City of Sherrill, New York v. Oneida Indian Nation of New York

Summary

The Supreme Court reversed the Second Circuit, holding that the Oneida Indian Nation cannot unilaterally revive its ancient sovereignty over parcels of historic reservation land purchased on the open market. The Court ruled that equitable defenses including laches, acquiescence, and impossibility preclude such relief due to the long passage of time and disruptive consequences for local governance. Justice Stevens dissented, arguing only Congress may diminish reservation status or abrogate tax immunity.