The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals hears arguments in L. B. v. United States, No. 23-35538, on June 3, 2024.

L.B. is suing the federal government on behalf of herself and her minor child. A Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officer admitted that he sexually assaulting the plaintiff, resulting in her becoming pregnant and giving birth.

A federal judge in Montana dismissed the case, siding with the Department of Justice. Following an appeal, the 9th Circuit on July 24, 2024, reversed and revived the lawsuit -- ordering it to be heard by a new jurist.

The trial begins February 4, 2025. The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center and the Coalition of Large Tribes are calling on the federal government to settle the case.

More information from NIWRC:

https://indianz.com/NativeVote/2025/02/03/national-indigenous-womens-resource-center-supports-native-woman-as-trial-begins/