Resources and Links |
Navajo Nation
Navajo Nation
Diné Action Plan
Judicial Branch Brochures
Judicial Branch Brochure
To'hajiilee-Alamo Judicial District Healing to Wellness Brochure
Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court
For Teachers and Students
Judicial Branch Seal Coloring Page
Peacemaking Program Seal Coloring Page
Navajo Nation Code
The statutory laws of the Navajo Nation (Navajo Nation Code) are available in a hardbound four volume book version with 2008 edition pocket-part supplements and a 2008 edition CD ROM as well. For more information, contact the Office of Legislative Counsel at (928) 871-7166. Navajo Nation laws may also be accessed on the Navajo Nation Council's website through this link.
Navajo Nation Bar Association
The Navajo Nation Bar Association -- a Navajo Nation non-profit corporation regulating the practice of law on the Navajo Nation for over 25 years with 470 members consisting of attorneys licensed in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, and tribal court advocates.
Navajo Navajo Nation Caselaw References
Navajo Nation Supreme Court decisions are accessible by subscription at VersusLaw and Westlaw. Westlaw also provides an online database of the Navajo Nation Code.
Legal Aid Providers
DNA People's Legal Services -- a non-profit legal aid organization working to protect civil rights, promote tribal sovereignty and alleviate civil legal problems for people who live in poverty on and near the Navajo Nation.
New Mexico Legal Aid -- a non-profit law office providing free legal representation to low-income people throughout New Mexico, except San Juan County, in civil cases.
English-Navajo Glossary of Legal Terms
In 1985, English/Navajo Glossary of Legal Terms intended for use in court proceedings was completed and published by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico. The project was funded by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts with assistance from the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch. Note that this glossary is now almost 30 years old and does not include translations of terms of Diné bi beenahaz'áanii used today in court proceedings.
Books
“Navajo Courts and Navajo Common Law: A Tradition of Tribal Self-Governance” book by Justice Emeritus Raymond D. Austin, University of Minnesota Press (2010). Justice Austin considers the history and implications of how the Navajo Nation courts apply foundational Navajo doctrines to modern legal issues. He explains key Navajo foundational concepts like Hózhó (harmony), K’é (peacefulness and solidarity), and K’éí (kinship) both within the Navajo cultural context and, using the case method of legal analysis, as they are adapted and applied by Navajo judges in virtually every important area of legal life in the tribe.
Federal Indian Law Developments
Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010. The law passed as part of amendment SA4391 to HR 725. The full text may be found at the above link.
2012 Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. The text pertaining to tribal jurisdiction (Section 904) may be found here.
U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee
Findlaw U.S. Supreme Court Opinions
Helpful Links