Department of Justice (DOJ) & Tribes

The relationship between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Native American tribes is centered on matters of law enforcement, public safety, and the upholding of federal Indian law. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

Key Areas of Interaction:

• Law Enforcement and Public Safety:

  • The DOJ has a significant role in federal criminal jurisdiction within Indian Country. This involves investigating and prosecuting certain major crimes.

  • They work with tribal law enforcement agencies to address public safety challenges, including issues like violent crime, drug trafficking, and domestic violence.

  • The DOJ also addresses the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) through coordinated efforts with tribal, federal, state, and local law enforcement.

• Tribal Justice Systems:

  • The DOJ supports the development and strengthening of tribal justice systems. This includes providing training, technical assistance, and resources to tribal courts and law enforcement agencies.

  • They work to enhance coordination between federal, state, and tribal courts.

• Federal Indian Law:

  • The DOJ plays a role in enforcing federal Indian law and upholding tribal sovereignty.

  • This includes addressing legal issues related to tribal lands, resources, and self-governance.

• Office of Tribal Justice (OTJ):

  • The DOJ's Office of Tribal Justice serves as a central point of contact for Indian Country-specific legal and policy matters.

  • It works to ensure that the DOJ's policies and practices are consistent with the federal government's trust responsibility to tribes.

Important Considerations:

• Jurisdictional Complexity:

  • Jurisdiction in Indian Country is often complex, with overlapping federal, state, and tribal authority.

• Government-to-Government Relationship:

  • The DOJ, like other federal agencies, operates within the framework of the government-to-government relationship with federally recognized tribes.

• Historical Context:

  • The historical relationship between the federal government and tribes, including past injustices, influences current interactions.

In summary, the DOJ's relationship with Native American tribes involves a range of activities aimed at promoting public safety, upholding tribal sovereignty, and ensuring the fair administration of justice in Indian Country.