The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected petitions in two Indian law cases.

Without comment, the justices declined South Fork Band v. United States. The case involves a long-running challenge to an Indian Claims Commission ruling that said the Western Shoshone Nation was owed $26 million for the loss of their lands.

The justices also rejected Roberts v. Hagener. The case was a challenge to Montana state regulations that limit hunting on reservations to members of federally-recognized tribes.

One more case, Michigan Gambling Opposition v. Kempthorne remains on the docket even though the justices considered it at their closed-door conference last week. The case is a challenge to the land-into-trust provisions of the Indian Reorganization Act and whether they apply to tribes that weren't recognized as of 1934.

Relevant Documents:
Supreme Court Order Sheet (January 12, 2009)

Related Stories:
DOJ brief argues 1934 land-into-trust issue again (12/16)