Shirley back in
Judge: Navajo Council exceeded its authority

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo Nation Council acted outside the scope of its authority when it placed President Joe Shirley Jr. on administrative leave in October, District Court Judge Geraldine Benally ruled Monday.

As a result, Council and Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan violated the Nation’s Sovereign Immunity Act and were not entitled to the 20-day notice of service specified in the act.

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