INDIANZ.COM LISTENING LOUNGE Senate Indian Affairs Committee on Tribal Courts and the Administration of Justice in Indian Country. July 24, 2008. • Opening Statements • Testimony | Q&A • Written Testimony | Webcast

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Thursday on tribal courts.

Tribal witnesses testified in support of S.3320, the Tribal Law and Order Act that was introduced on Wednesday. They said it will help tribal courts address crime on reservations through more funding, additional powers and greater coordination with federal authorities. They also welcomed provisions addressing underfunded and overcrowded detention facilities.

An issue arose when Joseph Flies Away, the chief judge for the Hualapai Tribe of Arizona, said he was threatened with arrest for asking a federal employee to appear in his court to turn over a detainee. S.3320 contains a provision to address the issue though Pat Ragsdale, the head of law enforcement at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, said the agency cooperates with tribal courts whenever possible.

John St. Clair, the chief justice of the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribal was unable to testify due to airline delays.

The hearing lasted about 90 minutes.

Committee Notice:
OVERSIGHT HEARING on Tribal Courts and the Administration of Justice in Indian Country (July 24, 2008)

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