DOJ highlights tribal jurisdiction provisions in VAWA update

Wednesday, March 27, 2013  

The Department of Justice has released a short document that explains the tribal jurisdiction provisions of S.47, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013.

"Tribes will be able to exercise their sovereign power to investigate, prosecute, convict, and sentence both Indians and non-Indians who assault Indian spouses or dating partners or violate a protection order in Indian country," the document reads. "VAWA 2013 also clarifies tribes’ sovereign power to issue and enforce civil protection orders against Indians and non-Indians."

The provisions kick in March 7, 2015, the document notes. But tribes can petition to be part of a pilot project if their legal system meets certain conditions, including the protection of the rights of non-Indian defendants.

Tribes that do not wish to exercise their authority under VAWA are not required to do so.

Relevant Documents:
VAWA 2013 AND TRIBAL JURISDICTION OVER NON-INDIAN PERPETRATORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (March 26, 2013)

Relevant Links:
Video of Signing Ceremony | Transcript of Remarks by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden

Related Stories:
Umatilla Tribes on fast track to assert authority under VAWA (3/26)