(a) The intent and purpose of this chapter is to reaffirm the jurisdiction (as defined in Article I, Sections 2 and 3 of the Yurok Tribal Constitution) of the Yurok Tribe over perpetrators of domestic violence within its territories and jurisdiction. The federal government has recognized this inherent right through the Violence Against Women Act, amended in 2013 to allow tribes to exercise enhanced tribal jurisdiction to include nonnative people who commit an act of domestic violence, dating violence, or violation of a protection order within their boundaries.

(b) This chapter is intended to amend and strengthen the Yurok Tribe “Protection Orders Ordinance” adopted on April 9, 2009, and amended on November 7, 2019 (Chapter 10.10 YTC). Definitions, laws, and procedures within this chapter shall supersede any other Yurok ordinance which conflicts with it. If a term needs to be defined which is not covered in this chapter, then they may be inferred from other Yurok ordinances or other applicable laws; so long as said interpretation is consistent with the legislative purpose and general provisions of this chapter.

(c) Further, this chapter is also intended to amend and strengthen the “Judicial Branch Ordinance” of the Yurok Tribe adopted on March 26, 2008 (Chapter 1.10 YTC) which has already established the Yurok Tribe’s jurisdiction over Tribal and non-Tribal peoples within its territories. [Ord. 62B § 4002, amended, 11/7/2019.]