NCJ Number
74844
Date Published
1976
Length
92 pages
Annotation
A legally correct model code that American Indian tribes can use to enact children's codes that fulfill legal, cultural, and economic needs is presented.
Abstract
The code's philosophy is to assist minors with their problems so that they may become viable adult members of the tribe without being labeled as criminals. Revisions are encouraged wherever tribal tradition mandates different procedures. Sections of the code are concerned with definitions, the establishment and operation of a court system, original jurisdiction and transfers to adult tribal courts, and juvenile offender procedures. Other sections focus on minor-in-need-of-care procedures and on the termination of parental rights prior to adoption. Most subsections are supplemented with commentaries focusing on related Federal and State laws, on the intents of the code, and on cross references. In addition, court cases are cited for the instruction of tribal judges, as are laws under the Indian Civil Rights Acts. An index to cited cases and a model code flow chart are included.