§3651 Findings

Summary

Congress finds that the United States and Indian tribes deal with each other as governments, and that tribes are sovereign and run their own lands. Violent crime in Indian country is about twice the national rate, and high crime hurts investment, jobs, and economic growth. Tribal courts are key parts of tribal governments for public safety and political life, and the Federal government and courts have long treated tribal courts as the right place to decide disputes over people and property on Native lands. Improving tribal court systems and making them easier to use helps tribal self-rule and economic independence. There is not enough money or coordination to give the technical and legal help these courts need, which weakens them. Tribal court groups and Indian legal services provide important training and cost-effective legal help, and giving enough technical and legal assistance is essential to build strong tribal courts.