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These rules will govern all actions in the Yurok Tribal Court. They are intended to provide for a just determination in every proceeding and shall be construed to secure simplicity in procedure, fairness in administration and the elimination of unjustifiable expense or delay. Enforcement of these rules will be guided by the principles that have from time immemorial guided decision-making within the Tribe, including, but not necessarily limited to, the historic practice of having known parties act as decision-makers and/or mediators in disputes that arose among the people. These rules are intended to be in compliance with any and all applicable state and federal laws. However, the rules will assume the right of the parties to waive any applicable provision of either state or federal law and proceed with a culturally consistent resolution process.

The people have decided that they will incorporate the precepts of culturally relevant dispute-resolution practices into the ongoing need to resolve complicated social issues and disputes that arise from time to time among the people. The Yurok Tribal Court is conducted as a Court that is reflective of certain non-Yurok principles adopted or accepted by the Yurok Tribe but will adhere to Yurok cultural principles whenever such adherence is reflective of the best practices for resolution of the issues before the Court.

In establishing these rules, the Yurok Tribal Council and the Yurok Court are aware that many times people will come before the Court without formal representation or with spokespersons who may not be law-trained. These rules are not meant to create an environment that favors law-trained represented persons and will not be enforced in such a manner as to create such an outcome. Rather, the rules are meant to guide the parties to a fair and just resolution by providing a framework for the resolution of issues.

The Yurok Tribal Council and the Yurok Court are committed to the establishment of a Yurok judicial system that is uniquely Yurok and provides a culturally appropriate forum for resolution of conflicts arising within or affecting the Tribe. Both the form and substance of the laws of this Tribe are meant to create justice within a culturally responsive system; to that end, form will not be favored over substance, and the Court will seek results that promote the good stewardship necessary for Yurok country, and the whole land, to stay in balance. [Ord. 81, amended, 1/6/2023; Ord. 63, amended, 12/6/2019; Rule mod. dated 8/2018 dated 8/2018; Ord. 48, amended, 1/6/2017; Ord. 26, amended, 4/1/2012; Ord. 19, amended, 10/22/2008.]