Justice Reform Might Mean Increased Power For Tribal Courts

Law enforcement, and other segments of Alaska's justice system, are quite concerned about deep changes the Legislature began making to the state Criminal Code this year. The aim of Senate Bill 91 is to reduce sentences and jail time for many low level offenders, opening the way to more rehabilitation and treatment options as well as reducing recidivism. In Western Alaska, proponents say that this could give local tribes power to take a seat at the table, but are they ready for that increased responsibility?

As Alaska tribes continue to explore tribal sovereignty by looking into taking allotments and corporation land into federal trust, an opportunity may be opening with the new Criminal Code revision. Captain Berry Wilson with the Alaska State Troopers thinks so, anyway.

http://kyuk.org/post/justice-reform-might-mean-increased-power-tribal-courts