The mission statement of the Tribal Judiciary is to provide fully functioning judicial forums for all matters heard by the courts of the Tribe built upon Tribal laws, values, culture and traditions which provide fairness and due process in resolving conflicts and disputes within its jurisdiction. In accomplishing the mission, the courts of the Tribe shall exercise judicial authority consistent with the sovereign powers of the Pokagon Band and to provide for operation as a branch of government consistent with the principles of separation of powers.
The Tribal Court is a court of general jurisdiction and has jurisdiction over actions arising under the Tribal Constitution and laws of the Band. Currently, the Tribal Court exercises both criminal and civil jurisdiction over 2880 acres held in trust for the Band by the United States. In addition, the Pokagon Band exercises jurisdiction over Indian Child Welfare matters within its services area, which consist of Allegan, Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties.
Regular Business Hours : 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except tribal holidays.
The Court is currently only staffed by the Court Administrator, Clerk of the Courts and Court Clerk. Because of demands of hearings, meetings, training needs, and other scheduled conflicts, please call ahead to make sure Court staff is available to meet your needs.