Oklahoma tribes weigh casino immunity ruling

Friday, February 8, 2008  

Tribes in Oklahoma are reacting to a state Supreme Court ruling that affects their sovereign immunity.

In a 7-2 ruling, the court said the Absentee Shawnee Tribe could be held liable for serving too much alcohol to a customer. The court said the tribe waived its immunity when it obtained a state liquor license.

Osage Nation attorney Gary Pitchlynn criticized the ruling. He said a waiver of immunity should be clear and explicit.

The Cherokee Nation disagrees with the decision, a spokesperson said. The ruling won't have an immediate impact though.

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Tribes critical of high court immunity ruling (The Tulsa World 2/8)