Bishop Tribal Court Implementation Project

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 Bishop Paiute Tribe has a current Tribal Court, but because of a lack of judicial or legal experience the court has not been utilized effectively. The Bishop Paiute Tribal Court has been governing by civil ordinance; however they have no uniform justice system with which to effectively administer their twenty-six ordinances. The Tribe will utilize their Fiscal Year 2007 Tribal Courts Assistance Program grant funds to create a self-sufficient and independent judiciary. They will also develop a court that addresses such issues as mediation, peacemaking, and formal judicial processes. The primary focus of the Tribal Court will be on juvenile delinquency, juvenile drug offenses, and child protection. The core objectives are to develop court capacity and to integrate a workable justice information system.

CA/NCF