The Wyoming Press Association and the Colorado Press Association have asked the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear the eagle conviction case of a member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming.

The press groups say US v. Friday presents important First Amendment issues. They want the 10th Circuit to determine the standard of review for factual findings made by district courts in constitutional cases.

Winslow Friday was prosecuted for taking an eagle without a federal permit. At the district court level, Judge William F. Downes held that the federal government's permitting system infringed on tribal religious rights.

On appeal, the 10th Circuit rejected Friday's challenge to the permitting system because the court said he never applied for one. Friday has asked the full appeals court to rehear the case and is supported by his tribe and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Get the Story:
Press groups seek to enter eagle case (AP 7/3)

10th Circuit Documents:
Decision: US v. Friday | US Opening Brief | Friday Response Brief | US Reply Brief

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