Hoh Tribal Court Enhancement Project

The purposes of the FY 2009 Tribal Courts Assistance Program (TCAP) are to develop new tribal courts, improve the operations of existing tribal courts, and provide training and technical assistance for tribal court staff. The TCAP program goals are to provide planning grants that will focus on establishing tribal courts by supporting the development of comprehensive strategy and implementation plans, provide grants for existing tribal court systems to enhance tribal court services, and provide planning grants for tribal justice system strategies.

The Hoh Tribe will implement a Tribal Court to process criminal and civil cases and to monitor probation and sentencing. The Tribal Court will ensure the administration of justice in a manner that continues Hoh traditions and culture to maintain Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. The funds will be used to hire a court clerk to manage day-to-day operations and a compliance/probation officer who will be responsible for sentencing compliance. They will purchase and install computer equipment, software and a case/records management system. The Tribal Government will undertake this effort in collaboration with a Judicial Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will meet quarterly and comprise representatives from the Tribal Government, Court, Police Department, Offices of the Prosecutor, Public Defender, and an at-large member of the community. Among its duties and responsibilities, the Advisory Board will ensure the Tribal Court coordinates its services with those of the police, social services, and other relevant agencies and departments.

CA/NCF