On August 1, 2006 @ 1:00pm Klamath Tribes Tribal Court held its first court hearing.  The Chief Judge heard testimony in a juvenile dependency matter, which was transferred from the State Court system by Judge Roxanne Osborne.

This was a landmark day for The Klamath Tribes in that numerous individuals have spent countless hours over a 6 ½ year period working towards the common goal of having their own court system to oversee various judicial issues.  At this time, Tribal court is hearing juvenile dependency (including adoptions and guardianships), delinquency, expulsion diversion, child support and civil disputes.  New Ordinances have been passed regarding landlord tenant and peacemaking court.  Each of these are currently being implemented.

On October 14, 2008 The Klamath Tribes Child Support Enforcement Department was opened at the Klamath Tribal Courts and is taking new cases, as well as working on transferring existing cases from Oregon State.

Currently the Klamath Tribal Judiciary is accepting applications for Lay Advocates.  Lay Advocates who have passed the Klamath Tribes Bar Exam are available to assist tribal members with Tribal Court matters.  Please inquire with the Court Clerk.

Are you interested in being on the Judicial Commission?  Per Ordinance, the Judicial Commission is responsible for providing oversight and policy direction to the Klamath Tribes Judiciary. 

Persons wishing to serve on the Judicial Commission must possess the following minimum qualifications:

1. Be an enrolled member of the Klamath Tribes;
2. Be at least twenty-one years of age on the date of appointment;
3. Not have been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving dishonesty or moral turpitude within ten years from the date of appointment;
4. Not be a member of the Tribal Council or running for a position on the Tribal Council;
5. Be familiar with the Constitution and laws of the Klamath Tribes;
6. Have a working knowledge of tribal government operations.

Judicial Commission Applications are available from the Tribal Council Secretary, Torina Case at 541-783-2199.