Title: Tribal Justice Systems
Headings: Tribal Justice Systems
Tribal Justice Systems
A Brief History of Tribal Courts
The Indian Country Law Enforcement Initiative
Indian Tribal Courts Program
National Tribal Justice Resource Center

Content: It was not until 1934, with the passage of the Indian Reorganization Act, that tribes were encouraged by the federal government to enact their own laws and to establish their own justice systems. Many tribes, however, did not adopt their own codes at that time, but rather operated under provisions of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Due to lack of financial resources, many smaller tribes could not afford to operate their own tribal courts and retained the CFR courts operated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. There are approximately 23 CFR courts still in existence. Approximately 275 Indian nations and Alaska Native villages have established formal tribal court systems. There is widespread variety in the types of forums and the law applied in each is distinctly unique to each tribe. Some tribal courts resemble Western-style judiciaries where written laws and rules of court procedure are applied. An increasing number of tribes are returning to their traditional means of resolving disputes through the use of peacemaking, elders� councils and sentencing circles. Each tribe, in developing its justice system, confronts three considerations: ( 1) Is our justice system effective in reaching prompt, long-term resolutions to disputes? (