Tribal Courts & Justice Administration
Undergraduate Certificate
Quick Facts
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Build a strong foundation in the workings of tribal courts and justice systems that will prepare you to pursue a career as a tribal judge, lay advocate, court clerk, assistant and paralegal, tribal law enforcement and game officer, and other positions and professions that play a vital role in determining the quality of life in Indian country reservation communities.
Explore topics ranging from federal Indian law, tribal courts, tribal criminal law, and tribal family law, all taught by industry-leading faculty. This program is also ideal for students who desire to go on to law school and specialize in tribal court and justice systems.
Eligibility: Students must have a 2.5 GPA in at least 45 collegiate units. In order to complete the certificate, students must meet the 2.5 GPA requirement in the four required courses.
*Residents of some U.S. Territories may not be eligible. Please see our Eligibility & State Authorization page for more information.
Students must complete four required courses in order to earn the certificate. This includes a choice between either LAW 402A or LAW 402B and either LAW 468 or LAW 469.
Learn about the common law approach as a legal methodology and as a reflection and commentary on the history and politics of the American experience, from the early colonial period to the 21st century world of globalized commerce, human rights concerns and environmental and social justice.
Explore the place and status of Tribal Governments in our federal system, focusing in particular on federal policy decisions underlying various laws and statutes. Examine ways to interpret and apply the relevant laws and explore the impact that would result from changing the policy behind those laws.
Examine an overview of the applicable tribal, state and federal laws and procedures governing native nations, with an in-depth examination of Indian tribal courts, their history, procedures along with the roles of their participants. This course will also focus on the organization of the judicial structure within tribal nations.
Explore the basics of criminal law and procedure that apply in tribal courts in the United States. Gain an appreciation of the complexities of the maze of criminal jurisdiction in this area of law, and the unique problems that face native populations.
Review the role tribal courts and tribal jurisprudence play in regulating family relations impacting indigenous cultural values. Learn how the law protects native children and regulates parental rights, guardians, custodians, and the rights of traditional extended families.
Outcomes
Skills
Earning your Undergraduate Certificate in Tribal Courts & Justice Administration will build core skills, including:
- Communication skills
- Creativity
- Critical thinking
- Judgement
- Legal discourse
- Legal reasoning
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Networking
- Oral communication
- Organizational skills
- Problem solving
- Public policy analysis
- Written communication
Potential Career Paths
Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Tribal Courts & Justice Administration program will be prepared to pursue careers as:
