Judge James Robertson issued a final order in Cobell v. Kempthorne on Thursday to allow an both sides of the case to appeal.

The plaintiffs will challenge the amount that Robertson said they are owed -- $455.6 million -- for the federal government's failure to account for their trust funds. The plaintiffs have other issues they want the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals to resolve before distribution of any money.

The Department of Justice has not indicated whether it will defend the $455.6 million ruling or cross-appeal.

Certification for Appeal:
Cobell v. Kempthorne (September 4, 2008)

Historical Accounting Decision:
Cobell v. Kempthorne (August 7, 2008)

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