NCJ Number
184058
Date Published
2000
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This chapter describes the tribal justice systems operating in Indian communities and their ability to respond to Indian victimization issues.
Abstract
The chapter examines historical and jurisdictional issues related to the structure of the tribal justice system and the structure and characteristics of the tribal justice response systems. In addition, it discusses the unique construct of Indian Nation justice systems and their relationship to other local, State and Federal systems; differences between the tribal justice system and the American criminal justice system; the socioeconomic factors influencing Indian Nations; victimization problems faced by Indian people and communities on and off Indian lands; specific concerns and problems of victims and the impact on their families and the community; and Federal support for Indian Country programs. American Indians are victims of violent crime at a rate more than twice that of the general U.S. population. At least 70 percent of violence experienced by American Indians is committed by persons not of the same race, a substantially higher rate of interracial violence than experienced by white or African-American victims. To effectively assist victims, it is crucial that they be in control of their healing and that tribal institutions be visibly and affirmatively engaged in addressing victims’ issues and needs. Tables, references