Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 107 Part 3.djvu/66

 107 STAT. 2004 PUBLIC LAW 103-176—DEC. 3, 1993 Public Law 103-176 103d Congress An Act Dec. 3, 1993 [H.R. 1268] To assist the development of tribal judicial systems, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of Indian Tribal the United States of America in Congress assembled. Justice Act. 25 USC 3601 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Indian Tribal Justice Act". 25 USC 3601. SEC. 2. 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 exerdse 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 iustice systems; (5) tribal justice systems are an essential part of tribal governments and serve as important forums for ensuring public health and ssifety 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 abjudication 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 Act; (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 Act. 25 USC 3602. SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS. For purposes of this Act: (1) The term "Bureau" means the Bureau of Indian Affairs of the Department of the Interior. (2) The term "Courts of Indian Offenses" means the courts established pursuant to part 11 of title 25, Code of Federal Regulations. (3) The term "Indian tribe" means any Indian tribe, band, nation, pueblo, or other organized group or community, includ-

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