Criminal cases eligible for review under 2020’s landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling has narrowed following a recent state decision that closed doors to convictions finalized pre-McGirt.
Cherokee attorney offers take on âby bloodâ removal
STILWELL â An attorney familiar with the Cherokee Nationâs long and at times bitter relationship with freed slaves and their descendants says the CN Supreme Courtâs removal of a âby bloodâ requirement is a milestone for civil rights within the tribe.
âThis is not only a great day for civil rights activists in Cherokee Nation, itâs a great day for our judicial process,â CN citizen and Stilwell-based attorney Ralph Keen II said. âNow the judicial process recognizes that even though yes, we live within the framework of our own Cherokee law, we still have a higher responsibility and weâre still subjugated to federal law and we canât violate that.â