Law professors Miller and Funk discuss Oregon tribe’s same-sex marriage law

Robert Miller, professor of law and Bill Funk, professor of law:

This August, the Coquille Indian Tribe on the southern Oregon coast adopted a law allowing same-sex marriages at the request of a tribal member and her partner. The Coquille are the first tribe to adopt this type of law, although Professor Robert Miller, an Indian law expert, said Congress may intervene. Historically, tribes have authority over domestic issues, but Congress has the power to take these rights away. “Congress is the 900-pound gorilla in the corner,” Miller said.

Professor Bill Funk, a Constitutional law expert, points out that, because the federal law does not recognize same-sex marriages, it may be difficult for the couple to receive Social Security and other federal benefits.

Associated Press (Portland, Ore.) Oregon tribe to allow same-sex marriages

17 September 2008

• faculty
• In the News
• Indian law
• Law

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Art LaFrance speaks on health and safety

 Art LaFrance, professor of law:

On April 2, LaFrance presented “Ethical Perspectives and the Changing Face of American Health Care” at the Health Care Reform and Patient Safety conference at the University of Wyoming. LaFrance spoke on a topic generated by the Supreme Court’s decision in Clarke vs. OHSU, stressing the importance for hospitals and doctors to take responsibility for any errors they may make.

4 April 2008

• health care
• Law

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