Navajo Judicial Branch Press Release Opposing Changes to Judicial Qualifications

Here is the press release: 92311_ProposaltoAmendQualificationsofNavajoNationJusticeMayUn.

And here are links to other responses to the proposal, including comments by Dr. Raymond Austin, former Navajo Supreme Court Justice, from the judicial branch website:

September 23, 2011: The Judicial Branch has issued its comments on proposed amendments to the qualifications of Navajo Nation Supreme Court justices at 7 N.N.C. § 354 (B) that were submitted last week to the Navajo Nation Council legislative process through Legislation No. 0388-11.  Chief Justice Yazzie and branch Human Resources Director Darren Tungovia commented separately, expressing concerns about the candidate pool and the consequences on Supreme Court’s ability to continue to be a leader in tribal court adjudication rather than in “a borrowed state or federal system in which our culture is merely anthropological speculation.”  Late Friday, Asso. Justice Emeritus Raymond Austin also submitted comments.  See press release.