Continuing Operation and Enhancement of the Pueblo of Jemez Tribal Court

This award is made under the FY 2008 Tribal Courts Assistance (TCAP) 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 Pueblo of Jemez will use the grant funds to pay for the contracted services of a tribal judge to hear and try cases in the Jemez Tribal Court. The contracted tribal judge will work to reduce the backlog of cases waiting to be heard and attempt to strengthen and improve the Jemez Tribal Court judicial infrastructure. The judge will hear the following types of cases: criminal cases; child abuse and neglect; domestic violence; repossession; probate; child support and custody; guardianship, paternity and visitation; and adoptions. The primary objectives of the grant are to clear the 86 cases on backlog from 2007 and maintain a timely court schedule; revise existing civil and criminal codes, with the assistance of the Project Advisory Team; assist in training tribal law enforcement officials; provide training to Jemez Tribal Courts staff; and improve the operation of the Jemez Tribal Court.

CA/NCF