Judicial System
The Karuk Tribal Judicial System serves as the foundation of justice for the Tribe, protecting sovereignty, ensuring fairness, and upholding the rights of Tribal members. Through Tribal codes, standing court dates, and culturally informed practices, the system provides accessible and transparent pathways for resolving disputes, safeguarding community well-being, and honoring the values of the Karuk People.
Mission
The mission of the Karuk Judicial System is to restore and preserve traditional methods of resolving disputes between and among Tribal citizens to provide equality, justice, safety and security for all Tribal citizens and to all people within the Karuk Tribe Jurisdiction.
Services Provided
Self Help Center
The Self Help Center assists tribal members and families with paperwork for civil legal actions in Tribal or Superior Court. Staff provide information on forms and processes but cannot give legal advice or representation.
Tribal Court Child Advocacy Program
The Karuk Tribal Court Child Advocate Program provides trained advocates to support the best interests of the children/youth who come into the court system primarily as a result of being a victim of abuse, neglect, family violence, domestic violence, or sexual assault. An advocate for the Karuk Tribal Court Child Advocate Program advocates for the best interests of the child/youth to whom they are assigned. They perform independent fact finding and then report back to the judge with their findings through written reports. They supplement the role of other professional involved in the case. They visit with their child/youth on a regular basis. They interview the parents, guardians, teachers, social workers; but most of all; they are a friend to the child/youth.
Youth Wellness Court Program
The Mission is to provide access to culturally-based supportive and rehabilitative services and activities to eligible Karuk Youth who are seeking balance mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
The Goal is to prevent future alcohol and substance abuserelated crimes of juvenile offenders and break the cycle ofviolence by improving the Justice System to better providerehabilitative programming.
Karuk Tribal Court
The Karuk Judicial System is founded on the mission of restoring and preserving traditional methods of resolving disputes while ensuring equality, justice, safety, and security for all Tribal citizens and those within Karuk jurisdiction. Empowered by Article VI (10) of the Tribe’s Constitution, the Tribal Council formally established the Tribal Court in 2004, later amending its ordinance in 2010. The Court’s jurisdiction extends broadly across the Tribe’s lands, waters, and resources, and it hears cases involving child welfare, family relations, guardianships, protective orders, and other civil matters authorized by ordinance. In carrying out its work, the Court embodies the Karuk people’s commitment to self-determination, cultural preservation, and the responsible exercise of sovereignty.
A major milestone in this effort came with the opening of the Karuk Tribal Court facility on January 23, 2023. This 2,880-square-foot space, funded through the Tribal Justice System Infrastructure Program, provides a modern home for the administration of justice. The Court is structured into both a Trial Court and an Appellate Process, overseen by the Chief Judge, who also serves as Chief Administrator. The Hon. April E. Attebury has served as Chief Judge since 2010, alongside the Hon. Devin Flesher, Deputy Administrator/Judge since 2022. The Tribe also selects Pro Tempore Judges through an RFP process, granting them the full authority to preside over assigned cases.
Events
Resources
Tribal Court Fee Schedule
The Karuk Tribal Court Fee Schedule outlines filing fees, service charges, and other costs associated with Tribal Court proceedings. This schedule ensures transparency and consistency in the administration of justice.
Tribal Codes & Laws
The Karuk Tribe’s Codes and Laws establish the legal framework that guides the Tribe’s governance, rights, and responsibilities. These laws protect Tribal sovereignty, regulate community matters, and provide the foundation for Tribal Court decisions.
Standing Court Dates
The Karuk Tribal Court maintains standing dates for hearings, trials, and other proceedings. These dates provide predictability and structure for cases brought before the Court.
Judges
Judicial System FAQs
Answers to common questions about our program.
The mission of the Karuk Judicial System is to restore and preserve traditional methods of resolving disputes, while providing equality, justice, safety, and security for all Tribal citizens and for everyone within the Karuk Tribe’s jurisdiction.
The Karuk Tribal Court hears a variety of civil cases, including child welfare, family relations, protective orders, and guardianships. Its jurisdiction extends across Tribal lands, waters, natural and cultural resources, and other areas authorized by Tribal law.
The Court is overseen by a Chief Judge, who also serves as Chief Administrator, and a Deputy Administrator/Judge. Currently, Hon. April E. Attebury serves as Chief Judge, and Hon. Devin Flesher serves as Deputy Judge. Pro Tempore Judges may also be appointed through an RFP process to handle specific cases.
Contact Department
Have questions? Reach out to us for more information.