In a first, the US government acknowledges that it mismanaged...

In a first, the US government acknowledges that it mismanaged $500 million in trust accounts for Native Americans over the past 113 years. However, officials assert that U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth exceeded his jurisdiction by mandating a complete audit of the funds and taking on the role of reform overseer. Lamberth has also held two Cabinet secretaries in contempt. The government is challenging Judge Lamberth's December verdict in a four-year-old lawsuit initiated by Native Americans, who believe they are owed more than $10 billion due to the mismanagement. A three-judge federal appellate court panel is scheduled to hear arguments on Tuesday.

Monday, 4 September, 2000