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On Tuesday, March 31, the Supreme Court announced its decision in Hawaii v. Office of Hawaiian Affairs. In this case, the Supreme Court considered whether the 1993 Apology Resolution requires the State of Hawaii to reach a political settlement with native Hawaiians before selling ceded lands. In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Alito, the Court held that Hawaii’s sovereign authority to sell lands granted to it on admission to the Union is not compromised by the Apology Resolution, reversing the Supreme Court of Hawaii’s decision below. Appellate litigator Tom Caso discusses the case.

 

 

 

Oral Argument - February 25, 2009:
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/07-1372.pdf

 

Decision - March 31, 2009:
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/08pdf/07-1372.pdf

 

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