Supreme Court of the United States
Idaho v. United States
June 18, 2001533 U.S. 262
Summary
The Court held that the United States retained title in trust for the Coeur d’Alene Tribe to submerged lands under parts of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the St. Joe River within the reservation boundaries. Analyzing congressional intent, the Court found Congress intended to include these lands and defeat Idaho's title based on executive orders and subsequent ratification. The judgment affirmed the Ninth Circuit’s decision quieting title in favor of the United States and the Tribe. Chief Justice Rehnquist dissented, arguing the Court diluted the equal footing doctrine by considering post-statehood acts.