§ 3601. — Findings.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 25USC3601]
TITLE 25--INDIANS
CHAPTER 38--INDIAN TRIBAL JUSTICE SUPPORT
Sec. 3601. Findings
The Congress finds and declares that--
(1) there is a government-to-government relationship between the
United States and each Indian tribe;
(2) the United States has a trust responsibility to each tribal
government that includes the protection of the sovereignty of each
tribal government;
(3) Congress, through statutes, treaties, and the exercise of
administrative authorities, has recognized the self-determination,
self-reliance, and inherent sovereignty of Indian tribes;
(4) Indian tribes possess the inherent authority to establish
their own form of government, including tribal justice systems;
(5) tribal justice systems are an essential part of tribal
governments and serve as important forums for ensuring public health
and safety and the political integrity of tribal governments;
(6) Congress and the Federal courts have repeatedly recognized
tribal justice systems as the appropriate forums for the
adjudication of disputes affecting personal and property rights;
(7) traditional tribal justice practices are essential to the
maintenance of the culture and identity of Indian tribes and to the
goals of this chapter;
(8) tribal justice systems are inadequately funded, and the lack
of adequate funding impairs their operation; and
(9) tribal government involvement in and commitment to improving
tribal justice systems is essential to the accomplishment of the
goals of this chapter.
(Pub. L. 103-176, Sec. 2, Dec. 3, 1993, 107 Stat. 2004.)
Short Title
Section 1 of Pub. L. 103-176 provided that: ``This Act [enacting
this chapter] may be cited as the `Indian Tribal Justice Act'.''
