Understanding Tribal Constitutions and Court Development for Alaska Tribes
Explore the significance of tribal constitutions, court codes, and the development of tribal courts for Alaska tribes. Learn about the functions, importance, and provisions of tribal constitutions and codes, as well as their role in governing tribal activities and promoting cultural traditions. Discover how tribal ordinances and laws regulate various aspects of tribal life, including government structures, law enforcement, domestic relations, health, safety, land management, and business operations.
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Tribal Constitutions & Codes Tribal Court Development for Alaska Tribes UAF Course TM 110 Nov. 7, 2013 Special thanks to Lisa Jaeger from TCC for her assistance and guidance.
Power of the Tribe Tribal Members Constitution Council Tribal Court
Tribal Constitutions What does your constitution provide for? Why is the constitution important? Why is it important to refer to your constitution?
In re J.M. 718 P.2d 150 (Alaska 1986) Kaltag took custody of newborn boy. Council President asked OCS to do whatever it needed to do to provide foster care payments to the foster parents. OCS filed a petition to take emergency custody of the baby. Tribe filed motion to dismiss case because the Tribe already had jurisdiction over the child. State court decision was vacated because state did not have jurisdiction over child.
Tribal Court Codes Written laws are like tracks in the snow. They are evidence of tribal activity Will Mayo Past President of Tanana Chiefs Conference
Terminology Ordinance - Code - Statute - Act Codification
Function of Tribal Codes Provide details for tribal government structures and procedures (I.e. tribal court structure, election procedures) Outline the laws that the tribal government will enforce (I.e. curfew and vandalism of tribal property) Regulate activities in the village (I.e. the taking of artifacts and environmental regulation) Provide for a smooth flow of government and continuity between administrations Promote respect from other governments and institutions Protect Native cultural activities and traditions
Overview of Tribal Codes Two basic kinds of ordinances: Those that set up structures and procedures for the tribal government enforced by tribal councils and by political pressure from tribal members Those that regulate activities and behaviors, enforced by tribal councils and courts Possible Tribal Codes Title 1: Tribal Government Structures and Procedures Title 2: Law and Order Title 3: Domestic Relations Title 4: Health and Safety Title 5: Land Management Title 6: Natural and Cultural Resources Title 7: Tribal Business Operations
Law & Order Codes Types of Codes: Underage drinking Trespass Vandalism Theft Minor assaults Truancy Juvenile curfew Disorderly conduct Animal control Traffic - speeding and such Regulating firearm use in the village Alcohol regulation
Health & Safety Codes Types of Codes: Animal Control Abandoned Vehicles Nuisances Fireworks Environmental regulation Solid waste Littering Burn barrels Hazardous waste Hazardous materials Outhouses and human waste Water quality
Land Management Codes Types of codes: Council powers over land issues Rights of tribal members and land use Acquisition of land procedures Managing tribally owned lands Tribal land assignments Land use planning policies and procedures
Domestic Relations Types of Codes: Child custody disputes and formalizing agreements Child protection Terminating parental rights Foster home licensing Adoptions Guardianships Marriage Divorce/annulment Probate Elder Protection Domestic Violence
Sample Tribal Court Codes: Court Structure Kenaitze Tribal Court Section 6: Court Structure The Tribal Court will consist of a panel of judges. The Judges shall be appointed by a majority vote of the Tribal Council. At least two and no more than five judges will hear each case. It shall be a preference that at least one elder judge presides over every case that comes before the Tribal Court.
Sample Tribal Court Codes: Court Structure Native Village of Barrow Native Village of Barrow
Sample Tribal Court Codes: Court Structure Native Village of Chignik Lagoon Section 4(A) Court Structure: The Chignik Lagoon Tribal Court shall be composed of 7 Judges, who shall be the 5 Tribal Council members and two alternate Council members. The term of service for a Tribal Court Judges shall coincide with their term as a Council member or alternate member.
Sample Tribal Court Codes: Court Structure Sitka Tribe of Alaska Section 1.2 Judiciary. The Court shall consist of one Chief Judge and such associate judges as are appointed by the Tribal Council. To be eligible to serve as a judge, a person must be over the age of 25 and within the preceding five years not have been convicted of an offense involving dishonesty or impugning his/her moral character. The judge shall hold office for a period of four years.
Sample Tribal Court Codes: Termination Sitka Tribe of Alaska Native Village of Barrow Curyung
Disclaimer and Credits This project was supported by Grant No. 2012-AL-BX-K001 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, the Community Capacity Development Office, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice
