Miami Tribal Court Enhancement

This award is made under the FY 2007 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 proposed Miami Tribal Court's purpose is to provide a venue to serve the Miami Tribe and Tribal people in a suitable and culturally significant manner. Creation of the Miami Tribal Court will meet the Tribe's goals of tribal self-determination and self-governance. The new Court will consider Tribal traditions and cultural norms, and will allow the Tribe total control over all areas of Court operations. Specific objectives are to: 1) enhance the Tribal Codes; 2) train Tribal Court personnel; 3) establish internal and external partnerships; 4) obtain proper hardware and software to conduct court business; and 5) develop a long term plan to build a courthouse. Grant funds will be expended on personnel, travel for training, equipment, supplies, consultants/contracts to include the costs of a judge and an evaluator, other costs, and indirect costs.

CA/NCF