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What happened
A lawsuit against the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in Wisconsin is raising questions about the extent of tribal sovereign immunity. The tribe operates a lending business accused of predatory practices, charging exorbitant interest rates. The legal case could set a precedent affecting tribal businesses and their ability to claim sovereign immunity in similar circumstances.
Why it matters
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Tribal Sovereign Immunity Under Scrutiny: The core issue in the lawsuit is whether the Lac du Flambeau tribe can use sovereign immunity to protect its lending business from legal action. This case could redefine how sovereign immunity is applied to tribal enterprises.
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Impact on Predatory Lending Practices: The tribe's lending arm is accused of charging interest rates exceeding 500%, highlighting the broader issue of predatory lending. This case could lead to tighter regulations and increased scrutiny of similar practices.