Establishment of Tribal Court

This award is made under the FY 2006 Tribal Courts Assistance Program and it supports the development, implementation, enhancement, and continuing operation of tribal justice systems. Allowable elements under the program may include, but are not limited to: establishing a core structure for a tribal court, improving case management, training court personnel, acquiring additional equipment and/or software, enhancing prosecution and indigent defense, supporting probation diversion and alternative sentencing programs, accessing services, focusing on juvenile services and multi disciplinary protocols for child physical and sexual abuse, and structuring intertribal or tribal appellate systems.

The Pechanga Tribe has created a strategy and will use the grant funds to develop a court system that will be gradual, yet provide meaningful services to the Band's service population and membership by: preparing a Constitutional Amendment authorizing a tribal court and/or an ordinance that establishes the authority of the court; beginning negotiations for an Intergovernmental Agreement with California's Children and Family Services Division to assume jurisdiction over Indian Child Welfare Act cases; hiring a court clerk and Chief Judge; updating existing codes; creating a Criminal Procedures and Offenses Code; and holding a dedicated calendar for Juvenile and Family Court cases, criminal offenses and civil infractions after approval of the Constitutional Amendment and codes.

CA/NCF