Each tribe has established a court that is intended to interpret and
adjudicate the tribal code that was enacted by its tribal government.
These courts are courts of general jurisdiction. In other words,
they can hear all matters (criminal, family law, probate, civil) that
are not otherwise reserved to the federal government. The remedies
that can be awarded there may be different than what is otherwise
available on state or federal court. However, in order to be in
tribal court it is essential that the court have jurisdiction over the
parties. This generally requires that at least one of the parties,
if not both, are classified as Indian under federal law.
As with all courts, it is always advised that someone who is going to be
there be represented by an attorney. In order to practice before
these courts, the attorney must be specifically licensed to practice
there and be admitted to that tribe's bar.
John Dunn is a member of many of the tribal bars and has practiced a
variety of types of law in tribal court. If you are seeking a
qualified attorney to represent you in tribal court,
contact John Dunn today.
