Cracks In The Tribal Sovereignty Shield Are Starting To Appear

For over a decade corrupt tribal leaders all across the United States have used the shield of Tribal Sovereignty to protect themselves from prosecution.  As more and more cases work their way through  the courts many Judges are left scratching their heads wondering how this could happen and wondering when Congress will do something.

Sure, a few people have gone to jail such as Michael Thomas, the former Mashantucket Pequot tribal chairman.  But most tribal leaders just continue on in their corrupt ways.  They have learned much from the U.S. Government.  They have learned how to bribe, I mean "Lobby", Congress.  They have learned how to donate to political campaigns in return for favors.  They have learned how to use their money, I mean influence, to get their way.

But perhaps, just perhaps, things are starting to change:

(h/t originalpechanga.com)

The Press Enterprise - Ruling a setback for tribal sovereignty Court of Appeal ruling exposes a chink in the sovereign armor of the state’s tribes.

BY AARON CLAVERIE / STAFF WRITER
Published: May 29, 2015 Updated: May 30, 2015 8:43 p.m.

Excerpts:
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The ruling, which was handed down Thursday, reverses a Riverside trial court’s dismissal of a lawsuit filed by a former casino dealer against five members of the Pechanga Gaming Commission who had revoked the dealer’s gaming license.

In 2013, the trial court dismissed the case filed by Benedict Cosentino of Temecula, saying the tribe was a sovereign nation and state courts did not have jurisdiction in the matter.
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Cosentino appealed the Riverside court’s decision. This week’s ruling said the individual actions of particular commissioners do not shield them from liability if they use their official position to “intentionally harm” someone. (emph. added).

Read Full Article Here-->The Press Enterprise - Ruling a setback for tribal sovereignty Court of Appeal ruling exposes a chink in the sovereign armor of the state’s tribes.