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JULY 6, 2001

In light of a recent Supreme Court ruling, Oglala Sioux President John Steele wants to prevent South Dakota state officials from investigating or arresting tribal member for crimes allegedly committed off the reservation.

Steele wants to make sure state officials comply with extradition policies outlined in the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie. The tribal council will be considering his proposal at a meeting this month.

Last month, the Supreme Court ruled that Nevada state officials doing state business are immune from lawsuit in tribal court. As part of the holding, the Court said state authority to investigate tribal members for crimes does not end at reservation borders.

Nevada officials and Indian lawyers dispute the greater interpretation of the ruling and its applicability to all of Indian Country.

Get the Decision Nevada v. Hicks (99-1994):
Syllabus | Opinion | Concurrence (Souter) | Concurrence (Ginsburg) | Concurrence (O'Connor) | Concurrence (Stevens)

Get the Story:
High court ruling on arrests hurts sovereignty, tribes say (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 7/6)

Related Stories:
Supreme Court bars state officials from tribal suit (6/26)
O'Connor defends tribes amidst squabbling (6/26)
Supreme Court Roundup: The 2000-2001 Term (6/19)
Supreme Court to hear tribal court challenge (10/11)