Federal court upholds decision blocking casino license for Cherokee Nation in Arkansas
The court has ruled in favor of the State of Arkansas, upholding Amendment 104 and preventing the Cherokee Nation Businesses from building a casino in Pope County. The ruling, announced by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, sided with the state on all issues related to Amendment 104.
Amendment 104, a constitutional amendment passed by voters in Arkansas, blocks the Cherokee Nation Businesses from constructing a casino in Pope County. The court case, filed by the Cherokee Nation Businesses, contested the constitutionality of Amendment 104.
The court case argued that Amendment 104 violated several provisions of the Arkansas state constitution, including the Due Process Clause, Equal Protection Clause, Contracts Clause, Takings Clause, and Bill of Attainder Clause. However, the court ruling did not find any constitutional violations in Amendment 104, as argued by the Cherokee Nation Businesses.
Arkansas Racing Commissioners and the Attorney General's Office were also in favor of the state in the court case concerning Amendment 104. Griffin applauded the court ruling that sided with the State of Arkansas and the Racing Commissioners on all issues.
The Cherokee Nation Businesses had challenged Amendment 104 on several constitutional grounds, but the court ruling did not favor their arguments. The ruling did not overturn Amendment 104, ensuring that the Cherokee Nation Businesses cannot build a casino in Pope County, Arkansas.
This ruling marks a significant milestone in the ongoing dispute between the Cherokee Nation Businesses and the State of Arkansas over the construction of a casino in Pope County. The Cherokee Nation Businesses may choose to appeal the decision, but for now, Amendment 104 stands, blocking the construction of a casino in Pope County.
