By Felicia Fonseca
Flagstaff, Arizona (AP)
Hopi lawmakers have voted to suspend the tribe’s appellate court, leaving tribal members without an avenue to dispute decisions of the lower court.
The Hopi Tribal Council voted 10-1 in favor of suspending Hopi Justice Fred Lomayesva and placing him on paid administrative leave during mid November. The council determined that Pro Tem Justices Patricia Sekaquaptewa and Justin Richland were not properly seated on the bench, because their appointments lacked confirmation by lawmakers.
Flagstaff, Arizona (AP)
Hopi lawmakers have voted to suspend the tribe’s appellate court, leaving tribal members without an avenue to dispute decisions of the lower court.
The Hopi Tribal Council voted 10-1 in favor of suspending Hopi Justice Fred Lomayesva and placing him on paid administrative leave during mid November. The council determined that Pro Tem Justices Patricia Sekaquaptewa and Justin Richland were not properly seated on the bench, because their appointments lacked confirmation by lawmakers.