The Bureau of Indian Affairs has published a study of Indian tribal courts done by the National American Indian Court Judges Association.
The 200-page book, Indian Courts and the Future, provides basic information about reservation judicial systems, considers the role of the courts under the current policy of Indian self-determination and discusses future needs.
As current issues the book deals with state jurisdiction, the Indian Civil Rights Act, comity/full faith and credit, jurisdiction over non-Indians (prior to the recent Supreme Court decision), and prosecution of major crimes in Indian country. An evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses in the present court systems is included, together with model standards and a five year plan for support of Indian courts.
The BIA plans to distribute copies of the book to appropriate tribal and Federal officials. A limited number of copies will be available for attorneys and others who may have special interest in the tribal courts.
Requests should be addressed to Bureau of Indian Affairs, Attn: Judicial Services Officer, 1951 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20245
