Back
to Table of Contents
Pawnee
Tribe of Oklahoma, Law and Order Code
Additions
received: 2005
Title
III - General Provisions - Chapter 5
Title
III - Chapters 11-16
TITLE III - CIVIL PROCEDURE, CHAPTERS 6-10
CHAPTER SIX - JURORS
Section
601. Meeting for Selection of Jurors
(a) On
the first Monday in November, or as soon thereafter as may be, and
at any time upon the order of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,
the Jury Selection Board, composed of the Tribal Secretary or one
of his deputies, the Tribal Tax Director or one of his deputies, the
Chief of the Tribal Police or one of his deputies, the Chairman of
the Board of Commissioners of the Tribal Housing Authority or his
designate, the Court Clerk or one of his deputies, and one of the
Judges of the Court, shall meet at the office of the Court Clerk and
select from a list to be compiled of all qualified jurors, as prescribed
in this Chapter, all qualified jurors for service in the Tribal District
Court for the ensuing calendar year in the manner hereinafter provided.
(b) For
the purpose of ascertaining the named of all persons qualified for
jury service, it shall be the duty of the following officers to provide
the following lists of qualified prospective jurors to the Court Clerk:
(1)
The Tribal Secretary shall supply a list of all enrolled Tribal members
of their households over eighteen years of age who are residents of
the tribal jurisdiction.
(2) The Tribal Tax Director shall supply a list of all individual
taxpayers irrespective of Tribal membership over eighteen years of
age who are residents of the tribal jurisdiction.
(3) The Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Tribal Housing
Authority shall supply a list of all known tenants of the Housing
Authority and members of their households irrespective of tribal membership
over eighteen years of age who are residents of the tribal jurisdiction.
(4) The Court Clerk shall supply a list of all persons over eighteen
years of age irrespective of tribal membership who have registered
upon the Court Clerk's Jury Selection Roll for jury service.
(c) Each
such list shall contain, insofar as is known, the date of birth or
age, name, and actual place of residence of each person within the
category on the list.
(d) Whenever
possible, these lists shall be prepared at least thirty days prior
to the meeting to allow time for the typing of the names contained
therein on cards as hereafter provided, or shall be presented typed
upon the cards as hereafter provided.
(e) Whenever
such is, or may become reasonably available and efficient, the lists
may be printed from computer memory on cards in the manner hereafter
provided..
Section 602. Court Clerk's Jury Selection Roll
It shall be the duty of the Court Clerk to maintain at all times a
jury selection roll upon which any person who is or may be eligible
for jury service may enter their name, date of birth, and place of
residence. Such roll shall be provided to the jury selection board
in order that all qualified persons who may not be identified in paragraphs
(1), (2 ), or (3) of Subsection (b) of Section 601 of this Chapter
shall have the opportunity for jury service.
Section 603. Preparation of Jury Wheel
Said officers shall write or cause to be written or typed the names
of all persons who are known to be, or may be qualified jurors under
the law on separate cards of uniform size and color, writing also
on said cards, whenever possible, the post office address of each
juror so selected, along with their age or date of birth and place
of residence under the direction of the Court Clerk. Whenever such
can be avoided, no persons name shall be placed upon more than one
card. The expenses of preparation of said cards to be paid from the
Court fund. The cards containing said names shall be deposited in
a circular hollow wheel, to be provided for such purpose by the Court
Clerk after the Jury Selection Board has examined the contents thereof
and removed therefrom and destroyed any cards found therein. Said
wheel shall be in the form of a drum made of iron, steel, or other
substantial materials, and shall be so constructed as to freely revolve
on its axle and big enough to freely mix all the cards placed therein,
the size thereof in each case to be determined by the number of names
placed therein, and shall be locked at all times, except when in use
as hereinafter provided, by the use of two separate locks, so arranged
that the key to one will not open the other lock; and said wheel and
the clasps thereto attached into which the locks shall be fitted,
shall be so arranged that said wheel cannot be opened unless both
of said locks are unlocked at the time the wheel is opened. The keys
to such locks shall be kept, one by the Chief of the Tribal Police,
and the other by the Court Clerk. The Chief of the Tribal Police and
the Court Clerk shall not open such wheel, nor permit the same to
be opened by any person, except at the time and in the manner and
by the persons herein specified; but said Chief of the Tribal Police
and Court Clerk shall keep such wheel, when not in use, in a safe
and secure place where the same cannot be tampered with.
Section 604. Drawing General Jury Panel
(a) The
Judges of the Court shall, more than twenty (20) days prior to each
jury docket of Court, determine approximately the number of jurors
that are reasonably necessary for jury service in the Court during
the jury docket, and shall thereupon order the drawing of such number
of jurors from the wheel, said jury to be known as the general panel
of jurors for service for the respective jury docket for which they
are designated to serve. A majority of said judges, or the Chief Judge
are authorized to act in carrying out the provisions of this Section.
(b) The
Court Clerk or one of his deputies and the Chief of the Tribal Police
or one of his deputies in open court and under the directions of the
Chief Judge of the District Court, or during his absence or disability,
some other Judge of the District Court, shall draw from the wheel
containing the names of jurors, after the same has been well turned
so that the cards therein are thoroughly mixed, one by one until the
number of jurors for jury service as directed by the Court are procured
and shall record such names as they are drawn. The officers attending
such drawing shall not divulge the name of any person that may be
drawn as a juror to any person.
(c) Additional
and other drawing of as many names as the Court may order may be had
at any such time as the Court or Judge may order for the completion
of a jury panel, or for the impaneling of a new jury if, in the judgment
of the Court, the same shall be necessary, of if, for any cause, the
Court, in its discretion, shall deem other jurors necessary. The Court
may excuse or discharge any person drawn and summoned as a juror,
whenever, in its discretion, such action shall be deemed expedient.
(d) No
person may be required, over his objection, to render service as a
juror for more than a total of twenty (20) working days in any one
calendar year unless, when this time limit is reached, he is sitting
upon a panel engaged in the consideration of a case, in which event
he may be excused when such case is terminated; provided, that if
the Judge is of the opinion that the jury business of a jury docket
fixed by the Court may be concluded within six (6) days, he may require
a jury, or a juror, to remain until the termination of said jury service.
Persons summoned for jury service need not be required to serve during
previously fixed days or weeks or a docket fixed by the Court for
jury trials, but they may be recalled from time to time as the trial
needs of the District Court may require, without regard to the docket
term fixed by the Court for jury trials for which they were originally
summoned.
Section 605. Use of Jury Panel
The general panel of jurors shall be used to draw juries in all actions
tried during the jury docket for which they were summoned. In the
event of a deficiency of said general panel at any given time to meet
the requirements of the Court, the presiding judge having control
of said general panel shall order such additional jurors to be drawn
from the wheel as may be sufficient to meet such emergency, but such
jurors shall act only as special jurors and shall be discharged as
soon as their services are not further needed. Resort to the wheel
shall be had in all cases to fill out the general panel, except when
only a single jury is needed or when the Court determines that undue
delay will be caused thereby to the prejudice of a party, in which
case the Court may issue and open venire to the Chief of the Tribal
Police or other suitable person for such number of jurors as may be
necessary to be selected from the body of the tribal jurisdiction
without resort to the jury wheel, provided, that no person shall be
called to service or require to serve under an open venire more often
than once each year.
Section 606. Certifying and Sealing Lists
The list of names so drawn for the general panel shall be certified
under the hand of the Court Clerk for the deputy doing the drawing
and the Judge in whose presence said names were drawn from the wheel
to be the list drawn by said Clerk for the said jury docket, and shall
be sealed up in envelopes endorsed "jurors for the jury docket of
the Tribal District Court scheduled to commence on ____________"(filling
in the blank with the appropriate date) and the Clerk doing the drawing
shall write his name across the seals of the envelopes.
Section
607. Oath and Delivery of Envelopes
The judge attending the drawing shall deliver such envelopes to the
Court Clerk, or one of his deputies, and the Judge shall, at the same
time, administer to the Court Clerk and to each of his deputies an
oath in substance as follows: "You and each of you do solemnly swear
that you will not open the jury lists now delivered to you, nor permit
them to be opened, until the time prescribed by law, nor communicate
to anyone the name or names of persons appearing on the jury lists
until the time a list is opened as prescribed by law at which time
it shall be published, that you will not, directly or indirectly,
converse or communicate with any one selected as juror concerning
any case pending for trial in the Court at the next jury docket, So
help you God."
Section 608. Sealing and Retaining Juror Name Cards
When the names are drawn for jury service, the cards containing such
names shall be sealed in separate envelopes, endorsed "cards containing
the name of jurors for the petit jury for the jury docket of the Tribal
District Court commencing on _______________" (filling in the blank
for the date properly); and said envelopes shall be retained securely
by the Clerk, unopened, until after the jury has been impaneled for
such docket, and, after such jurors so impaneled have served one jury
docket, the envelopes containing the cards bearing the names of the
jurors for that docket shall then be opened by the Court Clerk, or
his deputy, and those cards bearing the names of persons who have
been impaneled and who have not served on a jury shall be immediately
returned to the wheel by the Court Clerk or his deputy; and the cards
bearing the names of the persons serving on a jury shall be put in
a box provided for that purpose for the use of the officer who shall
next select jurors for the wheel, provided, that no person shall serve
as a juryman often than once a year, except upon order of the Court
for lack of sufficient jurors or as herein provided.
Section 609. Refilling Wheel
If the wheel containing the names of jurors be lost or destroyed,
with the contents thereof, or if all the cards in said wheel be drawn
out, such wheel shall immediately be refurnished, and cards bearing
the names of jurors shall be placed therein immediately in accordance
with law.
Section 610. Summoning Jurors
The summons of person for service on the juries in the District Court
shall be served by the Court Clerk by mailing a copy of such summons
containing the time, place, and the name of the Court upon which said
jurors are required to attend, by registered or certified mail, or
as directed by the Judge, to the person selected for service not less
than ten (10) days before the day said person is to appear as a juror
in the Court. The court clerk shall make a return of such service
by filing an affidavit stating the date of mailing and type of mail
used in sending the summons; provided, that this shall not prevent
service of special open venire or talesman by the Chief of the Tribal
Police.
Section 611. On-Call System Jurors
(a) When
an on-call system is implemented by order of the Chief Judge of the
District Court, each juror retained for services subject to call shall
be required to contact a center for information as to the time and
place of his next assignment.
(b) For
purposes of this Section, "on-call" system" means a method whereby
the Chief Judge of the District Court estimates the number of jurors
required for a jury docket of court, and those jurors not needed during
any particular period are released to return to their home or employment
subject to call when needed.
(c) Pursuant
to summons for service on petit juries in the District Court, each
qualified, nonexempt juror is retained for service subject to call
and is assigned to a judge or a case.
Section 612. Drawing Trial Jurors From Panel
Prospective jurors for the trial of an action shall be drawn by the
Court Clerk, in open Court in the presence of a Judge, by lot either
by wheel, by numbering the prospective juror available to be called,
or by some similar form of random drawing approved by the Court. The
initial six jurors shall be drawn as shortly before the trial of the
action as is reasonably practical in the discretion of the Court.
As prospective jurors are removed or dismissed by challenge, whether
preemptory or for cause, the Clerk shall draw another named from the
general pool who shall take the place of the challenged prospective
juror and be subject to voir dire to the same extent as the prospective
jurors originally chosen.
Section 613. Qualifications and Exemptions of Jurors
(a) All
members of the Tribe and other citizens of the United States who are
over eighteen years of age and have resided within the Tribal jurisdiction
for a period of thirty (30) days, who are of sound mind and discretion
and of good moral character are competent to act as jurors, except
as herein provided.
(b) The
following persons are not qualified to serve as jurors:
(1)
Justices of the Supreme Court of the Tribe, or the employees in their
office.
(2) Judges or Magistrates of the District Court, or the employees
in their office.
(3) The Court Clerk, or the employees in his office.
(4) The Chief of the Tribal Police, his deputies, and the employees
in the Police Department.
(5) Jailers having custody of prisoners, or other tribal, state, or
federal law enforcement officers.
(6) Licensed Attorneys or Advocates engaged in the practice of law.
(7) Persons who have been convicted of any felony or crime involving
moral turpitude, provided that when such conviction has been vacated,
overturned upon appeal, or pardoned or when any such person has been
fully restored to his civil rights by the jurisdiction wherein such
conviction occurred, the person shall be eligible to serve as a juror.
(8)Elected Tribal Officials.
(c) Persons
over seventy (70) years of age, ministers, practicing physicians,
optometrists, dentists, public school teachers, federal employees,
regularly organized full time fire department employees, and women
with otherwise unattended minor children not in school may be excused
from jury service by the Court, in its discretion, upon request.
(d) Any
tribal member, tribal taxpayer, or person employed within the Tribal
jurisdiction may serve as a juror notwithstanding that they are not
a residence of the Tribal jurisdiction if they volunteer to do so
by signing the Jury Selection Roll maintained by the Court Clerk.
Section 614. Substantial Compliance
A substantial compliance with the provisions of this Chapter, shall
be sufficient to prevent the setting aside of any verdict rendered
by a jury chosen hereunder, unless the irregularity in drawing, and
summoning, or impaneling the same, resulted in depriving a party litigant
of some substantial right; provided, however, that such irregularity
must be specifically presented to the Court at or before the time
the jury is sworn to try the cause.
Section 615. Oath to Jury
After selection of the jury, and prior to the opening statements of
the parties, the Court or Clerk shall place the jury under oath or
affirmation to well and truly try and determine the action before
them exclusively upon the evidence presented in the Court and the
law as given by the Court, and to return their true verdict thereon
without partiality for any unlawful cause or reason.
Section 616. Discharge of Employee for Jury Service - Penalty
Every person, firm, or corporation who discharges an employee or causes
an employee to be discharged because of said employee's absence from
his employment by reason of said employee's having been required to
serve as a juror on a jury of the Tribal District Court, or any other
Court, shall be guilty of an Offense, and, upon conviction thereof,
shall be punishable by a fine not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).
Section 617. Civil Liability - Damages
Every person, firm, or corporation who discharges or causes to be
discharged an employee because of said employee's absence from his
employment by reason of said employee's having been required to serve
as a juror on a jury, in the Tribal District Court or any other Court,
shall be liable to the person so discharged in a civil action at law
for both actual and punitive damages. Damages shall include all pecuniary
losses suffered including, but not limited to, lost earnings, both
past and future, mental anguish, and all reasonable damages incurred
in obtaining other suitable employment, including the cost of relocation
and retraining, if any, and a reasonable attorney fee to be determined
by the Court.
CHAPTER SEVEN - TRIALS
Section
701. Trial Defined
A trial is a judicial examination of the issues, whether of law or
fact, in an action.
Section 702. Trial of Issues
Issues of law must be tried by the Court. Issues of fact arising in
actions for which a jury trial is provided by law may be tried by
a jury, if a jury trial is demanded, unless a reference be ordered,
as hereinafter provided. All other issues of fact shall be tried to
the Court.
Section 703. Jury Trial of Right
(a) Right
Preserved. The right of trial by jury as declared by the Tribal Constitution
or a statute of the Tribe, or the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968
shall be preserved inviolate. In all actions, except forcible entry
and detainer, arising in contract or tort where the amount in controversy,
or the value of the property to be recover, as stated in the prayer
for relief or an affidavit of a party, or as found the Court where
the amount in controversy is questioned by the affidavit of the adverse
party, exceeds Ten Thousand Dollars, except as otherwise specifically
provided by law, and in all actions for the involuntary removal of
children from the custody of their parents or custodian and the involuntary
termination of parental rights, the action may be tried to a jury
upon demand of any party. All other actions and issues of fact shall
be tried to the Court.
(b) Demand.
Any party entitled to a jury trial may demand a trial by jury of any
issue triable of right by a jury pursuant to any law of the Tribe
by serving upon the other parties a demand therefore in writing at
any time after the commencement of the action and not later than ten
(10) days after the service of the last pleading directed to such
issue. Such demand may be endorsed upon a pleading of the party. Such
demand shall not be effective unless, at the time of filing or at
such later time as the Court shall by rule allow, the party making
such demand deposit with the Court Clerk a reasonable jury fee in
such amount as the Court shall by rule determine. The amount of such
deposit shall be set by the Court in such amount as may be reasonably
necessary to offset the costs of juror fees for the impaneling and
trying of the action, without being in an amount which may preclude
or prevent a party from exercising their right to a jury trial. Such
rules shall contain a provision for waiver of the deposit requirement
for persons proceeding in forma pauperis.
(c) Same;
Specification of Issues. In his demand a party may specify the issues
which he wishes so tried; otherwise he shall be deemed to have demanded
trial by jury for all the issues shall triable. If he has demanded
trial by jury for only some of the issues, any other party within
10 days after service of the demand or such lesser time as the Court
may order, may serve a demand for trial by jury of any other or all
of the issues of fact in the action.
(d) Waiver.
The failure of a party to serve a demand as required by this section
and to file it as required by Section 231(d) constitutes a waiver
by him of trial by jury. A demand for trial by jury made as herein
provided may not be withdrawn without the consent of the parties.
Even though previously demanded, the trial by jury may be waived by
the parties, in actions arising on contract, and with the assent of
the Court in other actions, in the following manner: By the consent
of the party appearing, when the other party fails to appear at the
trial by himself for attorney. By written consent, in person or by
attorney, filed with the clerk. By oral consent, in open court, entered
on the journal.
Section 704. Trial by Jury or by the Court
(a) By
Jury. When Trial by jury has been demanded as provided in Section
703, the action shall be designated upon the docket as a jury action.
The trial of all issues so demanded shall be by jury, unless:
(1)
the parties or their attorneys of record, by written stipulation filed
with the Court or by an oral stipulation made in open Court and entered
in the record, consent to trial by the Court sitting without a jury;
(2) the Court upon motion or of its own initiative finds that a right
of trial by jury of some or all of those issues does not exist under
the Constitution and ordinances of the Tribe, or under the Indian
Civil Rights Act.
(b) By
the Court. Issues not demanded for trial by jury as provided in Section
703 shall be tried by the Court; but, notwithstanding the failure
of a party to demand a jury in an action in which such a demand might
have been made of right, the Court in its discretion or upon motion
of a party may order a trial by a jury of any or all issues properly
friable to a jury.
(c) Advisory
Jury and Trial by Consent. In all actions not triable of right by
a jury the Court upon motion or its own initiative may try any issue
with an advisory jury or, except in actions against the Tribe when
a statute of the Tribe provides for trial without a jury, the Court,
with the consent of both parties, may order a trial with a jury whose
verdict has the same effect as if trial by jury had been a matter
of right.
Section 705. Assignment of Cases for Trial
The District Court shall provide by rule for the placing of actions
upon the trial calendar
(1)
without request of the parties or
(2) upon request of a party and notice to the other patties or
(3) in such other manner as the Courts deem expedient. Precedence
shall be given to actions entitled thereto by any statute of the Tribe.
Section 706. Consolidation; Separate Trials
(a) Consolidation.
When different actions involving a common question of law or fact
are pending before the Court, it may order a joint hearing or trial
of any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may make such
orders concerning proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary
costs or delays.
(b) Separate
Trials. The Court, in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice,
or when separate trials will be conducive to expedition and economy,
may order a separate trial of any claim, cross-claim, counterclaim,
or third-party claim, or of any separate issue or of any number of
claims, cross-claims, or third party claims, or issues, always preserving
inviolate the right to trial by jury as declared by the Indian Civil
Rights Act, the Tribal Constitution or as given by a statute of the
Tribe.
SUBCHAPTER A IMPANELING JURY
Section
721. Summoning Jury
The general mode of summoning and impaneling the jury, in cases in
which a jury trial may be had, is such as is or may be provided by
Chapter 6 of this Act.
Section 722. Causes for Challenging Jurors
If there shall be impaneled, for the trial of any action, any juror,
who shall be been convicted of any crime which by law renders him
disqualified to serve on a jury; or who has been arbitrator on either,
side, relating to the same controversy; or who has an interest in
the action; or who has an action pending between him and either party;
or who has formerly been a juror on the same claim; or who is the
employer, employee, counselor, agent, steward or attorney of either
party; or who is subpoenaed as a witness; or who is of kin to either
party within the second degree by blood or marriage, he may be challenged
for such causes; in either of which cases the same shall be considered
as a principal challenge, and the validity thereof be tried by the
Court; and any juror who shall be returned upon the trial of any of
the causes herein before specified, against who no principal cause
of challenge can be alleged, may, nevertheless, be challenged on suspicion
of prejudice against, or partiality for either party, or any other
cause that may render him, at the time, an unsuitable juror; but a
resident or taxpayer of the tribal jurisdiction, or a member of the
Tribe or any municipality therein shall not be thereby disqualified
in actions in which the Tribe or such municipality is a party. The
validity of all principal challenges and challenges for cause shall
be determined by the Court.
Section 723. Examination of jurors
The Court may permit the parties or their attorneys to conduct the
examination of prospective jurors or may itself conduct the examination.
In the latter event, the Court shall permit the parties or their attorneys
to supplement the examination by such further inquiry as it deems
proper or shall itself submit to the prospective jurors such additional
questions of the parties or their attorneys as it deems proper.
Section 724. Alternate Jurors
The Court may direct that not more than three jurors in addition to
the regular jury be called and impaneled to sit as alternate jurors.
Alternate jurors in the order in which they are called replace jurors
who, prior to the time the jury retires to consider its verdict, become
or are found to be unable or disqualified to perform their duties.
Alternate jurors shall be drawn in the same manner, shall have the
same qualifications, shall be subject to the same examination and
challenges, shall take the same oath, and shall have the same functions,
powers, facilities, and privileges as the regular jurors. An alternate
juror who does not replace a regular juror shall be discharged after
the jury retires to consider its verdict. Each side is entitled to
1 peremptory challenge in addition to those otherwise allowed by law
if alternate jurors are to be impaneled. The additional peremptory
challenges may be used against an alternate juror only, and the other
peremptory challenges allowed by law shall not be used against an
alternate juror.
Section 725. Order of Challenges
The plaintiff first, and afterward the defendant, shall complete his
challenges for cause. They may then, in turn, in the same order, have
the right to challenge one juror each, until each shall have peremptorily
challenged three jurors, but no more.
Section 726. Challenges to Jurors - Filling Vacancies
After each challenge, the vacancy shall be filled before further challenges
are made; and any new juror thus introduced may be challenged for
cause as well as peremptorily.
Section 727. Alternate Method of Selecting Jury
Notwithstanding other methods authorized by law, the trial judge may
direct in his discretion that a jury in an action be selected by calling
and seating twelve prospective jurors in the jury box and then examining
them on voir dire; when twelve such prospective jurors have been passed
for cause, each side of the lawsuit shall exercise its peremptory
challenges out of the hearing of the jury by alternately striking
three names each from the list of those so passed for cause, and the
remaining six persons shall be sworn to try the case.
If there
be more than one defendant in the case, and the trial judge determines
on motion that there is a serious conflict of interest between them,
he may, in his discretion, allow each defendant to strike three names
from the list of jurors seated and passed for cause. In such case
he shall appropriately increase the number of jurors initially called
and seated in the jury box for voir dire examination.
Section 728. Oath of Jury
The jury shall be sworn to well and truly try the matters submitted
to them in the case before them, and to give a true verdict, according
to the law and the evidence.
Section 729. Juries of Less Than Six - Majority Verdict
All juries shall be composed of six persons, and a unanimous verdict
shall be required, except that the parties may stipulate that the
jury shall consist of any number less than six and greater than two,
or that a verdict or a finding of a stated majority of the jurors
shall be taken as the verdict, or finding of the jury. .
SUBCHAPTER B TRIAL PROCEDURE
Section
731. Order of Trial
When the jury has been sworn in an action before a jury, and in trials
to the Court, when the Court is ready to proceed, the trial shall
proceed in the following order, unless the Court for special reasons
otherwise directs:
(a) The
party on whom rests the burden of proving the issues may briefly state
his case, and the evidence by which he expects to sustain it.
(b) The
adverse party may then briefly state his defense and the evidence
he expects to offer in support of it, or the adverse party may reserve
his opening statement until the beginning of the presentation of his
evidence.
(c) The
party on whom rests the burden of proving the issues must first produce
his evidence; after he has closed his evidence the adverse party may
interpose a motion for a directed verdict thereto upon the ground
that no claim for relief or defense is proved. If the Court shall
sustain the motion, no formal verdict of the jury shall be required,
but judgment shall be rendered for the party whose motion for a directed
verdict is sustained as the state of the pleadings or the proof shall
demand.
(d) If
the motion for a directed verdict be overruled, the adverse party
may then briefly state his case if he did not do so prior to the beginning
of the presentation of the evidence, and, shall then produce his evidence.
(e) The
parties will then be confined to rebutting evidence unless the Court,
for good reasons in furtherance of justice, shall permit them to offer
evidence in the original case.
(f) After
the close of the evidence, and when the jury instructions have been
finalized by the Court, the parties may then make their closing arguments
as to the evidence proved and reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom.
The party having the burden of proving the issue shall first present
his argument. Thereafter, the other party shall present his argument,
and then, the party having the burden of proof shall have the opportunity
for rebuttal argument. The Court may place reasonable limitation upon
the time allowed for closing argument, provided, that each side to
the action should have the same total time for argument if time restrictions
are placed thereon.
(g) After
the closing arguments of the parties have been completed, the Court
shall instruct the jury as the law of the case, and shall give a copy
of the written instructions to the jury for their use during their
deliberations.
(h) The
Court shall then place the bailiff or some other responsible person
under oath to secure the jury against interference, and the jury shall
retire to determine its verdict.
Section 732. Taking of Testimony
(a) Form.
In all trials the testimony of witnesses shall be taken orally in
open court, unless otherwise provided by an ordinance of the Tribe
or by this Act, the Tribal Rules of Evidence, or other rules adopted
by the Supreme Court of the Tribe.
(b) Affirmation
in Lieu of Oath. Whenever under this Act an oath is required to be
taken, a solemn affirmation may be accepted in lieu thereof.
(c) Evidence
on Motions. When a motion is based on facts not appearing of record
the Court my hear the matter on affidavits presented by the respective
parties, but the Court may direct that the matter be heard wholly
or partly on oral testimony or depositions.
(d) Interpreters.
The Court may appoint an interpreter of its own selection and may
fix his reasonable compensation. The compensation shall be paid out
of funds provided by law or by one or more of the parties as the Court
may direct, and may be taxed ultimately as costs, in the discretion
of the Court.
Section 733. Exceptions Unnecessary
Formal exceptions to rulings or orders of the Court are unnecessary;
but it is sufficient that a party, at the time the ruling or order
of the Court is made or sought, makes known to the Court the action
which he desires the Court to take or his objection to the action
of the Court and his grounds therefor; and, if a party has no opportunity
to object to a ruling or order at the time it is made, the absence
of an objection does not thereafter prejudice him.
Section 734. Instruction to Jury - Objection
(a) At
the close of the evidence or at such earlier time during the trial
as the Court reasonably directs, any party may file written requests
that the Court instruct the jury on the law as set forth in the requests.
The Court shall inform counsel of its proposed action upon the requests
prior to their arguments to the jury, but the Court shall instruct
the jury after the arguments are completed. No party may assign as
error the giving or the failure to give an instruction unless he objects
thereto or proposes the requested instruction before the jury retires
to consider its verdict, stating distinctly the matter to which he
objects and the grounds of his objection. Opportunity shall be given
to make the objection out of the hearing of the jury.
(b) All
instructions requested, and modifications thereof, shall be reduced
to writing, numbered, and signed by the party or his attorney asking
the same and filed in the record of the case.
(c) When
either party asks special instructions to be given to the jury, the
Court shall either give such instructions as requested, or positively
refuse to do so; or give the instructions with modification in such
manner that it shall distinctly appear what instructions were given
in whole or part, and in like manner those refused, to that either
party may except to the instructions as asked for, or as modified,
or to the modification, or to the refusal.
(d) All
instructions given by the Court must be numbered, signed by the judge
and filed together with those asked for by the parties as a part of
the record.
Section 735. Uniform Jury Instructions
The Supreme Court, in its discretion, is authorized to promulgate
by rule uniform instructions to be given in jury trials of civil or
criminal actions, which, if applicable in a civil or criminal action,
due regard being given to the facts and prevailing law, shall be used
unless the Court determines that the instruction does not accurately
state the law.
Section 736. Objections to Instructions - Copies to Parties
A party objecting to the giving of instructions, or the refusal thereof,
shall not be required to file a formal bill of exceptions; but it
shall be sufficient to make objection thereto by dictating intro the
record in open Court, out of the hearing of the jury, before the reading
of all instructions, the number of the particular instruction that
was requested, refused, and objected to, or the number of the particular
instruction given by the Court that is expected to. Provided, further,
that the Court shall furnish copies of the instructions to the Plaintiff
and Defendant prior to the time said instructions are given by the
Court.
Section 737. View by Jury
Whenever, in the opinion of the Court, it is proper for the jury to
have a view of the property which is the subject of litigation, or
of the place in which any material fact occurred, it may order them
to be conducted, in a body, under the charge of an officer, to the
place, which shall be shown to them by some person appointed by the
Court for that purpose. While the jury are thus absent, no person,
other than the person so appointed, shall speak to them on any subject
connected with the trial.
Section 738. Deliberations of the Jury
When the case is finally submitted to the jury, they shall retire
for deliberation. When they retire, they must be kept together, in
some convenient place, under charge of an officer, until they agree
upon a verdict or be discharged by the Court, subject to the discretion
of the Court, to permit them to separate temporarily at night, and
at their meals. The officer having them under his charge shall not
suffer any communication to be made to them, or make any himself,
except to ask them if they are agreed upon their verdict, and to communicate
a request by the jury to the Court in open Court, unless by order
of the Court; and he shall not, before their Court is rendered, communicate
to any person the state of their deliberations, or the verdict agreed
upon.
Section 739. Admonition of Jury on Separation
If the jury are permitted to separate, either during the trial or
after the case is submitted to them, they shall be admonished by the
Court that it is their duty not to converse with, or suffer themselves
'that be addressed by, any other person, on any subject of the trial,
and that it is their duty not to form or express an opinion thereon,
until the case is finally submitted to them.
Section 740 Information After Retirement
After the jury have retired for deliberation, if there be a disagreement
between them as to any part of the testimony, or if they desire to
be informed as to any part of the testimony, or if they desire to
be informed as to any part of the law arising in the case, they may
request the officer to conduct them to the Court, where the information
on the point of law shall be given in writing, and the Court may give
its recollections as to the testimony on the point in dispute, or
cause the same to be read by the stenographer or played back on an
electronic recording devise by the reporter in the presence of, or
after notice to, the parties or their Counsel. Upon motion in appropriate
circumstances, the Court may order that other portions of the record
relating to the same issue also be read or played back to the jury
upon the questioned point.
Section 741. When the Jury may be Discharged
The jury may be discharged by the Court on account of the sickness
of a juror, or other accident or calamity requiring their discharge,
or by consent of both parties, or after they have been kept together
until it satisfactorily appears to the Court that there is no probability
of their agreeing.
Section 742. Re-trial
In all cases where the jury are discharged during the trial, or after
the cause is submitted to them, it may be tried again immediately,
or at a future time, as the Court may direct.
Section 743. Proof of Official Record
(a) Authentication.
(1)
Domestic. An official record kept within the United States, or any
Indian Tribal jurisdiction, state, district, commonwealth, territory,
or insular possession thereof, or within the Panama Canal Zone, the
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or the Ryukyu Islands, or
an entry therein, when admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced
by an official publication thereof or by a copy attested by the officer
having the legal custody of the record, or by his deputy, and accompanied
by a certificate that such officer has the custody. The certificate
may be made by a judge of a court of record of the district or political
subdivision in which the record is kept, authenticated by the seal
of the court, or may be made by any public office having a seal of
office and having official duties in the district or political subdivision
in which the record is kept, authenticated by the seal of his office.
(2) Foreign. A foreign official record, or an entry therein, when
admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by an official publication
thereof; or a copy thereof, attested by a person authorized to make
the attestation, and accompanied by a final certification as to the
genuineness of the signature and official position (i) of the attesting
person, or (ii) of any foreign official whose certification of genuineness
of signature and official position related to the attestation or is
in a chain of certificate of genuineness of signature and official
position relating to the attestation. A final certification may be
made by a secretary of embassy or legation, consul general, consul,
vice consul, or consular agent of the United States, or a diplomatic
or consular official of the foreign county assigned or accredited
to the United States. If reasonable opportunity has been given to
all parties to investigate the authenticity and accuracy of the documents,
the Court may, for good cause shown, (i) admit an attested copy without
final certification or (ii) permit the foreign official record to
be evidenced by an attested summary with or without a final certification.
(b) Lack
of Record. A written statement that after diligent search no record
or entry of a specified tenor is found to exist in the records designated
by the statement; authenticated as provided in subdivision (a)(1)
of this Section in the case of a domestic record, or complying with
the requirements of subdivision (a) (2) of this Section for summary
in the case of a foreign record, is admissible as evidence that the
records contain no such record or entry.
(c) Other
Proof. This Section does not prevent the proof of official records
or of entry or lack of entry therein by any other method authorized
by law.
Section 744. Determination of Foreign Law
A party who intends to raise an issue concerning the law of a foreign
jurisdiction shall give notice in his pleadings or other reasonable
written notice. The Court, in determining foreign law, may consider
any relevant material or source, including testimony, whether or not
submitted by a party or admissible under the Tribal Rules of Evidence.
The Court's determination shall be treated as a ruling on a question
of law. The District Court shall take judicial notice of the law of
any foreign jurisdiction within the United States published in an
official publication of that jurisdiction upon reasonable notice of
the law in question. The term "foreign jurisdiction within the United
States" includes every federally recognized Indian Tribe, every state,
territory, or possession of the United States, the United States,
and their political subdivisions and agencies.
Section 745. Appointment and Duties of Masters
(a) Appointment
and Compensation. The District Court with the concurrence of a majority
of all the Judges thereof may appoint one or more standing masters,
and the trial judge, in an appropriate case, may appoint a special
master to act in a particular case. The word "master" includes a referee,
an auditor, and an examiner, a commissioner, and an assessor. The
compensation to be allowed to a master shall be fixed by the Court,
and shall be charged upon such of the parties or paid out of any fund
or subject matter of the action, which is in the custody and control
of the Court as the Court may direct. The master shall not retain
his report as security for his compensation; but when the party ordered
to pay the compensation allowed by the Court does not pay it after
notice and within the time prescribed by the Court, the master is
entitled to a writ of execution against the delinquent party.
(b) Reference.
A reference to a master shall be the exception and not the rule. In
action to be tried by a jury, a reference shall be made only when
the issues are complicated; in actions to be tried without a jury,
savie in matter of account and of difficult computation of damages,
a reference shall be made only upon a showing that some exceptional
condition requires it.
(c) Powers.
The order of reference to the master may specify or limit his powers
and may direct him to report only upon particular issues or to do
or perform particular acts or to receive and report evidence only
and may fix the time and place for beginning and closing the hearings
and for the filing of the master's report. Subject to the specifications
and limitations stated in the order, the master has and shall exercise
the power to regulate all proceedings in every hearing before him
and to do all acts and take all measures necessary or proper for the
efficient performance of his duties under the order. He may require
the production before him of evidence upon all matters embraced in
the reference, including the production of all books, papers, vouchers,
documents, and writings applicable thereto. He may rule upon the admissibility
of evidence unless otherwise directed by the order or reference and
has the authority to put witnesses on oath and may himself examine
them, and may call the parties to the action and examine them upon
oath. When a party so requests, the master shall make a record of
the evidence offered and excluded in the same manner and subject to
the same limitations as provided in Section 732(c) for a Court sitting
without a jury.
(d) Proceedings.
(1)
Meetings. When a reference is made, the clerk shall forthwith furnish
the master with a copy of the order of reference. Upon receipt thereof
unless the order of reference otherwise provides, the master shall
forthwith set a time and place for the first meeting of the parties
or their attorneys to be held within twenty (20) days after the date
of the order of reference and shall notify the parties or their attorneys.
It is the duty of the master to proceed with all reasonable diligence.
Either party, on notice to the parties and master, may apply to the
Court for an order requiring the master to speed the proceedings arid
to make his report. If a party fails to appear at the time and place
appointed, the master may proceed ex parte, or, in his discretion,
adjourn the proceedings to a future day, giving notice to the absent
party of the adjournment.
(2) Witnesses. The parties may procure the attendance of witnesses
before the master by the issuance and service of subpoenas as provided
in Section 222. If without adequate excuse a witness fails to appear
or give evidence, he may be punished as for a contempt and be subjected
to the consequences, penalties, and remedies provided in Section 412(b)
and 222(f).
(3) Statement of Accounts. When matters of accounting are in issue
before the master, he may prescribe the form in which the accounts
shall be submitted and in any proper case may require or receive in
evidence a statement by a certified public accountant who is called
as a witness. Upon objection of a party to any of the items thus submitted
or upon a showing that the form of statement is insufficient, the
master may require a different form of statement to be furnished,
or the accounts or specific items thereof to be proved by oral examination
of the accounting parties or upon written interrogatories or in such
other manner as he directs.
(1)
Content and Filing. The master shall prepare a report upon the matters
submitted to him by the order of reference and, if required to make
findings of fact and conclusions of law, he shall set them forth in
the report. He shall file the report with the clerk of the court and
in an action to be tried without a jury, unless otherwise directed
by the order of reference, shall file with it a transcript of the
proceedings and of the evidence and the original exhibits. The clerk
shall forthwith mail to all parties notice of the filing.
(2) In Non-Jury Actions. In an action to be tried without a jury the
Court shall accept the master's findings of fact unless clearly erroneous.
Within 10 days after being served with notice of the filing of the
report any party may serve written objections thereto upon the other
parties. Application to the Court for action upon the report and upon
objections thereto shall be by motion and upon notice as prescribed
in Section 240 (d). The Court after hearing may adopt the report or
may modify it or may reject it in whole or in party or may receive
further evidence or may recommit it with instructions.
(3) In Jury Actions. In an action to be tried by a jury the master
shall not be directed to report the evidence. His findings upon the
issues submitted to him are admissible as evidence of the matters
found and may be read to the jury, subject to the ruling of the Court
upon any objections in point of law which may be made to the report.
(4) Stipulation as to Findings. The effect of a master's report is
the same whether or not the parties have consented to the reference;
but, when the parties stipulate that a master's findings of fact shall
be final, only questions of law arising upon the report shall thereafter
be considered.
(5) Draft Report. Before filing his report, a master may submit a
draft thereof to counsel for all parties for the purpose of receiving
their suggestions.
SUBCHAPTER
C VERDICT
Section
751. Findings by the Court
(a) Effect.
In all actions tried upon the facts without a jury or with an advisory
jury, the Court shall find the facts specially and state separately
its conclusions of law thereon, and judgment shall be entered pursuant
to Section 907; and in granting or refusing interlocutory injunctions
the Court shall similarly set forth the findings of fact and conclusions
of law which constitute the grounds of its action. Request for findings
are not necessary for purposes of review. Findings of fact shall not
be set aside unless clearly erroneous, and due regard shall be given
to the opportunity of the trial court to judge the credibility of
the witnesses. The findings of a master, to the extent that the Court
adopts them, shall be considered as the findings of the Court. If
an opinion or memorandum of decision is filed, it will be sufficient
if the findings of fact and conclusions of law appear therein. Findings
of fact and conclusions of law are unnecessary on decisions of motions
under Section 112 (b) or Section 121(b).
(b) Amendment.
Upon motion of a party made not later than 10 days after entry of
judgment the Court may amend its findings or make additional findings
and may amend the judgment accordingly. The motion may be made with
a motion for a new trial pursuant to Section 108. When findings of
fact are made in actions tried by the Court without a jury, the question
of the sufficiency of the evidence to support the findings may thereafter
be raised whether or not the party raising the question has made in
the District Court an objection to such findings or has made a motion
to amend them or a motion for judgment.
Section 752. Delivery of Verdict
When the jury have agreed upon their verdict they must be conducted
into Court, and their verdict rendered by their foreman. When the
verdict is announced, either party may require the jury to be polled,
which is done by the Clerk or the court asking each juror if it is
his verdict. If any one answers in the negative, the jury must again
be sent, for further deliberation.
Section 753. Requisites of Verdicts
The verdict shall be written, signed by the foreman and read by the
clerk to the jury, and the inquiry made whether it is their verdict.
If any juror disagrees, the jury must be sent out again; but if no
disagreement be expressed, and neither party requires the jury to
be polled, the verdict is complete and the jury discharged from the
case. If, however, the verdict be defective in form only, the same
may, with the assent of the jury, before they are discharged, be corrected
by the Court.
Section 754. General and Special Verdict
The verdict of a jury is either general or special. A general verdict
is that by which they pronounce generally upon all or any of the issues,
either in favor of the plaintiff or defendant. A special verdict is
that by which the jury finds facts only. It must present the facts
as established by the evidence, and not the evidence to prove them;
and they must be so presented as that nothing remains to the Court
but to draw from them conclusions of law.
Section 755. Special Verdict and Interrogatories
(a) Special
Verdicts. The Court may require a jury to return only a special verdict
in the form of a special written finding upon each issue of fact.
In that event the Court may submit to the jury written questions susceptible
of categorical or other brief answer or may submit written forms of
the several special findings which might properly be made under the
pleadings and evidence; or it may use other method of submitting the
issues and requiring the written findings thereon as it deems most
appropriate. The Court shall give to the jury such explanation and
instruction concerning the matter thus submitted as may be necessary
to enable the jury to make its findings upon each issue. If in so
doing the Court omits any issue of fact raised by the pleadings or
by the evidence, each party waived his right to a trial by jury of
the issue so omitted unless before the jury retires he demand its
submission to the jury. As to an issue omitted without such demand
the Court may make a finding; or, it fails to do so it shall be deemed
to have made a finding in accord with the judgment on the special
verdict.
(b) General
Verdict Accompanied by Answer to Interrogatories. The Court may submit
to the jury, together with appropriate forms for a general verdict,
written interrogatories upon one or more issues of fact the decision
of which is necessary 'to a verdict. The Court shall give such explanation
or instruction as may be necessary to enable the jury both to make
answers to the interrogatories and to render a general verdict, and
the Court shall direct the jury both to make written answers and to
render a general verdict. When the general verdict and the answers
are consistent with each other, judgment shall be entered thereon,
but, when the answers to one or more interrogatories in inconsistent
with the general verdict, judgment may be entered pursuant to Section
907 in accordance with the answers, notwithstanding the general verdict,
or the Court may return the jury for further consideration of its
answers and verdict or may order a new trial. When the answers are
inconsistent with each other and one or more is likewise inconsistent
with the general verdict, judgment shall not be entered, but the Court
shall return the jury for further consideration of its answers and
verdict or shall order a new trial.
Section 756. Jury Must Assess Amount of Recovery
When, by the verdict either party is entitled to recover money of
the adverse party, the jury, in their verdict, must assess the amount
of recovery.
Section 757. Motion for a Directed Verdict and for Judgment Notwithstanding
the Verdict
(a) Motion
for Directed Verdict: When Made; Effect. A party who moves for a directed
verdict at the close of the evidence offered by an opponent may offer
evidence in the event that the motion is not granted, without having
reserved the right so to do and to the same extent as if the motion
had not been made. A motion for a directed verdict which is not granted
is not a waiver of trial by jury even though all parties to the action
have moved for directed verdicts. A motion for directed verdict shall
state the specific grounds therefor. The order of the Court granting
a motion for a directed verdict is effective without any assent of
the jury.
(b) Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict. Whenever a motion
for a directed verdict made at the close of all the evidence is denied
or for any reason is not granted, the Court is deemed to have submitted
the action to the jury subject to a later determination of the legal
questions raised by the motion. Not later than 10 days after entry
of judgment, a party who has moved for a directed verdict may move
to have the verdict and any judgment entered in accordance with his
motion for a directed verdict; or if a verdict was not returned such
party, within 10 days after the jury has been discharged, may move
for judgment in accordance with his motion for a directed verdict.
A motion for a new trial may be joined with this motion, or a new
trial may be prayed for in the alternative. If a verdict was returned
the Court may allow the judgment to stand or may reopen the judgment
and either order a new trial or direct the entry of the judgment as
if the requested verdict had been directed. If no verdict was returned
the Court may direct the entry of judgment as if the requested verdict
had been directed or may order a new trial.
(c) Same:
Conditional Rulings on Grant of Motion.
(1)
If the motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict, provided for
in subsection (b) of this Section, is granted, the Court shall also
rule on the motion for a new trial, if any, by determining whether
it should be granted if the judgment is thereafter vacated or reversed,
and shall specify the grounds for granting or denying the motion for
the new trial. If the motion for a new trial is thus conditionally
granted, the order thereon does not affect the finality of the judgment.
In case the motion for a new trial has been conditionally granted
and the judgment is reversed on appeal, the new trial shall proceed
unless the Supreme Court has otherwise ordered. In case the motion
for a new trial has been conditionally denied, the appellee on appeal
may assert error in that denial; and if the judgment is reversed on
appeal, subsequent proceedings shall be in accordance with the order
of the Supreme Court.
(2) The party whose verdict has been set aside on motion for judgment
notwithstanding the verdict may serve a motion for a new trial pursuant
to Section 908 not later than 10 days after entry of the judgment
notwithstanding the verdict.
(d) Same:
Denial of Motion. If the motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict
is denied, the party who prevailed on that motion may, on appeal,
assert grounds entitling him to a new trial in the event the Supreme
Court concludes that the trial court erred in denying the motion for
judgment notwithstanding the verdict. If the Supreme Court reverses
the judgment, nothing in this Section precludes it from determining
that the appellee is entitled to a new trial, or from directing the
trial court to determine whether a new trial shall be granted.
SUBCHAPTER D MISCELLANEOUS TRIAL PROVISIONS
Section
771. Provisions Applicable to Trials by Court
The provisions of this Chapter respecting trials by jury apply, so
far as they are in their nature applicable, to trials by the Court.
Section 772. Trial Docket
A trial docket shall be made out by the Clerk of the Court, at least
fifteen days before the first day of each jury or non-jury docket
of the Court, and the actions shall be set for particular days in
the order prescribed by the Judge of the Court, and so arranged that
the cases set for each day shall be considered as nearly as may be
on that day. The trial docket shall be promptly mailed by the Clerk
to each party or their attorney of record whose action is placed on
the trial docket.
Section 773. Trial Docket for Bar
The Clerk shall make out a copy of the trial docket for the use of
the bar, before the first day of the docket of the Court and cause
the same to be available to the public.
Section 774. Order of Trial of Cases Docketed
The trial of an issue of fact, and the assessment of damages in any
case, shall be in the order in which they are placed on the trial
docket, unless by the request of the parties with the approval of
the Court, or the order of the Court, they are continued or placed
at the heel of the docket, unless the Court, in its discretion, shall
otherwise direct. The Court may, in its discretion, hear at any time
a motion, and may by rule prescribe the time for hearing motions.
Section 775. Time of Trial
(a) Actions
shall be triable at the first trial docket of the Court, after or
during which the issues therein, by the time fixed for pleading are,
or shall have been made up and discovery completed. When the issues
are made up and discovery completed, or when the defendant has failed
to plead within the time fixed, the cause shall be placed on the trial
docket, and shall stand for trial at such term twenty (20) days after
the issues are made up and discovery completed, and shall, in case
of default, stand for trial forthwith.
(b) The Court shall arrange its business so that two non-jury trial
dockets and two jury trial dockets are completed during each calendar
year, unless the majority of the judges of the Court by order determine
that additional trial dockets are necessary to promptly, dispose of
the cases pending before the Court.
Section 776. Continuances
The trial of an action shall not be continued upon the stipulation
of the parties alone, but may be continued upon order of the Court.
Section 777. Trial by Judicial Panel
(a) The
Supreme Court may provide by rule for the trial of any action in the
District Court by judicial panel in any or all cases when no jury
is allowed by law or demanded by the parties. The judicial panel shall
consist of the presiding judge to~whom the case was assigned, who
shall make all rulings or questions of law during the trial of the
action, and two or more judges, special judges, or magistrates who
shall hear the evidence. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, with
the consent of the majority of the active Judges of the Supreme Curt,
is hereby authorized to freely appoint any person licensed to practice
law before the Court as a Special Judge for the purpose of sitting
upon a judicial panel, and may compensate such person out of the Court
fund reasonable compensation for his services, in an amount not exceeding
the daily rate paid to regular Judges of the Court.
(b) The judicial panel shall jointly, by majority vote, determine
the facts proved by the evidence and the panel shall enter findings
of fact and conclusions of law as in a trial before a single Judge.
(c) In a trial before a judicial panel, the votes of the Judges on
the panel shall not be revealed, but the verdict and judgment shall
be entered in accordance with the panels findings of fact and conclusions
of law.
Section 778. Bifurcated Jury Trials
(a) The
Supreme Court may provide by rule for the bifurcation of any jury
trial in a civil action sounding in tort so that the jury shall first
hear evidence on, and render its verdict upon the issue of liability,
and thereafter hear evidence on and render its verdict upon the issue
of the amount of damages if liability has been found.
(b) In such bifurcated trials, evidence of insurance coverage or similar
agreements by third parties to pay any part or a judgment, and the
nature and extent of such coverage or agreement shall be admissible
and relevant to the issue of damages.
(c) In any such cases not provided for by Court rule, the case may
be determined in bifurcated proceedings as stated in Subsections (a)
and (b) of this Section by stipulation of the parties.
CHAPTER EIGHT - PROVISIONAL AND FINAL REMEDIES AND
SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS
Section
801. Seizure of Person or Property
At the commencement of and during the course of an action, all remedies
providing for seizure of person or property for the purpose of securing
satisfaction of the judgment ultimately to be entered in the action
are available under the circumstances and in the manner provided by
the law of the Tribe, existing at the time the remedy is sought.
Section 802. Receivers Appointed by Tribal Courts
An action wherein a receiver has been appointed shall not be dismissed
except by order of the Court. The practice in the administration of
estates by receivers or by other similar officers appointed by the
Court shall be in accordance with Tribal probate law, or, if none,
then the practice heretofore followed in the courts of the United
States or as provided in rules promulgated by the District Court.
In all other respects the action in which the appointment of a receiver
is sought or which is brought by or against a receiver is governed
by this Act.
Section 803. Deposit in Court
In an action in which any part of the relief sought is a judgment
for a sum of money or the disposition of a sum of money or the disposition
of any other thing capable of delivery, a party, upon notice to every
other party, and by leave of Court, may deposit with the Court all
or any part of such sum or thing. Money paid into Court under this
Section shall be deposited and withdrawn in accordance with tribal
law detailing accounting procedures for the Court Clerk's Office,
and if there be none, then in accordance with the Tribal procedure
for the administration and accounting of federal grant monies, upon
order of the Court.
Section 804. Process in Behalf of and Against Persons no Parties
When an order is made in favor of a person who is not a party to the
action, he may enforce obedience to the order by the same process
as if he were a party; and, when obedience to an order may be lawfully
enforced against a person who is not a party, he is liable to the
same process for enforcing obedience to the order as if he were a
party.
Section 805. Security - Proceedings Against Sureties
Whenever this Act or other Tribal law requires or permits the giving
of security by a party, and security is given in the form of a bond
or stipulation or other undertaking with one or more sureties, each
surety submits himself to the- jurisdiction of the Court and irrevocably
appoints the Clerk of the Court as his agent upon whom any papers
affecting his liability on the bond or undertaking may be served.
His liability may be enforced on motion without the necessity of an
independent action. The motion and such notice of the motion as the
Court prescribes may be served on the Clerk of the Court, who shall
forthwith mail copies to the sureties of their addresses are known.
Any surety
authorized to give a bond or stipulation or other undertaking in either
the Federal courts or the State courts within the State within which
any portion of the tribal jurisdiction lies, and any individual approved
by the Court who resides within the jurisdiction of Tribe (except
officers of the Court or elected Tribal officials) shall be eligible
to give such bond or stipulation, or undertaking in the District Court
under this Act of other Tribal law unless otherwise prohibited by
tribal law.
Section 806. Execution
(a) In
General. Process to enforce a judgment for the payment of money shall
a writ of execution, unless the. Court directs otherwise. In aid of
the judgment or execution, the judgment creditor or his successor
in interest when that interest appears of record, may obtain discovery
from any person, including the judgment debtor, in the manner provided
in this Act.
(b) Against Certain Public Officers. When a judgment otherwise authorized
has been entered against a collector or other officer of revenue of
the Tribe or against an officer, or employee, or agency of the Tribe
in their official capacity; or if judgment is entered against an individual
in his personal capacity who purported to act as an officer or employee
of the Tribe, and the Court has given certificate of probable cause
for his act wherein the Court determines that the individual had probable
cause to believe that his action was authorized by the Tribe in his
official capacity, execution shall not issue against the officer or
his property but the final judgment shall be satisfied as may be provided
by appropriation of such judgment (or such part thereof as the legislative
body of the Tribe deems permissible considering the extent of available
tribal resources) from available tribal funds. This section is not
intended, nor shall it be construed, as a waiver of sovereign immunity.
SUBCHAPTER A INJUNCTIONS
Section
811. Injunction Defined
The injunction provided for by this Chapter is a command to refrain
from or to do a particular act for the benefit of another. It may
be the final judgment in an action, or may be allowed as a provisional
remedy, and when so allowed, it shall be by order.
Section 812. Cause for Injunction - Temporary Restraining Order
When it appears, by the verified complaint or an affidavit that the
plaintiff is entitled to the relief demanded, and such relief, or
any part thereof, consists in restraining the commission or continuance
of some act, the commission or continuance of which, during the litigation,
would produce injury to the plaintiff; or when, during the litigation,
it appears that the defendant is doing, or threatens, or is about
to do, or is procuring or suffering to be done, some act in violation
of the plaintiffs rights respecting the subject of the action, and
tending to render the judgment ineffectual, a temporary restraining
order and preliminary injunction may be granted to restrain such act.
And when, during the pendency of an action, it shall appear, by affidavit
or proof, that the defendant threatens or is about to remove or dispose
of his property with intent to defraud his creditors, or to render
the judgment ineffectual, a temporary restraining order and preliminary
injunction may be granted to restrain such removal or disposition.
It may, also, be granted in any case where it is specially authorized
by statute.
Section 813. Temporary Restraining Order; Notice; Hearing; Duration
A temporary restraining order may be, granted after commencement of
the action without written or oral notice to the adverse party or
his attorney only if:
(a) it
clearly appears from specific facts shown by affidavit or by the verified
complaint that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will
result to the applicant before the adverse party or his attorney can
be heard in opposition, and
(b) the applicant's attorney certifies to the Court in writing the
efforts, if any, which have been made to give the notice and the reasons
supporting has claim that notice should not be required.
Temporary
restraining orders should not be granted except in cases of extreme
urgency. Every temporary restraining order granted without notice
shall be indorsed with the date and hour of issuance; shall be filed
forthwith in the clerk's office and entered of record; shall define
the injury and state why it is irreparable and why the order was granted
without notice; and shall expire by its terms within such time after
entry, not to exceed 10 days, as the Court fixes, unless within the
time so fixed the order, for good cause shown, is extended for like
period or unless the party against whom the order is directed consents
that it may be extended for a longer period. The reasons for the extension
shall be entered of record. In case a temporary restraining order
is granted without notice, the motion for a preliminary injunction
shall be set down for hearing at the earliest possible time and take
precedence of all matters except older matters of the same character;
and when the motion comes on for hearing the party who obtained the
temporary restraining order shall proceed with the application for
a preliminary injunction and, if he does not do so, the Court shall
dissolve the temporary restraining order. On two (2) day's notice
to the party who obtained the temporary restraining order without
notice or on such shorter notice to that party as the Court may prescribe,
the adverse party may appear and move its dissolution or modification
and in that event the Court shall proceed to hear and determine such
motion as expeditiously as the ends of justice require.
Section 814. Temporary Restraining Order - Service
Temporary restraining orders shall be served in the same manner as
provided for service of the summons and complaint.
Section 815. Preliminary Injunction
(a) Notice.
No preliminary injunction shall be issued without notice to the adverse
party. Notice may be in the form of an order to appear at a designated
time and place and show cause why a proposed preliminary injunction
should not be issued, or in such form as the Court shall direct. The
burden of showing the criteria for issuance of a preliminary injunction
remains with the removing party.
(b) Consolidation of Hearing With Trial on Merits. Before or after
the commencement of the hearing of an application for a preliminary
injunction, the court may order the trial of the action on the merits
to be advanced and consolidated with the hearing of the application.
Even when this consolidation is not ordered, any evidence received
upon an application for a preliminary injunction which would be admissible
upon the trial on the merits becomes part of the record on the trial
and need not be repeated upon the trial. This Subsection shall be
so construed and applied as to save to the parties any rights they
may have to trial by jury.
Section 816. Preliminary Injunction Criteria
Unless a statue of the Tribe provides specifically for preliminary
injunctive relief upon a showing of particular circumstances, no preliminary
injunction shall be granted unless upon hearing the evidence presented
by the parties the Court determines that:
(a) There is a substantial likelihood that the moving party will eventually
prevail on the merits of their claim for a permanent injunction or
other relief, and
(b) The moving party will suffer irreparable injury unless the preliminary
injunction issues. Irreparable injury means an injury which cannot
be adequately remedied by a judgment for money damages, and
(c) The threatened injury to the moving party outweighs whatever damage
or injury the proposed preliminary injunction may cause the opposing
party, and
(d) The preliminary injunction, if issued, would not be adverse to
the public interest, and would not violate the public policy of the
Tribe or the United States.
Section 817. Form and Scope of Injunction or Restraining Order
Every order granting an injunction and every restraining order shall
set forth the reasons for its issuance; shall be specific in terms;
shall describe in reasonable detail, and not by reference to the complaint
or other document, the act or acts sought to be restrained; and is
binding only upon the parties to the action, their officers, agents,
servants, employees, and attorneys, arid upon those persons in active
concert or participation with them who receive actual notice of the
order by personal service or otherwise.
Section 818. Employer and Employee; Interpleader; Constitutional Cases
This Subchapter does not modify any statute of the Tribe relating
to temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions in actions
affecting employer and employee; or relating to preliminary injunctions
in actions of interpleader or in the nature of interpleader; or any
other case where temporary restraining orders or preliminary injunctions
are expressly authorized or prohibited upon certain express terms
or conditions.
Section 819. Security
(a) No restraining order or preliminary injunction shall issue except
upon the giving of security by the applicant, in such sum as the Court
deems proper, for the payment of such costs, damages, and a reasonable
attorney fee as may be incurred or suffered by any part who is found
to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained. No such security shall
be required of the Tribe or of an officer or agency thereof.
(b) The provisions of Section 805 apply to a surety upon a bond or
undertaking under this Section.
(c) A party enjoined by a preliminary injunction may, at any time
before final judgment, upon reasonable notice to the party who has
obtained the preliminary injunction, move the Court for additional
security, and if it appear that the surety in the undertaking has
removed from the Tribal jurisdiction, or is insufficient, the Court
may vacate the preliminary injunction unless sufficient surety be
given in a reasonable time upon such terms as may be just and equitable.
Section 820. Use of Affidavits
On the hearing for a restraining order or preliminary injunction,
each party may submit affidavits which shall be filed as a part of
the record.
Section 821. Injunction by Defendant
A defendant may obtain a temporary restraining order or preliminary
injunction upon filing his answer containing an appropriate counterclaim.
He shall proceed in the manner herein before prescribed.
Section 822. Injunction is Equitable
Relief by way of a restraining order, preliminary, or permanent injunction
is of equitable cognizance and shall be issued or refused in the sound
discretion of the Court. Relief by way of injunction shall be denied
where the moving party may be adequately compensated for his injuries
in money damages. The District Court shall not enjoin the enforcement
of the Tribal tax laws or the collection of tribal taxes except to
the extent that such relief is specifically provided for in those
tax laws. No injunction shall issue to control the discretion or action
of a Governmental officer or employee when such officer or employee
has been delegated the authority to exercise his discretion in determining
how to act upon the subject matter, and is acting or refusing to act
in a manner not prohibited by tribal law or the Indian Civil Rights
Act.
Section 823. Modification of Preliminary Injunction
If the preliminary injunction be granted, the defendant, at any time
before the trial, may apply, upon notice, to the Court to vacate or
modify the same. The application may be made upon the complaint and
affidavits upon which the injunction is granted, or upon affidavits
on the part of the party enjoined, with or without answer. The order
of the judge, allowing, dissolving or modifying an injunction, shall
be returned to the office of the clerk of the Court and recorded.
Section 824. Modification of Permanent Injunction
A final judgment containing a permanent injunction may be modified
or dissolved by separate action upon a showing that the facts and
circumstances have changed to the extent that the injunction is no
longer just and equitable, or that the injunction is no longer needed
to protect the rights of the parties.
Section 825. Injunctions Tried to the Court
All injunctive actions shall be tried to the Court and not to a jury
unless the Court orders an advisory jury pursuant to Section 704(c)
of this Act.
Section 826. Enforcement of Restraining Orders and Injunctions
A restraining order of injunction granted by a Judge may be enforced
as the act of the Court. Disobedience of any injunction may be punished
as a contempt, by the Court or any Judge who might have granted it.
An attachment may be issued by the Court of Judge, upon being satisfied,
by affidavit or testimony, of the breach of the injunction, against
the party guilty of the same, who may be required to make immediate
restitution to the party injured, and give further security to obey
the injunction; or, in default thereof, he may be committed to close
custody, until he shall fully comply with such requirements, or be
otherwise legally discharged, or be punished by fine not exceeding
Two Hundred Dollars ($200.00) for each day of, or separate act of,
contempt, to be paid into the Court fund, or by confinement in the
Tribal jail for not longer than sixty (60) days.
SUBCHAPTER B REPLEVIN
Section
831. Order of Delivery - Procedure
(a) The
plaintiff in an action to recover the possession of specific personal
property may claim the delivery of the property at the commencement
of suit, as provided herein.
(1)
The complaint must allege facts which show:
(i)
a description of the property claimed,
(ii)
that the plaintiff is the owner of the property or has a special
ownership or interest therein, stating the facts in relation thereto,
and that he is entitled to the immediate possession of the property,
(iii)
that the property is wrongfully detained by the defendant,
(iv)
the actual value of the property, provided that when several articles
are claimed, the value of each shall be stated as nearly as practicable,
(v)
that the property was not taken in execution on any order or judgment
against said plaintiff, or for the payment of any tax, fine or
amercement assessed against him, or by virtue of an order of delivery
issued under this Act, or any other mesne or final process issued
against said plaintiff; or, if taken in execution or on any order
or judgment against the plaintiff, that it is exempt by law from
being so taken, and,
(2)
The above allegations are verified by the party or, when the facts
are within the personal knowledge of his agent or attorney and this
is shown in the verification, by said agent or attorney.
(3)
A notice shall be issued by the Clerk and served on the defendant
with the summons which shall notify the defendant that an order of
delivery of the property described in the complaint is sought and
that the defendant may object to the issuance of such an order by
a written objection which is filed with the Clerk and delivered or
mailed to the plaintiff s attorney within five (5) days of the service
of the summons. I n the event that no written objection is filed within
the five-day period, no hearing is necessary and the Court Clerk shall
issue the order of delivery. Should a written objection be filed within
the five-day period specified, the Court shall, at the request of
either party, set the matter for prompt hearing. At such hearing the
Court shall proceed to determine whether the order for pre-judgment
delivery of the property should issue according to the probable merit
of the plaintiff's complaint. Provided, however, that no order of
delivery may be issued until an undertaking has been executed pursuant
to Section 833 of this Act.
(4)
Nothing in this Act contained shall prohibit a party from waiving
his right to a hearing or from voluntarily delivering the goods to
the party seeking them before the commencement of the proceedings
at any time after institution thereof.
(b) Where
the notice that is required by subsection (a) of this Section cannot
be served on the defendant but the Judge finds that a reasonable effort
to serve him was made and at the hearing the plaintiff has shown the
probable truth of the allegations in his complaint, the Court may
issue an order for the pre-judgment delivery of the property. If an
order for the pre-judgment delivery of the property is issued without
actual notice being given the defendant, the defendant may move to
have said order dissolved and if he does not have possession of the
property, for a return of the property. Notice of the right to move
for return of said property which shall be served upon the defendant
or left in a conspicuous place where the property was seized, and
the Chief of the Tribal Police shall hold said property in such cases
for three (3) working days prior to delivery to the plaintiff in order
to give the defendant a reasonable opportunity to move for the return
of such property. Notice of said motion with the date of the hearing
shall be served upon the attorney for the plaintiff in the action.
The motion shall be heard promptly, and in any case within ten (10)
days after the date it is filed. The Court must grant the motion unless,
at the hearing on defendant's motion, the plaintiff proves the probable
truth of the allegations contained in his complaint. If said motion
and notice filed before the Chief of the Tribal Police turns the property
over to the plaintiff, the Chief of the Tribal Police shall retain
control of the property pending the hearing on the motion.
(c) The Court may, on request of the plaintiff, order the defendant
not to conceal, damage or destroy the property or a part thereof and
not to remove the property or a part thereof from the tribal jurisdiction
pending the hearing on plaintiff's request for an order for the pre-judgment
delivery of the property, and said order may be served with the summons.
Section 832. Penalty for Damage of Property Subject to Order of Delivery
Any person who willfully and knowingly damages property in which there
exists a valid right to issuance of an order of delivery, or on which
such order has been sought under the provisions of this Act, or who
conceals it, with the intent to interfere with enforcement of the
order, or who removes it from the jurisdiction of the Court with the
intention of defeating enforcement of an order of delivery, or who
willfully refuses to disclose its location to an officer charged with
executing an order for its delivery, or, if such property is in his
possession, willfully interferes with the officer charged with executing
such writ, may be held in civil contempt of Court, and shall be guilty
of an offense, and if convicted of such offense shall be subject to
a fine of not more than five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) and imprisonment
for a term of not more than six (6) months, or both; and, in addition
to such civil and criminal penalties, shall be liable to the plaintiff
for double the amount of damage done to the property together with
a reasonable attorney's fee to be fixed by the Court, which damages
and fee shall be deemed bases on tortious conduct and enforced accordingly.
Section 833. Undertaking in Replevin
The order shall not be issued until there has been executed by one
or more sufficient sureties of the plaintiff, to be approved by the
Court, an undertaking in not less than double the value of the property
as stated in the complaint to the effect that the plaintiff shall
duly prosecute the action, and pay all costs and damages which may
be awarded against him, including attorney's fees and, if the property
be delivered to him, that he will return the same to the defendant
if a return be adjudged; provided, that where the Tribe or its agents
or subdivisions is party plaintiff, an undertaking in replevin shall
not be required of the plaintiff, but a writ shall issue upon complaint
duly filed as provided by law. The undertaking shall be filed with
the Clerk of the Court, and shall be subject to the provisions of
Section 805 of this Act.
Section 834. Replevin Bond - Value
On application of either party which is made at the time of executing
the replevin bond or the re-delivery bond, or at a later date, with
notice to the adverse party, the Court may hold a hearing to determine
the value of the property which the plaintiff seeks to replevy. If
the value as determined by the Court is different from that stated
in the complaint, the value as determined by the Court shall control
for the purpose of Sections 833 and 838 of this Act.
Section 835 Order of Delivery
The order for the delivery of the property to the plaintiffs shall
be addressed and delivered to the Chief of the Tribal Police. It shall
state the names of the parties, the Court in which the action is brought,
and command the chief of the Tribal Police to take the property, describing
it, and deliver it to the plaintiff as prescribed in this Act, and
to make return of the order on a day to be named therein.
Section 836. Order Returnable
The return day of the order of delivery, when issued at the commencement
of the suit, shall be the same as that of the summons; when issued
afterwards, it shall be ten days after it is issued.
Section 837. Execution of Order
The Chief of the Tribal Police shall execute the order by taking the
property therein mentioned. He shall also deliver a copy of the order
to the person charged with the unlawful detainer of the property,
or leave such copy at his usual place of residence, or at the place
such property was seized.
Section 838. Redelivery on Bond
If, within three working days after service of the copy of the order,
there is executed by one or more sufficient sureties of the defendant,
to be approved by the Court or the Chief of the Tribal Police, an
undertaking to the plaintiff, in not less than double the amount of
the value of the property as stated in the affidavit of the plaintiff,
to the effect that the defendant will deliver the property to the
plaintiff, if such delivery be adjudged, and will pay all costs and
damages that may be awarded against him, the Chief of the Tribal Police
shall return the property to the defendant. If such undertaking be
not given within three working days after service of the order, the
Chief of the Tribal Police shall deliver the property to the plaintiff.
Section 839. Excepti
|