The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington will be able to impose longer sentences on offenders under the new Tribal Law and Order Act.

The Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968 restricts tribal courts to one-year sentences. The new law allows up to three-year sentences.

“Our hands have been tied for so long, for not being able to sentence for longer periods of time,” Chairman Michael Finley told The Wenatchee World. “It hasn’t been beneficial, because we can’t truly punish someone based on the severity of a crime. But now we can."

Tribes that wish to impose longer sentences must meet certain requirements that are similar to those found in the U.S. Constitution. For example, they must provide counsel to indigent defendants.

Finley said the cost is worth it to prove that tribal courts are fair and impartial. It could lead to restoration of tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians, he said.

Get the Story:
Tribal leaders see benefit to new law on sentencing (The Wenatchee World 8/11)

Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act:
H.R.725

Tribal Law and Order Act:
S.797 | H.R.1924

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