05/07/2026
Congress expands tribal court authority for domestic violence crimes against Native women. Some states oppose.
State prosecutors says:
"State courts should handle these prosecutions."
Tribal courts says:
"Federal data shows tribal courts handle these cases with higher conviction rates."
For many Native communities, this carries weight beyond the moment.
It represents the data on each system's record.
It represents the choice between jurisdictional turf and victim outcomes.
It represents what 'protecting Native women' actually requires.
Some argue state courts should hold jurisdiction in crimes involving non-Native parties even on tribal land.
Others respond tribal courts should hold jurisdiction over all crimes within their territorial boundaries.
The question on the table…
Should tribal courts have jurisdiction over non-Native individuals who commit crimes on reservation land?
Tell us how you would call it — YES or NO.