Northern Cheyenne Court Support and Assistance 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 Northern Cheyenne Tribe will enhance the operation of the Northern Cheyenne Court by increasing staffing levels. The goal is to adequately staff the tribal court to improve their ability to promptly provide adjudication and hold offenders accountable to their victims and the community. The Northern Cheyenne Tribe will contract with judges to hear all appeals from the lower court. Hiring contract judges ensures that each individual's case will be adjudicated with justice and fairness. The tribal court will also contract with a process server/bailiff who will provide process service to residents of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation for the tribal court Civil and Criminal Divisions. The Northern Cheyenne Tribe will also hire a Receptionist/Clerk who will assist the public, distribute necessary forms, answer phones and record all calls. The clerk will receive and record all incoming complaints and petitions, schedule case hearings and trials, and provide professional support to ensure due process. The Northern Cheyenne Tribe will provide on- and off-site staff training.

CA/NCF