Tribal Courts Assistance Proposal Category III

This award is made under the FY 2008 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 Southern Ute Indian Tribal Court will serve 1,450 enrolled members of the Southern Ute Tribe, 350 Native Americans of other tribes living on the reservation, and some non-natives served by the tribal court. The mission of the Southern Ute Tribal Court is to exercise the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe by providing a forum for the enforcement of tribal law and administration of justice in disputes affecting the interests of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and its members. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe will use the grant funds to enhance the tribal court by: 1) purchasing and installing a compact shelving unit that will safely lock private records out of public view; 2) purchasing a copier and printer which will eliminate the need for staff to leave the building with original documents in order to use the copier; 3) purchasing and installing an alarm/surveillance system in the tribal court building to increase public safety; 4) sending court staff to records management, clerking, and case management trainings; and 5) paying for alcohol and drug testing supplies.

CA/NCF