United States Code
USC most recently checked for updates: Oct 10, 2024
§ 3601.
Findings
The Congress finds and declares that—
(1)
there is a government-to-government relationship between the United States and each Indian tribe;
(2)
the United States has a trust responsibility to each tribal government that includes the protection of the sovereignty of each tribal government;
(3)
Congress, through statutes, treaties, and the exercise of administrative authorities, has recognized the self-determination, self-reliance, and inherent sovereignty of Indian tribes;
(4)
Indian tribes possess the inherent authority to establish their own form of government, including tribal justice systems;
(5)
tribal justice systems are an essential part of tribal governments and serve as important forums for ensuring public health and safety and the political integrity of tribal governments;
(6)
Congress and the Federal courts have repeatedly recognized tribal justice systems as the appropriate forums for the adjudication of disputes affecting personal and property rights;
(7)
traditional tribal justice practices are essential to the maintenance of the culture and identity of Indian tribes and to the goals of this chapter;
(8)
tribal justice systems are inadequately funded, and the lack of adequate funding impairs their operation; and
(9)
tribal government involvement in and commitment to improving tribal justice systems is essential to the accomplishment of the goals of this chapter.
cite as: 25 USC 3601