ICWA/PL-280 Case out of Idaho Supreme Court

Here.

Difficult case involving extreme domestic violence, a step-parent adoption, tribal court orders, state court orders, and interpretation of exclusive tribal jurisdiction under ICWA and PL-280. The challenge to state jurisdiction was brought by bio-father whose parental rights were terminated, which ultimately lead to the Court’s holding:

We find this reasoning to be persuasive and determine that Public Law 280 and Idaho Code section 67-5101 constitute an exception to ICWA’s exclusive jurisdiction mandate. Thus, we reject Doe’s argument that the magistrate court erred in exercising jurisdiction in this case.

Minnesota Supreme Court Holds that State May Civilly Commit Minnesota Tribal Members for On-Reservation Crimes

Thanks to N.X.:

Today’s Star Tribune reports that the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that tribal members aren’t exempt from civil commitment.  The link to the court’s opinion is here.

August 11, 2011 update:

Here is the opinion.

And the briefs:

Appellant’s Brief and Appendix

Appellant’s Reply