Judiciary Of The Blue Lake Rancheria Tribe

The Tribal Court of the Blue Lake Rancheria operates as an independent judiciary. The Court is organized subject to the explicit guidelines of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (vol. 25).

As in State and Federal court systems, Tribal Court judges objectively adjudicate and rule on applicable tribal laws and their intent as written.

The Court has the authority and expertise to interpret tribal ordinances, liaison with local, state and federal judiciaries and hear legal matters including: civil, family, intra-tribal and inter-tribal issues (the Court is qualified to adjudicate laws of any federally recognized Native American tribe).

Judges are hired and appointed by the Tribal Council, but the Court is charged with independent operation and adjudication with respect to any tribal interest.

If any party concludes that the Blue Lake Rancheria Tribal Court has not provided a fair and impartial forum for issue resolution, there are many avenues of appeal, including regional Tribal Appeals Court, Tribal Supreme Court, U.S. Federal Court and U.S. Supreme Court.

Court Documents