Essential Skills for Tribal Court Judges
Tuition
1299
Conference Fee
399
Days
to
Course Location
Las Vegas
Course Fees
Tuition
$1299
Conference Fee
$399
This course assists tribal court judges in developing the basic skills necessary to preside over criminal and civil matters in tribal court. It will develop or improve your essential skills, even if you have served in the tribal court for a few years. Taught by tribal judges, the course addresses the issues and challenges of adjudicating conflicts in tribal communities, from tribal court jurisdiction and preliminary rulings, through trial (evidence) and final adjudication (alternative sentencing). It discusses the role of tradition and custom in tribal court proceedings, and prepares you to write clear and well-reasoned decisions. It helps you establish and maintain rules of court appropriate for tribal jurisdictions. "The Essential Skills for Tribal Court Judges is a very great course with an amazing faculty and a hands-on learning experience! I recommend this course if you are a new judge or even a current judge who might need a boost and refresher of updated laws, techniques, and even technology!" - 2025 Participant "Every single topic presented in this course was very important to me, being a new judge and the Chief Judge of my Tribe; the course materials provided me with a stronger foundation to move forward in a very positive manner with SERVICE to my PEOPLE as the primary goal!" - 2025 Participant
Course $1299
Conference Fee $399
Scholarship assistance makes NJC courses more affordable for judges.
During this course, you will learn to:
- Outline appropriate jurisdictional boundaries for both criminal and civil cases in Indian Country.
- Take the necessary steps to issue enforceable warrants and protection orders.
- Evaluate and rule on admissibility of testimonial and documentary evidence in criminal and civil cases.
- Evaluate the role of tradition and custom in tribal court proceedings.
- 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.
This course assists tribal court judges in developing the basic skills necessary to preside over criminal and civil matters in tribal court. It will develop or improve your essential skills, even if you have served in the tribal court for a few years. Taught by tribal judges, the course addresses the issues and challenges of adjudicating conflicts in tribal communities, from tribal court jurisdiction and preliminary rulings, through trial (evidence) and final adjudication (alternative sentencing). It discusses the role of tradition and custom in tribal court proceedings, and prepares you to write clear and well-reasoned decisions. It helps you establish and maintain rules of court appropriate for tribal jurisdictions. "The Essential Skills for Tribal Court Judges is a very great course with an amazing faculty and a hands-on learning experience! I recommend this course if you are a new judge or even a current judge who might need a boost and refresher of updated laws, techniques, and even technology!" - 2025 Participant "Every single topic presented in this course was very important to me, being a new judge and the Chief Judge of my Tribe; the course materials provided me with a stronger foundation to move forward in a very positive manner with SERVICE to my PEOPLE as the primary goal!" - 2025 Participant