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carry while at the casino

In practicality, it's not worth it due to the hassle factor and the possibility of extra-judicial punishment (seizure of the firearm; need to prepare a defense to make sure the tribal court understands if they do not have jurisdiction over a non-indian in the matter; adverse action by licensing officials elsehwere; etc.)

But....

If you're interested in talking legal theory, read Oliphant v. Squamish Indian Tribe (SCOTUS, 1978).

http://supreme.justia.com/us/435/191/case.html


Syllabus - Indian tribal courts do not have inherent criminal jurisdiction to try and to punish non-Indians, and hence may not assume such jurisdiction unless specifically authorized to do so by Congress. Pp. 435 U. S. 195-212
 
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I have seen the "house rules" at Mohegan anyways and number one no firearms or any weapon of any type. Carrying at a casino is not disobeying CT law but it is there law. For example if you go to New York and carry if you get caught it's up to New York law to convict you same can happen at casino's.

Also they choose to follow CT laws, it's easier then making up there own. But they can make up there own laws if they want. I've heard of local cops having trouble going there while on duty they don't like but allow troopers.
 
when going onto tribal lands its best to bring cash and a good have fun attitude, you might as well be in a foriegn country.
 
I have seen the "house rules" at Mohegan anyways and number one no firearms or any weapon of any type. Carrying at a casino is not disobeying CT law but it is there law. For example if you go to New York and carry if you get caught it's up to New York law to convict you same can happen at casino's.

Also they choose to follow CT laws, it's easier then making up there own. But they can make up there own laws if they want. I've heard of local cops having trouble going there while on duty they don't like but allow troopers.

The rules can be whatever they want. If its not posted, it means nothing.
Also, carrying at the Casino is not the same as carrying in NY. We all pretend that they are sovereign but they aren't really. Carrying into the casino is no different than carrying into any other business with a no firearms policy. In the casino's case, members have reported that it is well posted at the entrances. In that case you would be breaking CT law. "house rules" are not laws. It is my understanding that if you are "made" while carrying into a business posted "no firearms" or "no weapons" then the worst criminal sanction you woudl be subjected to is a Trespassing charge.

With all that said, I agree with Mac1911. I don't bother to carry there. I'm there to have fun, I often drink, so no guns.
 
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Funny, I don't recall seeing anything. Not that I really worry. I generally don't carry at the casino. We usually go for dinner and that means drinking. If I'm drinking, I'm not carrying.

Yup, last time I was there, I noticed no signs at all.
 
Go into the Sun through the Riverview entrance and it is posted there in small print.
Don't ask me where exactly, but I know I read it on the wall or someplace along the entryway. I'll take notice next trip up and get back to you all, if I can remember that much information for so long!
 
But they can make up there own laws if they want.

That's what the tribes thought until Oliphant v. Squamish. If you read the decision in its entirety you will have a far better understanding of the legal situation than you currently do.

Tribal police are generally very aware of Oliphant as it is a key decision in regards to tribal law enforcement. Just don't expect them to advertise that fact to you :).

It is my understanding that if you are "made" while carrying into a business posted "no firearms" or "no weapons" then the worst criminal sanction you woudl be subjected to is a Trespassing charge.

Even this could be a stretch - legally (in most states) it has the same legal standing as a business calling the police with a claim of "this sign says no hats, this person entered wearing a hat, we told him to leave and he did. We want him prosecuted for trespassing since violation of our sign constitutes trespass".

when going onto tribal lands its best to bring cash and a good have fun attitude, you might as well be in a foriegn country.

The more practical implication of Oliphant is travel traversing tribal land (far more common out west).
 
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I think the bottom line here is that you should feel free to carry there if you really want to.

Like most of you, I weigh the risk associated with a given trip and the cost benefit of carrying.

I go to the casino to eat, drink, and see concerts. (I don't gamble) I also consider it to be a relatively low risk place. So no guns for me there.

But if I felt the need, I would not hesitate. One thing that I can think of would be when my kids get older and want to attend some kind of kid oriented show there.

I always carry when I'm with my kids. And I usually carry bigger. I also don't drink when I'm with my kids. So that would definitely lend itself to carrying.
 
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