State governments are lining up to assert their interests in Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community, an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court case. Seventeen states signed onto briefs supporting Michigan in the case. They are arguing that states should be able to sue tribes for engaging in "illegal" off-reservation gaming activities. “States across the country recognize the significance of the issues at play and we welcome their support,” a spokesperson for Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette told The Gaylord Herald Times. “States should have the right to stop illegal gaming that occurs on state lands. If that right is denied, you can expect to see an explosion of illegal casinos across the country.” The Bay Mills Indian Community opened a casino in Michigan on land that isn't in trust. The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the tribe couldn't be sued due to sovereign immunity. The Supreme Court will hear the case on December 2. Get the Story:
Supreme Court arguments set for Dec. 2 on Vanderbilt casino case (The Gaylord Herald Times 9/24) Relevant Documents:
Supreme Court Order List | Supreme Court Docket Sheet No. 12-515 6th Circuit Decision:
Michigan v. Bay Mills Indian Community (August 15, 2012)
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