“Congress understood these children’s placement decisions as integral to the continued thriving of Indian communities,” said liberal Justice Elena Kagan, one of four who seemed strongly inclined today to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act in its entirety.
The justices heard more than three hours of arguments in a broad challenge to the
Justice Brett Kavanaugh called the case difficult because the court is being called on to draw a line between tribal sovereignty and “the fundamental principle that we don’t treat people differently because of race, ethnicity or ancestry.” But none of the non-Native families involved in the case has been affected by the preference the conservative justices objected to, Justice Department lawyer Edwin Kneedler told the court.
Representing the non-Native families, lawyer Matthew McGill called on the court to strike down the law because it “flouts the promise of equal justice under law.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Supreme Court considers fate of landmark Indian adoption lawIn a case steeped in American history the court will decide whether the Indian Child Welfare Act — aimed at preventing Native American children from being separated from their tribes — is tribal protection or racial classification.
Read more »
Supreme Court considers fate of landmark Indian adoption lawThe Supreme Court is hearing a case challenging the Indian Child Welfare Act — a law that gives preference in the adoption process to kids' own extended families and tribes to keep them from being separated.
Read more »
Aaron Carter was subject of welfare check weeks before deathThe “I Want Candy” singer was found dead in his bathtub at age 34 on Saturday. His cause of death has been deferred pending toxicology results.
Read more »
Aaron Carter Had a Welfare Check Weeks Before His DeathAs the world mourns former pop star and teen heartthrob Aaron Carter, more details surrounding his untimely death are coming to light.
Read more »
1 in 3 infected with HIV in blood scandal was a childAbout 380 children with blood disorders are now thought to have tested positive for HIV.
Read more »
19 arrested in child sex predator sting in CaliforniaDetectives posed as minors - some posing as children as young as 12 - on a variety of online chat rooms and apps.
Read more »