The Washington Supreme Court on Thursday limited the fishing rights of a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation.

Gerald Cayenne was convicted in state court for fishing illegally with a net. The incident occurred off the reservation.

As part of his eight-month sentence, Cayenne was barred from owning a gill net. He argued that the punishment went against his federally-protected treaty rights.

The state Supreme Court disagreed and said the state can restrict Cayenne's rights -- even if he exercises them on the reservation. An appeal to the federal courts is being considered.

Get the Story:
State Supreme Court rules against fishing rights claim (The Olympian 11/14)

Court Decision:
Washington v. Cayenne (November 13, 2008)

Case Materials:
Washington v. Cayenne (Turtle Talk)