In 2001 the Legislature ordained and established the Tribal District Court. The District Court is comprised of a District Judge and Court Advocate who are appointed by the Supreme Court. The District Court has jurisdiction over all civil actions arising under the Constitution, Laws or Treaties of the Chickasaw Nation which arise in the tribal jurisdiction, or which may be assigned to it by Legislative or Executive Order.
On December 17, 2003, after artful negotiations, the Memorandum of Agreement for the Chickasaw Nation to assume primary responsibility for the operation of the Chickasaw Agency Court of Indian Offenses CFR Court was agreed to and signed by Bill Anoatubby, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation, and by the designated representative of the United States of America, acting through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Eastern Oklahoma Regional Director for the Secretary of the Interior. Effective January 1, 2004, the Chickasaw Nation Judicial Department by and through the District Court of the Chickasaw Nation assumed full jurisdiction of the CFR caseload and all cases to be filed in the future.
All decisions made by the District Court will be recognized by the State and CFR Courts. The Supreme Court has full authority on any appeal from the District Court to affirm, reverse, modify or vacate any action in the District Court or other entity from whom an appeal is taken as authorized by law.
The District Court will focus on family issues such as divorce, child custody, child support, parental rights, visitation and adoption, civil matters, juvenile matters, and guardianship. The Court will also preside over criminal misdemeanors for crimes committed by Indians on tribal land.
This Court will be designed to assist Chickasaw people, but it will accept others into the Court upon execution of certain waivers. The Court will incorporate traditional values into the system to provide a more personal touch to its solutions on matters brought before it.
The Tribal District Court opened its doors in Ada, OK on January 2, 2004. The first docket was heard on January 8, 2004.
The District Court consists of the presiding Judge and Special Judges as may be appointed according to law. The District Judge is appointed by the Supreme Court and serves a three (3) year term of office beginning the date of their confirmation and until his/her successor takes office, unless removed for cause, by death or resignation.
District Court Justices