Essential Skills for Tribal Court Judges

Tuition

1979

Conference Fee

549

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Days & Times

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Course Location

Course Fees

Tuition

$1979

Conference Fee

$549

April 24, 2025 to April 27, 2025

DATES AND LOCATION TBD

This course assists tribal court judges in developing the basic skills necessary to preside over criminal and civil matters in tribal court. After attending the course, participants will be able to outline appropriate jurisdictional boundaries for both civil and criminal cases in Indian Country; rule effectively on the admissibility of testimonial and documentary evidence in both civil and criminal matters; evaluate the role of tradition and custom in tribal court proceedings; write clear and well-reasoned decisions and establish and maintain rules of court appropriate for tribal jurisdictions.

Tuition

Course $1979

Conference Fee $549

What will I learn?

During this course, you will learn to:

  • Outline appropriate jurisdictional boundaries for both criminal and civil cases in Indian Country.
  • Evaluate and rule on the admissibility of testimonial and documentary evidence in both criminal and civil cases.
  • Evaluate the role of tradition and custom in tribal court proceedings.
  • Write clear, concise and well-reasoned orders and decisions.
  • Establish and maintain rules of court that are appropriate for your own jurisdiction.

Why should I take this course?

If you are new to the bench, this course will help you develop and apply the skills necessary to function successfully as a Tribal Court Judge. You will be faced with resolving challenges in the areas of civil procedure, civil jurisdiction, criminal procedure and criminal jurisdiction. Particularly, you will learn about the intersections and gaps in state, federal and tribal authority in Indian Country.

Who should attend?

Tribal Court Judges who are new to the bench or those who want a refresher course should join us for this course.

Who are the members of the faculty?

Members of the faculty include judges and other professionals from Indian Country who are fluent in Federal Indian Law Issues, evidence, collateral trial issues, ethics, and writing.

How is this course taught?

The faculty uses experiential learning techniques and include lectures, group discussions, and role-playing exercises to increase your skills on the bench.

What should I tell my presiding judge or funding agency so that my attendance will be approved?

At no point in the history of tribal nations has maintaining a strong and competent judiciary been more important. Jurisdictional lines in both criminal and civil cases must be clearly expressed and defended in your decisions. This course will develop those skills necessary to protect the rights of the people appearing before the court as well as the sovereign authority of your tribal nation.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (800) 255-8343 or registrar@judges.org.

There is no room block for this program. Please contact our Registrar’s Office with any questions.

This course qualifies for The National Judicial College Certificate in Judicial Development Appellate Judicial Skills and Tribal Judicial Skills disciplines.

Register Now.

This course assists tribal court judges in developing the basic skills necessary to preside over criminal and civil matters in tribal court. After attending the course, participants will be able to outline appropriate jurisdictional boundaries for both civil and criminal cases in Indian Country; rule effectively on the admissibility of testimonial and documentary evidence in both civil and criminal matters; evaluate the role of tradition and custom in tribal court proceedings; write clear and well-reasoned decisions and establish and maintain rules of court appropriate for tribal jurisdictions.

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