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Federal Judge Delays Ruling In Indian Child Welfare Lawsuit

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A federal judge in Rapid City has delayed a ruling in an Indian child welfare case on whether a circuit judge must turn over his records of conversations with his fellow judges.

The Rapid City Journal reports ( ) that Chief U.S. District Judge Jeff Viken will later decide on whether 7th Circuit Judge Jeff Davis must reveal how he advised to fellow judges on how to conduct 48-hour child custody hearings.

Viken’s decision could be a key ruling in the 2-year-old lawsuit brought by Native American tribes and parents against the state. The suit alleges the state routinely violates the Indian Child Welfare Act by holding improper hearings after children are removed from homes.

Davis has refused to release any documents he considers protected communication, claiming he has judicial privilege.

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Information from: Rapid City Journal,