Recent and Important Tribal Court Decisions on Tribal Constitutional Law

The first is from the Muscogee (Creek) Tribal Court — Ellis v. Bristow Muscogee Indian Community.

FinalJudgment&Order-CV09-33

The court there held that the Muscogee national government has substantial control over the gaming facilities located at each of the six tribal communities named as defendants.

The second is from the Hopi Court of Appeals — In the Matter of Village Authority to Remove Tribal Council Representatives.

Hopi Appellate Court Ruling – Bacavi Cert. Question

There, the court held that the Hopi villages retain authority to remove their elected tribal council members.