NATIVE NATION BUILDING TV: Segment 3

Why the Rule of Law and Tribal Justice Systems Matter discusses the importance of having sound rules of law and justice systems and examines their implications for effective governance and sustainable economic development. It focuses on these issues and their role in the creation of a productive environment that encourages investment of all types from Native and non-Native citizens. Interview

In 1892 the BIA forcefully imposed the Courts of Indian Offenses on the Navajo Nation, disrupting the harmony of traditional Navajo law or Navajo common law. In the early 1980's, members of the Navajo Judicial Branch began to reform the system by reintegrating traditional Navajo law into the Nation's court system. Today, the Navajo Nation Justice System combines Western jurisprudence with longstanding Navajo ways of dealing with conflict and disharmony.

Navajo Nation Supreme Court Justices, 2003, Marcella King Ben (left) and Lorene Ferguson (Courtesy: Associated Press)

The Navajo Nation operates a two-level court system: the trial courts and the Navajo Nation Supreme Court. The Navajo Nation's Peacemaking Division serves as a forum for community-led, consensus-based dispute resolution and an alternative to the Navajo Nation's Court system. The Navajo Nation's court system, handling over 90,000 cases per year, exemplifies the Navajo Nation's commitment to self-government and self-determination.