Section TCT.01.02 — Purpose And Construction

(a) Declaration of Purpose. This ordinance shall be interpreted and understood to accomplish the following tribal objectives:

(1) To exert jurisdiction over all matters essential to the Tribe's goal of self-determination and self-governance; and

(2) To provide orderly procedures for resolving conflicts that reflect tribal traditions as well as the prevailing community standards, and which afford all affected persons a fair, prompt and impartial hearing; and

(3) To establish a court system for the interpretation of Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Law and such other law as may properly come before the Court; and

(4) To ensure that all matters shall be conducted in a manner so as to afford all persons who appear before the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Court all rights guaranteed by the Stockbridge-Munsee Bill of Rights; and

(5) To ensure that the sovereignty of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community is recognized in all matters affecting the welfare of the Stockbridge-Munsee Community.

(b) Construction. This ordinance is exempted from the rule of strict construction. It shall be read and understood in a manner that gives full effect to the purposes for which it is enacted. Whenever there is uncertainty or a question as to the interpretation of certain provisions of this ordinance, tribal law or custom shall be controlling and where appropriate may be based on the written or oral testimony of a qualified tribal elder, historian or other representative.