Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Law Library
Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Code.

Section YAE.01.03 — Jurisdiction

(a) Exclusive Jurisdiction: The Court shall have exclusive original jurisdiction over any proceeding concerning a youth alleged to be in need of care, termination of parental rights, adoption, paternity, or guardianship which involves:

(1) Any Indian youth who resides or is domiciled on the Stockbridge-Munsee Community Reservation;

(2) Any youth who is a member or is eligible for membership in the Stockbridge-Munsee Tribe regardless of the youth's residence or domicile; or

(3) Any Indian youth who has been placed in temporary care on the reservation or in any care facility licensed by the Tribe for placement of Indian youth.

(b) Jurisdiction Over Adults: The Court shall have jurisdiction over adults in aid of its powers under this Code, and may make such orders as are necessary for the welfare of a youth.

(c) Concurrent Jurisdiction: When state, federal or other tribal courts have jurisdiction over any of the matters provided for in this Code, the Court has concurrent jurisdiction over the same matters to an extent consistent with federal laws.

(d) Jurisdiction - Limitations: The limitations on jurisdiction in this section are not intended to reflect the Tribe's view as to the legally permissible limits of jurisdiction, but are merely designed to define tribal activity in this area in accordance with tribal Priorities and resources.

(e) Jurisdictional Agreements: The Tribe may enter into such intertribal and tribal-state agreements regarding jurisdiction over youth custody matters as it deems appropriate and necessary to protect the best interest of Stockbridge-Munsee Community youth.