Title: Justice Systems of Indian Nations
Headings: 
Tribal Courts
Content: Justice Systems of Indian Nations














Tribal Courts
This page provides general contact information for the justice systems of tribal nations. Also see Tribal Constitutions , Tribal Codes, and Tribal Case Law for links to tribal justice system materials. Tribal justice systems are critical components of the tribal government. They are empowered to resolve conflict and controversy. Prior to European contact, native people practiced various forms of meaningful and productive conflict and dispute resolution. Tribal member participation in the debate of issues and in the defense of the alleged was not just allowed, it was expected. Unfortunately, these tribal methods were unfamiliar to the settlers and were often discounted and even discouraged. Tribes have always had, and continue to retain the sovereign authority to establish and operate their own tribal justice systems. In 1934, with the enactment of the Indian Reorganization Act (25 U.S.C.A. § 461, et. seq.),