court for breach of contract and discrimination. A DOJ brief said tribal courts play a "vital role" in tribal self-governance.

Relevant Documents:
Docket Sheet: No. 07-411 | Briefs on the Merits

Appeals Court Decision:
Plains Commerce Bank v. Long Family Land and Cattle Company (June 26, 2007)

Lower Court Decision:
Plains Commerce Bank v. Long Family Land and Cattle Company (July 18, 2006)

Related Decision:
Smith v. Salish Kootenai College (January 10, 2006)

Related Stories:
Bush brief backs tribal court jurisdiction (3/24)
Opinion: No tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians (3/3)
Supreme Court agrees to hear tribal jurisdiction case (1/8)
Appeals court upholds tribal verdict in bank loan case (6/28)
9th Circuit vacates tribal jurisdiction ruling (2/2)
Court subjects non-Indian bank to tribal laws (7/20)
Appeals court upholds tribal jurisdiction after rehearing (01/11)