Tribal Court

The Tribal Council, under the authority of the Constitution of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, at Article X, has established a division of the judicial branch of government to be known as the Seminole Court. 

The powers of the Seminole Court are vested in the Seminole Tribe of Florida Appellate Court and the Seminole Tribe of Florida Trial Court. The Seminole Court shall have broad civil jurisdiction to hear cases and controversies that are brought before the Court.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The Tribal Court shall insure the just, efficient and unbiased resolution of conflict for all persons who come before the Court. The Court will respect the customs and traditions of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and will ensure that the rights and powers which are inherent to the Tribe’s sovereign status are secure.

 

SEMINOLE TRIAL COURT

The Seminole Trial Court consists of a Chief Judge and two associate judges. All judges of the Seminole Court must be members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida per the Tribal Constitution and must abide by the Seminole Tribal Court Code of Judicial Conduct.

The Chief Judge or one of his associate judges will hear those cases filed with the Trial Court.

The Trial Court has a Judicial Advisor on staff who provides advice and assistance to the Judges on matters of law and procedure.

 

SEMINOLE APPELLATE COURT

The Seminole Appellate Court consists of a Chief Justice and two associate justices. All justices of the Seminole Appellate Court must be members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida per the Tribal Constitution and must abide by the Seminole Tribal Court Code of Judicial Conduct.

Appeals from the Trial Court shall be heard by a panel of three Appellate Court Justices. The decisions of the Appellate Court cannot be overturned by Tribal Council.