Native American Indian Law Research Guide: Tribal Courts

This work looks at the tribal court system through a combination of observations and interviews of participants in the system.

This study is an investigation of the tribal courts of the Hopi Indian Tribal Nation. The central focus is an exploration of the ways in which Hopi tradition and Anglo-American-style law emerge and shape the interactions of those in the tribal court proceedings.

The book is a discussion of the Navajo Nation and Navajo Tribal Courts which serve as an overview of the decision-making process of tribal courts in general.

The site provides links to official tribal court websites. In addition, it lists the Courts of Indian Offenses (25 CFR 11.100)

Unlike federal court cases, finding tribal court cases and decisions can be a challenging task. Even with ever-increasing access via online resources, there is no comprehensive, one-stop source for all tribal courts and tribal court cases. Some tribal court decisions go unpublished. Further complicating the task is that tribal court systems may vary from very- structured, multiple-court systems to informal, part-time court systems. In addition, there is inconsistency in the reporting of tribes' names listed in the various sources.

Reports cases from tribal courts as well as federal and state courts and administrative agencies.

Library has 1997-2008, volumes 7-18.
This is a monthly publication that summarizes legal decisions and discusses legal developments in the Native American community.
Also:
Lexis (username and password required)

Bulletin features selected tribal court opinions of value to Indian law practitioners, educators and students.

The site provides a list with links to official tribal court websites.

A list of of tribal court resources prepared by the National Center for State Courts.

This publication attempts to bring sources of information about Tribal Courts together into one volume. Arranged alphabetically by state, the directory lists Tribal Court contact information.

This site provides the Tribal Law and Policy Institute's Tribal Court Opinion search page. In an agreement with VersusLaw, a searchable database of over 2,700 opinions, memorandums and orders from 21 tribal courts is provided.

Individual tribes' websites may include court cases.
Search the tribe's name for the official tribe website.

This commercial database may be searched for tribal court cases. Free registration for law students, faculty and library staff members of J.D.-awarding law schools is available. The Tribal Court Clearinghouse website provides a free searchable database of tribal court opinions in an agreement with VersusLaw. See the Tribal Court Clearinghouse item above.