TCJACRTU - Tribal Courts and Justice Administration

Undergraduate Certificate

James E. Rogers College of Law

Undergraduate

Tribal court and justice systems play a vital role in determining the quality of life in Indian country reservation communities. The administration of justice in Indian country by tribal governments includes the sovereign exercise of jurisdictional authority to resolve legal disputes regarding protection of civil rights, business dealings, and family and domestic relations. Tribal courts try criminal charges against tribal members and where recognized by Congressional legislation such as the Violence Against Women Act, against non-Indians as well. The Tribal Court and Justice Administration Undergraduate Certificate is designed to provide a strong foundation in the workings of tribal courts and justice systems for students wishing to pursue careers as tribal judges (the vast majority of tribes do not require J.D. law degrees for appointment to the tribal bench), lay advocates, court clerks, probation officers, legal secretaries, assistants and paralegals, tribal law enforcement and game officers, and many other positions and professions connected to the administration of justice in Indian country. The certificate program is well-designed to prepare students who desire to go on to law school and specialize in federal Indian law, tribal justice systems, and Indian country self-governance institutions.