Washington v. Jim
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Respondent Lester Ray Jim, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, was cited by for unlawfully retaining undersized sturgeon. This occurred at the Maryhill Treaty Fishing Access Site (Maryhill), a plot of land set aside by Congress exclusively for the use of four Columbia River tribes to exercise their treaty fishing rights. The State argued it has rightfully assumed criminal jurisdiction at Maryhill. Upon review, the Supreme Court disagreed. The Court held that Maryhill was reserved and held by the United States for the exclusive use of tribal members and that the State therefore lacked criminal jurisdiction to cite Respondent.
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