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Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

 


Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Tribal Code
Civil Procedure
Chapter Nine. Judgment

 

Section 901. Judgments--Costs

(a) Definition; Form. “Judgment” as used in this Title includes a final determination of the rights of the parties in an action, including those determined by a decree and any order from which an appeal lies. A judgment shall not contain a recital of pleadings, the report of a master, or the record of prior proceedings.

(b) Judgment Upon Multiple Claims or Involving Multiple Parties. When more than one claim for relief is presented in an action, whether as a claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or third-party claim, or when multiple parties are involved, the Court may direct the entry of a final judgment as to one or more but fewer than all of the claims or parties only upon an express determination that there are no just reasons for delay and upon an express direction for the entry of judgment. In the absence of such determination and direction, any order or other form of decision, however designated, which adjudicates fewer than all the claims, or rights and liabilities of fewer than all of the parties shall not terminate the action as to any of the claims or parties, and the order or other form of decision is subject to revision at anytime before the entry of judgment adjudicating all the claims and the rights and liabilities of all the parties.

(c) Demand for Judgment; Default. A judgment by default shall not be different in kind from or exceed in amount that prayed for in the demand for judgment. Except as to a party against whom a judgment is entered by default, every final judgment shall grant the relief to which the party in whose favor it is rendered is entitled, even if the party has not demanded such relief is his pleadings.

(d) Costs. Except when express provision therefor is made either in a statute of the Tribe or in this Title, costs shall be allowed as of course to the prevailing party unless the Court otherwise directs; but costs, including attorney fees and statutory authorization for collection of damages or requirement for bonds or undertakings, against the Tribe, its officers, and agencies shall be imposed only to the extent specifically permitted by Tribal law. A general statement in this Title that such are payable by a party or by the plaintiff or defendant is not authority to impose such costs, damages, or requirements upon the Tribe, its officers, and agencies. Costs may be taxed by the clerk on one (1) day's notice. On motion served within ten (10) days thereafter, the action of the clerk may be reviewed by the Court.

(e) Applied to Probate Proceedings. A judgment shall be considered a lawful debt in all proceedings held by the Department of the Interior or by the Tribal District Court in the distribution of decedent's estates.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 901, AST CIV PRO Code Section 901



 

Section 902. Default

(a) Entry. When a party against whom a judgment for affirmative relief is sought has failed to plead or otherwise defend as provided by this Title and that fact is made to appear by affidavit or otherwise, the clerk shall enter his default.

(b) Judgment. Judgment by default may be entered as follows:

(1) By the clerk. When the plaintiff's claims against a defendant is for a sum certain or for a sum which can, by computation, be made certain, the clerk upon request of the plaintiff and upon affidavit of the amount due shall enter judgment for that amount and costs against the defendant, if he has been defaulted for failure to appear and if he is not an infant or incompetent person.

(2) By the Court. In all other cases the party entitled to a judgment by default shall apply to the Court therefor; but no judgment by default shall be entered against an infant or incompetent person unless represented in the action by a general guardian, committee, conservator, or other such representative who has appeared therein. If the party against whom judgment by default is sought has appeared in the action, he (or, if appearing by representative, his representative) shall be served with written notice of the application for judgment at least three (3) days prior to the hearing on such application. If, in order to enable the Court to enter judgment or to carry it into effect, it is necessary to take an account or to determine the amount of damages or to establish the truth of any averment by evidence or to make an investigation of any other matter, the Court may conduct such hearings or order such references as it deems necessary and proper and shall accord a right of trial by jury to the parties when and as required by any statute of the Tribe.

(c) Setting Aside Default. For good cause shown the Court may set aside an entry of default and, if a judgment by default has been entered, may likewise set it aside in accordance with Section 909(b).

(d) Plaintiff, Counterclaimants, Cross-Claimants. The provisions of this Section apply whether the party entitled to the judgment by default is a plaintiff, a third-party plaintiff, or a party who has pleaded a cross-claim or counterclaim. In all cases a judgment by default is subject to the limitations of Section 901(c).

(e) Judgment Against the Tribe. No judgment by default may be entered against the Tribe, their officers, or agencies unless sixty (60) days written notice has been served upon the Chief Executive Officer and the Tribal Legislative Authority. If during such sixty (60)-day period the Tribe are without counsel, and the Tribe have submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs an attorney contract for approval, no default may be entered until thirty (30) days after approval of the contract. During such period, the Tribe, their agencies, or officers shall be allowed to cure any default. No judgment by default shall be entered against the Tribe, their agencies, or officers in any case unless the claimant establishes his claim or right to relief, including his authority to bring the suit, and his damages by evidence satisfactory to the Court.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 902, AST CIV PRO Code Section 902



Section 903. Offer of Judgment

At any time more than ten (10) days before the trial begins, a party defending against a claim may serve upon the adverse party an offer to allow judgment to be taken against him for the money or property or to the effect specified in his offer, with costs then accrued. If within ten (10) days after the service of the offer the adverse party serves written notice that the offer is accepted, either party may then file the offer and notice of acceptance together with proof of service thereof and thereupon the clerk shall enter judgment. An offer not accepted shall be deemed withdrawn and evidence thereof is not admissible except in a proceeding to determine costs. If the judgment finally obtained by the offeree is not more favorable than the offer, the offeree must pay the costs incurred after the making of the offer. The fact that an offer is made but not accepted does not preclude a subsequent offer. When the liability of one party to another has been determined by verdict or order or judgment, but the amount or extent of the liability, or both, remains to be determined by further proceedings, the party adjudged liable may make an offer of judgment, which shall have the same effect as an offer made before trial if it is served within a reasonable time not less than ten (10) days prior to the commencement of hearings to determine the amount or extent of liability.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 903, AST CIV PRO Code Section 903



Section 904. Judgment for Specific Acts--Vesting Title

If a judgment directs a party to execute a conveyance of land or to deliver deeds or other documents or to perform any other specific act and the party fails to comply within the time specified, the Court may direct the act to be done at the cost of the disobedient party by some other person appointed by the Court and the act when so done has like effect as if done by the party. On application of the party entitled to performance, the clerk shall issue a writ of attachment or sequestration against the property of the disobedient party to compel obedience to the judgment. The Court may also in proper cases adjudge the party in contempt. If real or personal property is within the tribal jurisdiction, and the interest in said property at issue in the action is not held in trust by the United States as Indian lands, the Court in lieu of directing a conveyance of that interest may enter a judgment divesting the interest from any party and vesting it in others and such judgment has the effect of a conveyance executed in due form of law. When any order or judgment is for the delivery of possession, the party in whose favor it is entered is entitled to a writ of execution or assistance upon application.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 904, AST CIV PRO Code Section 904



Section 905. Summary Judgment

(a) For Claimant. A party seeking to recover upon a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim or to obtain a declaratory judgment may, at any time after the expiration of twenty (20) days from the commencement of the action or after service of a motion for summary judgment by the adverse party, move with or without supporting affidavits for a summary judgment in his favor upon all or any part thereof.

(b) For Defending Party. A party against whom a claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim is asserted or a declaratory judgment is sought may, at any time, move with or without supporting affidavits for a summary judgment in his favor as to all or any part thereof.

(c) Motion and Proceedings Thereon. The motion shall be served at least ten (10) days before the time fixed for the hearing. The adverse party prior to the day of hearing may serve opposing affidavits. The judgment sought shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. A summary judgment, interlocutory in character, may be entered on the issue of liability alone although there is a genuine issue as to the amount of damages.

(d) Case Not Fully Adjudicated on Motion. If on motion under this section judgment is not rendered upon the whole case or for all the relief asked and a trial is necessary, the Court at the hearing of the motion, by examining the pleadings and the evidence before it and by interrogating counsel, shall if practicable ascertain what material facts exist without substantial controversy and what material facts are actually and in good faith controverted. It shall thereupon make an order specifying the facts that appear without substantial controversy, including the extent to which the amount of damages or other relief is not in controversy, and directing such further proceedings in the action as are just. Upon the trial of the action the facts so specified shall be deemed established, and the trial shall be conducted accordingly.

(e) Form of Affidavits; Further Testimony; Defense Required. Supporting and opposing affidavits shall be made on personal knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated therein. Sworn or certified copies of all papers or parts thereof referred to in an affidavit shall be attached thereto or served therewith. The Court may permit affidavits to be supplemented or opposed by depositions, answers to interrogatories, or further affidavits. When a motion for summary judgment is made and supported as provided in this section, an adverse party may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of his pleading, but his response, by affidavits or as otherwise provided in this section, must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. If he does not so respond, summary judgment, if appropriate, shall be entered against him.

(f) When Affidavits are Unavailable. Should it appear from the affidavits of a party opposing the motion that he cannot for reasons stated present by affidavit facts essential to justify his opposition, the Court may refuse the application for judgment or may order a continuance to permit affidavits to be obtained or depositions to be taken or discovery to be had or may make such other order as is just.

(g) Affidavits Made in Bad Faith. Should it appear to the satisfaction of the Court at any time that any of the affidavits presented pursuant to this Section are presented in bad faith or solely for the purpose of delay, the Court shall forthwith order the party employing them to pay to the other party the amount of the reasonable expenses which the filing of the affidavits caused him to incur, including reasonable attorney's fees, and any offending party or attorney may be adjudged guilty of contempt.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 905, AST CIV PRO Code Section 905



Section 906. Declaratory Judgments

The procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment in actions arising in equity, or through contract, or pursuant to any specific Tribal law authorizing a declaratory judgment, shall be in accordance with this Title, and the right to trial by jury may be demanded under the circumstances and in the manner provided in Sections 703 and 704. The existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a judgment for declaratory relief in cases where it is appropriate. The Court may order a speedy hearing of an action for a declaratory judgment and may advance it on the calendar.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 906, AST CIV PRO Code Section 906



Section 907. Entry of Judgment

(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 901(b), the Court shall promptly approve the form of the judgment, and the clerk shall thereupon enter it:

(1) upon a general verdict of a jury, or upon a decision by the Court that a party shall recover only a sum certain or costs or that all relief shall be denied, the clerk, unless the Court otherwise orders, shall forthwith prepare, sign, and enter the judgment without awaiting any direction by the Court,

(2) upon a decision by the Court granting other relief, or upon a special verdict or a general verdict accompanied by answers to interrogatories.

(b) Every judgment shall be set forth on a separate document. A judgment is effective only when so set forth and when entered in the civil docket book. Entry of the judgment shall not be delayed for the taxing of costs. Attorneys shall not submit forms of judgment except upon direction of the Court.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 907, AST CIV PRO Code Section 907



Section 908. New Trials--Amendments of Judgments

(a) Grounds. A new trial is a re-examination in the same Court, of an issue of fact, or of law, or both and may be granted to all or any of the parties and on all or part of the issues for any of the following reasons:

(1) Irregularity in the proceedings of the Court, jury, referee, or prevailing party, or any order of the Court or referee, or abuse of discretion, by which the party was prevented from having a fair trial, or

(2) Misconduct of the jury or prevailing party, or

(3) Accident or surprise, which ordinary prudence could not have guarded against, or

(4) Excessive or inadequate damages, appearing to have been given under the influence of passion or prejudice, or

(5) Error in the assessment of the amount of recovery, whether too large or too small, where the action is upon a contract, or for the injury or detention of property, or

(6) That the verdict, report, or decision is not sustained by sufficient evidence, or is contrary to law, or

(7) Newly-discovered evidence, material for the party applying, which he could not, with reasonable diligence, have discovered and produced at the trial, or

(8) Error of law occurring at the trial, and objected to by the party making the application, or

(9) When, without fault of the complaining party, it becomes impossible to make a record sufficient for appeal.

On a motion for a new trial in an action tried without a jury, the Court may open the judgment if one has been entered, take additional testimony, amend findings of fact and conclusions, and direct the entry of a new judgment.

(b) Time for Motion. A motion for a new trial shall be served not later than ten (10) days after the entry of the judgment, except that a motion based upon newly discovered evidence shall be made within one (1) year from the date of the judgment.

(c) Time for Serving Affidavits. When a motion for new trial is based upon affidavits they shall be served with the motion. The opposing party has ten (10) days after such service within which to serve opposing affidavits, which period may be extended for an additional period not exceeding twenty (20) days either by the Court for good cause shown or by the parties by written stipulation. The Court may permit reply affidavits.

(d) On Initiative of Court. Not later than ten (10) days after entry of judgment the Court of its own initiative may order a new trial for any reasons for which it might have granted a new trial on motion of a party. After giving the parties notice and an opportunity to be heard on the matter, the Court may grant a motion for a new trial, timely served, for a reason not stated in the motion. In either case, the Court shall specify in the order the grounds therefor.

(e) Motion to Alter or Amend a Judgment. A motion to alter or amend the judgment shall be served not later than ten (10) days after entry of the judgment.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 908, AST CIV PRO Code Section 908



Section 909. Relief From Judgment or Order

(a) Clerical Mistakes. Clerical mistakes in judgments, orders or other parts of the record and errors therein arising from oversight or omission may be corrected by the Court at any time of its own initiative or on the motion of any party and after such notice, if any, as the Court orders. During the pendency of an appeal, such mistakes may be so corrected before the appeal is docketed in the Supreme Court, and thereafter while the appeal is pending may be so corrected with leave of the Supreme Court.

(b) Mistakes; Inadvertence; Excusable Neglect; Newly Discovered Evidence; Fraud, etc. On motion and upon such terms as are just, the Court may relieve a party or his legal representative from a final judgment, order, or proceeding for the following reasons: (1) mistake, inadvertence, surprise, or excusable neglect; (2) newly discovered evidence which by due diligence could not have been discovered in time to move for a new trial under Section 908(b); (3) fraud (whether denominated intrinsic or extrinsic), misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party; (4) the judgment is void; (5) the judgment has been satisfied, released, or discharged, or a prior judgment upon which it is based has been reversed or otherwise vacated, or it is no longer equitable that the judgment should have prospective application; or (6) any other reason justifying relief from the operation of the judgment. The motion shall be made within a reasonable time, and for reasons (1), (2), and (3) not more than one year after the judgment, order, or proceeding was entered or taken. A motion under this subsection (b) does not affect the finality of a judgment or suspend its operation. This section does not limit the power of a Court to entertain an independent action to relieve a party from a judgment, order, or proceeding, or to grant relief to a defendant not actually personally notified of the proceedings, or to set aside a judgment for fraud upon the Court. Writs of coram nobis, coram vobis, audita querela, and bills of review and bills in the nature of a bill of review, are abolished, and the procedure for obtaining any relief from a judgment shall be by motion as prescribed in this Title or by an independent action.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 909, AST CIV PRO Code Section 909



Section 910. Harmless Error

No error in either the admission or the exclusion of evidence and no error or defect in any ruling or order or in anything done or omitted by the Court or by any of the parties is ground for granting a new trial or for setting aside a verdict or for vacating, modifying or otherwise disturbing a judgment or order, unless refusal to take such action appears to the Court inconsistent with substantial justice. The Court at every stage of the proceeding must disregard any error or defect in the proceeding which does not affect the substantial rights of the parties.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 910, AST CIV PRO Code Section 910



Section 911. Stay of Proceedings to Enforce a Judgment

(a) Automatic Stay; Exceptions-Injunctions, Receiverships, and Patent Accountings. Except as stated in this Title, no execution shall issue upon a judgment nor shall proceedings be taken for its enforcement until the expiration of ten (10) days after its entry. Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, an interlocutory or final judgment in an action for an injunction or in a receivership action, or a judgment or order directing an accounting, shall not be stayed during the period after its entry and until an appeal is taken or during the pendency of an appeal. The provisions of subsection (c) of this Section govern the suspending, modifying, restoring, or granting of an injunction during the pendency of an appeal.

(b) Stay on Motion for New Trial or for Judgment. In its discretion and on such conditions for the security of the adverse party as are proper, the Court may stay the execution of or any proceedings to enforce a judgment pending the deposition of a motion for a new trial or to alter or amend a judgment made pursuant to Section 908, or of a motion or relief from a judgment or order made pursuant to Section 909, or of a motion for judgment in accordance with a motion for a directed verdict made pursuant to Section 757, or of a motion for amendment to the findings or for additional findings made pursuant to Section 751(b).

(c) Injunction Pending Appeal. When an appeal is taken from an interlocutory or final judgment granting, dissolving, or denying an injunction, the Court in its discretion may suspend, modify, restore, or grant an injunction during the pendency of the appeal upon such terms as to bond or otherwise as it considers proper for the security of the rights of the adverse party.

(d) Stay Upon Appeal. When an appeal is taken the appellant by giving a supersedeas bond may obtain a stay subject to the exceptions contained in subsection (a) of this section. The bond may be given at or after the time of filing the notice of appeal or of procuring the order allowing the appeal, as the case may be. The stay is effective when the supersedeas bond is approved by the Court.

(e) Stay in Favor of the Tribe or Agency Thereof. When an appeal is taken by the Tribe or an officer or agency thereof or by direction of any department of the Government of the Tribe, the operation or enforcement of the judgment is stayed, no bond, obligation, or other security shall be required from the appellant.

(f) Power of the Supreme Court Not Limited. The provisions in this section do not limit any power of the Supreme Court or of a judge or justice thereof to stay proceedings during the pendency of an appeal or to suspend, modify, restore, or grant an injunction during the pendency of an appeal or to make any order appropriate to preserve the status quo or the effectiveness of the judgment subsequently to be entered.

(g) Stay of Judgment as to Multiple Claims or Multiple Parties. When the Court has ordered a final judgment under the conditions stated in Section 901(b), the Court may stay enforcement of that judgment until the entering of a subsequent judgment or judgments and may prescribe such conditions as are necessary to secure the benefit thereof to the party in whose favor the judgment is entered.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 911, AST CIV PRO Code Section 911



Section 912. Disability of a Judge

If by reason of death, sickness, or other disability, a judge before whom an action has been tried is unable to perform the duties to be performed by the Court under this Title after a verdict is returned or findings of fact and conclusions of law are filed, then any other judge regularly sitting in or assigned to the Court in which the action was tried may perform those duties; but if such other judge is satisfied that he cannot perform those duties because he did not preside at the trial or for any other reason, he may in his discretion grant a new trial.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 912, AST CIV PRO Code Section 912



Section 913. Reserved

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 913, AST CIV PRO Code Section 913



Section 914. Judgment Against Infant

It shall not be necessary to reserve in a judgment or order the right of a minor to show cause against it after his attaining full age; but in any case in which such reservation would be proper, the minor, within two (2) years after arriving at the age of eighteen (18) years, may show cause against such order or judgment.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 914, AST CIV PRO Code Section 914



Section 915. Judgments as Liens

Judgments of the Tribal Court and the Courts of the United States shall be liens on real estate of the judgment debtor within the tribal jurisdiction from and after the time a certified copy of such judgment has been filed in the Court Clerk's land tract records book. A five dollar ($5.00) fee shall be collected for each requested filing in the land tract records book. No judgment whether rendered by the Tribal Court or a Court of the United States shall be a lien on the real estate of a judgment debtor until it has been filed in this manner. Execution shall be issued only by the Tribal Court.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 915, AST CIV PRO Code Section 915



Section 916. Discharge of Money Judgment Liens

In the event of an appeal to the Tribal Supreme Court from a money judgment, the lien of such judgment, and any lien by virtue of an attachment issued and levied in the action in which such judgment was rendered, shall cease upon the judgment debtor or debtor's depositing, with the Court Clerk of the Tribal District Court, cash sufficient to cover the whole amount of the judgment, including interest, costs and any attorney fees, together with costs and interest on the appeal, accompanied by a written statement, executed by the judgment debtor or debtors, that such deposit is made to discharge the lien of such judgment and any lien by virtue of an attachment issued and levied in the action, as provided for herein. It shall be the duty of the Court Clerk, upon receipt of such a cash deposit and written statement, immediately to enter the same and the amount of case received upon the civil appearance docket in the action, upon the judgment docket opposite the entry of such judgment, and upon the land tract records book if the judgment has been filed therein. It shall further be the duty of the Court Clerk to deposit the case so received in any action in a separate interest bearing official depository account and to hold the same pending final determination of the action, and, upon final determination of the action, to pay, or apply the same upon any judgment that might be rendered against the depositor or depositors, and to refund any balance in excess of any such judgment to the depositor or depositors, or, in the event the action be finally determined in favor of the depositor or depositors, to refund the whole amount thereof to the depositor or depositors.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 916, AST CIV PRO Code Section 916



Section 917. Additional Case Deposits

A judgment creditor may, at any time, upon reasonable notice to the judgment debtor or debtors, move the Court for the deposit of additional cash; and if it appears that the case which has been deposited is insufficient to cover the whole amount of the judgment, including interest, costs and any attorney fees, together with costs and interest on the appeal, the Court shall order the deposit of additional cash. If the additional cash is not deposited within a reasonable time, which time shall be set by the Court, the judgment shall be revived and attachment may be issued thereon.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 917, AST CIV PRO Code Section 917



Section 918. Reversal by Supreme Court

In the event of a reversal of the judgment by the Supreme Court, no money deposited to discharge the lien of such judgment shall be refunded by the Court Clerk until final disposition of the action.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 918, AST CIV PRO Code Section 918

  



Section 919. Interest on Money Judgments

All money judgments of the Tribal District Court shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) simple interest per annum, except authorized judgments against the Tribe, their political subdivisions, and agents in their official capacity which judgments shall not bear interest unless such is specifically provided for, provided that when a rate of interest is specified in a contract, the rate therein shall apply to the judgment debt and be specified in the judgment if the rate does not exceed the lesser of any limitation imposed by Tribal law, or the law of the jurisdiction in which the contract was made, upon the amount of interest which may be charged.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 919, AST CIV PRO Code Section 919



Section 920. Exempt Property

The following property shall be exempt, except as to enforcement of contractual liens or mortgages, from garnishment, attachment, execution and sale, and other process for the payment of principal and interest, costs, and attorney fees upon any judgment of the Tribal District Court:

(a) Three-fourths (3/4) of the net wages earned per week by the person or an amount equivalent to forty (40) times the federal minimum hourly wages per week, whichever is greater, except as may be specifically provided by law for child support payments.

(b) One automobile of fair market value not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).

(c) Tools, equipment, utensils, or books necessary to the conduct of the persons business but not including stock or inventory.

(d) Actual trust or restricted title to any lands held in trust by the United States, or subject to restrictions against alienation imposed by the United States but not including leasehold and other possessory interests in such property.

(e) Any dwelling used as the actual residence of the judgment debtor, including up to five (5) acres of land upon which such dwelling is located whether such dwelling is owned or leased by the judgment debtor.

(f) Household goods, furniture, wearing apparel, personal effects, but not including televisions, radios, phonographs, tape recorders, home computers, (not otherwise exempt) more than two (2) firearms, works of art, and other recreational or luxury items.

(g) One (1) horse, one (1) bridle, and one (1) saddle.

(h) All implements of husbandry used upon the homestead, not more than four (4) cows with their immature offspring, two (2) hogs with their immature offspring, ten (10) chickens, and feed suitable and sufficient to maintain said livestock and fowls for a period of one (1) year.

(i) All ceremonial or religious items.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 920, AST CIV PRO Code Section 920



Section 920.1. Payment of Judgments From Individual Indian Moneys

Whenever the Tribal District court shall have ordered payment of money damages to an injured party and the debtor refuses or neglects to make such payment within the time set for payment by the Court, or when an execution is returned showing no property found, and when the debtor has sufficient funds to his credit at any Bureau of Indian Affairs Agency Office to pay all or part of such judgment, the Clerk of the Tribal District Court, upon request of the judgment creditor, shall certify the record to the superintendent of the agency, who shall certify to the Secretary of the Interior the record of the case and the amount of the available funds. If the Secretary shall so direct, the disbursing agent shall pay over to the judgment creditor the amount of the judgment, or such lessor amount as may be specified by the Secretary from the account of the judgment debtor.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 920.1, AST CIV PRO Code Section 920.1

 

 



Section 921. Definition

In this Title “foreign judgment” means any judgment, decree, or order of a Court of the United States, any Indian Tribe, or of any other Court which is entitled to comity or full faith and credit in the Tribal Court.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 921, AST CIV PRO Code Section 921



Section 922. Filling and Status of Foreign Judgments

A copy of any foreign judgment authenticated in accordance with the applicable act of Congress or of the statutes of the Tribe may be filed in the office of the Court Clerk. The clerk shall treat the foreign judgment in the same manner as a judgment of the Tribal District Court. A judgment so filed has the same effect and is subject to the same procedures, defenses, and proceedings for reopening, vacating, or staying as a judgment of the Tribal District Court and may be enforced or satisfied in like manner. Provided, however, that no such filed foreign judgment shall be a lien on real estate of the judgment debtor until a certified copy of the judgment so filed is also filed in the office of the Court Clerk as provided by law in the land track record book.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 922, AST CIV PRO Code Section 922



Section 923. Grounds for Non-Recognition

(a) A foreign judgment is not conclusive if

(1) The judgment was rendered under a system which does not provide impartial tribunals or procedures compatible with the requirements of due process of law;

(2) The foreign court did not have personal jurisdiction over the defendant; or

(3) The foreign court did not have jurisdiction over the subject matter.

(b) A foreign judgment need not be recognized if

(1) The defendant in the proceedings in the foreign court did not receive notice of the proceedings in sufficient time to enable him to defend;

(2) The judgment was obtained by fraud;

(3) The cause of action on which the judgment is based is repugnant to the public policy of the Tribe;

(4) The judgment conflicts with another final and conclusive judgment;

(5) The proceeding in the foreign court was contrary to an agreement between the parties under which the dispute in question was to be settled otherwise then by proceedings in that court; or

(6) In the case of jurisdiction based only on personal service, the foreign court was seriously inconvenient forum for the trial of action.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 923, AST CIV PRO Code Section 923



Subchapter A. Foreign Judgments
Section 924. Notice of Filing

(a) At the time of the filing of the foreign judgment, the judgment creditor or his lawyer shall make and file with the clerk of the Court an affidavit setting forth the name and last known post office address of the judgment debtor, and of the judgment creditor.

(b) Promptly upon the filing of the foreign judgment and the affidavit, the clerk shall mail notice of the filing of the foreign judgment to the judgment debtor at the address given and shall make a note of the mailing in the docket. The notice shall include the name and post office address of the judgment creditor and the judgment creditor's lawyer, if any. In addition, the judgment creditor may mail a notice of the filing of the judgment to the judgment debtor and may file proof of mailing with the clerk. Lack of notice of filing by the clerk shall not affect the enforcement proceedings if proof of mailing by the judgment creditor has been filed.

(c) No execution or other process for enforcement of a foreign judgment filed hereunder shall issue until twenty (20) days after the date the judgment is filed.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 924, AST CIV PRO Code Section 924



 

Subchapter A. Foreign Judgments
Section 925. Stay of Execution of Foreign Judgment

(a) If the judgment debtor shows the Tribal District Court that an appeal from the foreign judgment is pending or will be taken, or that a stay of execution has been granted, the Court shall stay enforcement of the foreign judgment until the appeal is concluded, or until the time for appeal expires, or until the stay of execution expires or is vacated, upon proof that the judgment debtor has furnished the security for the satisfaction of the judgment required by the law of the jurisdiction in which it was rendered.

(b) If the judgment debtor shows the Tribal District Court any ground upon which enforcement of a judgment of the Tribal Court would be stayed, the Court shall stay enforcement of the foreign judgment for an appropriate period, upon requiring the same security for satisfaction of the judgment which is required in the Tribal jurisdiction.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 925, AST CIV PRO Code Section 925



 

Subchapter A. Foreign Judgments
Section 926. Fees

Any person filing a foreign judgment shall pay to the Court Clerk those fees now and hereafter prescribed by the statute or by authorized Court rule for the filing of an action in the Court. Fees for docketing, transcription, or other enforcement proceedings shall be the same as provided for judgments of the Tribal District Court.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 926, AST CIV PRO Code Section 926



 

Subchapter A. Foreign Judgments
Section 927. Optional Procedure

The right of a judgment creditor to bring an action to enforce his judgment instead of proceedings under this subchapter remains unimpaired.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 927, AST CIV PRO Code Section 927



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 931. Executions--Defined

Executions shall be deemed process of the Court, and shall be issued by the clerk, and directed to the Chief of the Tribal Police.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 931, AST CIV PRO Code Section 931



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 932. Kinds of Executions

Executions are of three kinds:

(a) Against the property of the judgment debtor.

(b) For the delivery of possession of real or personal property, with damages for withholding the same, and costs.

(c) Executions in special cases.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 932, AST CIV PRO Code Section 932



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 933. Property Subject to Levy

Lands, tenements, goods and chattels, not exempt by law shall be subject to the payment of debts, and shall be liable to be taken on execution and sold, as hereinafter provided.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 933, AST CIV PRO Code Section 933



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 934. Property Bound After Seizure

All real estate not bound by the lien of the judgment, as well as goods and chattels of the debtor, shall be bound from the time they shall be seized in execution.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 934, AST CIV PRO Code Section 934



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 935. Execution Must Be Issued Within Five Years

If execution is not issued and filed as provided by this subchapter within five (5) years after the date of any judgment that now is or may hereafter be rendered, in the Tribal Court or if five (5) years have intervened between the date that the last execution on such judgment was filed and the date that writ of execution was filed such judgment shall become unenforceable and of no effect, and shall cease to operate as a lien on the real estate of the judgment debtor. Provided, that this section shall not apply to judgments in favor of the Tribe its subdivisions or agents.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 935, AST CIV PRO Code Section 935



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 936. Priority Among Property

The writ of execution against the property of the judgment debtor, issuing from the Tribal Court shall command the officer to whom it is directed, that of the goods and chattels of the debtor he cause to be made the money specified in the writ; and for want of goods and chattels, he cause the same non-trust interest in lands and tenements of the debtor; and the amount of the debt, damages and costs, for which the judgment is entered, shall be endorsed on the execution.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 936, AST CIV PRO Code Section 936



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 937. Priority Among Executions

When two or more writs of execution against the same debtor shall be sued out and when two or more writs of execution against the same debtor shall be delivered to the officer prior to the date of sale or this property, no preference shall be given to either of such writs; but if a sufficient sum of money be not made to satisfy all such executions, the amount made shall be distributed to the several creditors in proportion to the amount of their respective demands, provided that nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to affect any preferable lien which one or more of the judgments, on which execution issued, may have on the property of the judgment debtor.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 937, AST CIV PRO Code Section 937



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 938. Levy by Priority

The officer to whom a writ of execution is delivered, shall proceed immediately to levy the same upon the goods and chattels of the debtor; but if no goods and chattels can be found, the officer shall endorse on the writ of execution, “no goods,” and forthwith levy the writ of execution upon any interests in the lands and tenements of the debtor, which may be liable to satisfy the judgment; and if any of the interests in such lands and tenements of the debtor which may be liable shall be encumbered by mortgage or any other lien or liens, such lands and tenements may be levied upon and appraised and sold, subject to such lien or liens, which shall be stated in the appraisement.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 938, AST CIV PRO Code Section 938



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 939. Who Makes Levy

It shall be unlawful for anyone to levy an attachment or execution within the Tribal jurisdiction who is not a bonded Tribal or Federal Police officer.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 939, AST CIV PRO Code Section 939



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 940. When Levy Void

Any attachment or execution issued to, or levied by anyone other than a bonded Tribal or Federal Police officer shall be void and of no effect and the Court Clerk or other person issuing same, or officer or other person levying same, as the case may be, together with their bondsmen shall be liable for any damage caused thereby.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 940, AST CIV PRO Code Section 940



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 941. Penalty for Unlawful Levy

Anyone violating the provisions of Section 939 of this Title shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) or confinement in the Tribal jail not to exceed thirty (30) days or both.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 941, AST CIV PRO Code Section 941



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 942. Levy on Property Claimed by Third Person

If the officer, by virtue of an execution issued from the Tribal Court, shall levy the same on any goods and chattels claimed by any person other than the defendant, or be requested by the plaintiff to levy on any such goods and chattels, the officer may require the plaintiff to give him an undertaking, with good and sufficient securities to pay all costs and damages that he may sustain by reason of the detention or sale of such property; and until such undertaking shall be given, the officer may refuse to proceed as against such property.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 942, AST CIV PRO Code Section 942



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 943. Re-Delivery to Defendant

In all cases where the Tribal Police Chief or other officer shall, by virtue of an execution, levy upon any goods and chattels which shall remain upon his hands unsold, for want of bidders, for the want of time to advertise and sell, or any other reasonable cause, the officer may, for his own security, take of the defendant an undertaking, with security, in such sum as he may deem sufficient, to the effect that the said property shall be delivered to the officer holding an execution for the sale of the same, at the time and place appointed by said officer, either by notice, given in writing, to said defendant in execution, or by advertisement published in a legal newspaper, naming therein the day and place of sale. If the defendant shall fail to deliver the goods and chattels that one or more of said persons so bound, signed the same as surety or bail, for his or their co-defendant, it shall be the duty of the clerk of said Court, in recording the judgment thereon to certify which of the defendants is principal debtor, and which are sureties or bail. And the clerk of the Court aforesaid shall issue execution on such judgment, commanding the Chief of the Tribal Police or other officer to cause the money to be made of the goods and chattels, lands and tenements, of the principal debtor; but for want of sufficient property of the principal or debtor to make the same that he cause the same to be made of the goods and chattels, lands and tenements, of the surety or bail. In all cases, the property, both personal and real, of the principal debtor, within the jurisdiction of the court, shall be exhausted before any of the property of the surety or bail shall be taken in execution.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 943, AST CIV PRO Code Section 943



 

Subchapter B. Execution
Section 965. Hearing on Assets

In addition to other discovery procedures, the Court, at any time after judgment upon motion of the judgment creditor, may order the judgment debtor to appear and answer concerning his property subject to execution to satisfy the judgment. The order to appear shall be served on the judgment debtor as a summons is served and may contain an order prohibiting the conveyance of any non-exempt property, and may order the production of any books, records, documents, or papers relating to the judgment creditors property. Such order may be enforced by contempt proceedings.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 965, AST CIV PRO Code Section 965



 

Subchapter C. Contribution
Section 971. Joint Debtors or Sureties

When property, liable to an execution against several persons, is sold thereon, and more than a due proportion of the judgment is laid upon the property of one of them, or one of them pays, without a sale, more than his proportion, he may regardless of the nature of the demand upon which the judgment was rendered, compel contribution from the others; and when a judgment is against several, and is upon an obligation of one of them, as security for another, and the surety pays the amount, or any part thereof, either by sale of his property or before sale, he may compel repayment from the principal; in such case, the person so paying or contributing, is entitled to the benefit of the judgment, to enforce contribution or repayment, if within ten days after his payment he file with the Clerk of Court notice of his payment and claim to contribution or repayment. Upon a filing of such notice, the clerk shall make an entry thereof in the margin of the docket.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 971, AST CIV PRO Code Section 971



 

Subchapter C. Contribution
Section 972. Joint Tortfeasors--Contribution--Indemnity--Exemptions--Release, Covenant Not to Sue, Etc.

(a) When two or more persons become jointly or severally liable in tort for the same injury to person or property for for the same wrongful death, there is a right of contribution among them even though judgment has not been recovered against all or any of them except as provided in this section.

(b) The right of contribution exists only in favor of a tortfeasor who has paid more than his pro rata share of the common liability, and his total recovery is limited to the amount paid by him in excess of his pro rata share. No tortfeasor is compelled to make contribution beyond his own pro rata share of the entire liability.

(c) There is no right of contribution in favor of any tortfeasor who has intentionally caused or contributed to the injury or wrongful death.

(d) A tortfeasor who enters into a settlement with a claimant is not entitled to recover contribution from another tortfeasor whose liability for the injury or wrongful death is not extinguished by the settlement nor in respect to any amount paid in a settlement which is in excess of what was reasonable.

(e) A liability insurer which by payment has discharged, in full or in part, the liability of a tortfeasor and has thereby discharged in full its obligation as insurer, is subrogated to the tortfeasor's right of contribution to the extent of the amount it has paid in excess of the tortfeasor's pro rata share of the common liability. This provision does not limit or impair any right of subrogation arising from any other relationship.

(f) This Title does not impair any right of indemnity under existing law. When one tortfeasor is entitled to indemnity from another, the right of the indemnity obligee is for indemnity and not contribution, and the indemnity obligor is not entitled to contribution from the obligee for any portion of his indemnity obligation.

(g) This subchapter shall not apply to breaches of trust or of other fiduciary obligation.

(h) When a release, covenant not to sue or a similar agreement is given in good faith to one of two or more persons liable in tort for the same injury or the same wrongful death:

(1) It does not discharge any of the other tortfeasors from liability for the injury or wrongful death unless its terms so provide; but it reduces the claim against others to the extent of any amount stipulated by the release or the covenant, or in the amount of the consideration paid for it, whichever is the greater; and

(2) It discharges the tortfeasor to whom it is given from all liability for contribution to any other tortfeasor.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 972, AST CIV PRO Code Section 972



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 981. Affidavit in Forma Pauperis

Any person who cannot afford to pay costs of an action in order to vindicate his rights may be allowed by the Court to proceed without paying costs upon the filing of an affidavit in forma pauperis. The affidavit in forma pauperis shall be in the form following, and attached to the petition, viz.:

[Name of Tribe, Name of Reservation] in the District Court of [Name of Tribe]: I do solemnly swear that the cause of action set forth in the petition hereto prefixed is just, and I (or we) do further swear that by reason of my (or our) poverty, I (or we) am (are) unable to give security for costs.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 981, AST CIV PRO Code Section 981



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 982. False Swearing in Such Case

Any person wilfully swearing falsely in making the affidavit aforesaid, shall, on conviction, be adjudged guilty of perjury, and punished as the law prescribes.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 982, AST CIV PRO Code Section 982



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 983. Costs Where Defendant Disclaims

Where defendants disclaim having any title or interest in land or other property, the subject matter of action, they shall recover their costs, unless for special reasons the Court decide otherwise.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 983, AST CIV PRO Code Section 983



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 984. Certain Costs Taxes at Discretion of Court

Unless otherwise provided by statute, the costs of motions, continuances, amendments and the like, shall be taxed and paid as the Court, in its discretion, may direct.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 984, AST CIV PRO Code Section 984



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 985. Costs to Successful Party as Matter of Course

Where it is not otherwise provided by this and other statutes, costs shall be allowed of course to the party, upon a judgment in his favor, in actions for the recovery of money only, or for the recovery of specific, real or personal property.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 985, AST CIV PRO Code Section 985



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 986. Costs in Other Cases

In other actions, the Court may award and tax costs, and apportion the same between the parties on the same or adverse sides, as in its discretion it may think right and equitable.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 986, AST CIV PRO Code Section 986



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 987. Several Actions on Joint Instrument

Where several actions are brought on one bill of exchange, promissory note or other obligation, or instrument in writing, against several parties who might have been joined as defendants in the same action, no costs shall be recovered by the plaintiff in more than one of such actions, if the parties proceeded against in the other actions were, at the commencement of the previous action, openly within the Tribal jurisdiction or otherwise subject to suit and service of process in the Tribal District Court and the whereabouts of such persons were known or could have been ascertained with reasonable diligence.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 987, AST CIV PRO Code Section 987



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 988. Clerk to Tax Costs

The Clerks of the District Court shall tax the costs in each case, and insert the same in their respective judgments, subject to retaxation by the Court, on motion of any person interested.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 988, AST CIV PRO Code Section 988



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 989. Cost of Notice or Other Legal Publication

Whenever any notice, or other legal publication is required by law to be made in any action or proceeding pending in the Court, the cost of such publication shall be taxes as other costs in said action or proceeding.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 989, AST CIV PRO Code Section 989



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 990. Attorney Fees Taxable as Costs

(a) In any civil action to recover on an open account, a statement of account, account stated, note, bill, negotiable instrument, or contract relating to the purchase or sale of goods, wares, or merchandise, or for labor or services, unless otherwise provided by law or the contract which is the subject of the action, the prevailing party shall be allowed a reasonable attorney fee to be set by the Court, to be taxes and collected as costs.

(b) In any civil action to enforce payment of or to collect upon a check, draft or similar bill of exchange drawn on a bank or otherwise, payment upon which said instrument has been refused because of insufficient funds or no account, the party prevailing on such cause of action shall be awarded a reasonable attorney's fee, such fee to be assessed by the Court as costs against the losing party; provided, that said fee shall not be allowed unless the plaintiff offers proof during the trial of said action that prior to the filing of the petition in the action demand for payment of the check, draft or similar bill of exchange had been made upon the defendant by registered or certified mail not less than ten (10) days prior to the filing of such suit.

(c) In any civil action or proceeding to recover for the overpayment of any charge for water, sanitary sewer, garbage, electric or natural gas service from any person, firm or corporation, or to determine the right of any person, firm or corporation to receive any such service, the prevailing party shall be allowed a reasonable attorney fee to be set by the Court, to be taxes and collected as costs.

(d) In any civil action brought to recover damages for breach of an express warranty or to enforce the terms of an express warranty against the seller, retailer, manufacturer, manufacturer's representative or distributor, the prevailing party shall be allowed a reasonable attorney fee to be set by the Court, which shall be taxes and collected as costs.

(e) In any civil action to recover damages for the negligent or willful injury to property and any other incidental costs related to such action, the prevailing party shall be allowed reasonable attorney's fees, Court costs and interest to be set by the Court and to be taxes and collected as other costs of the action, except that a plaintiff who is required to pay costs pursuant to Section 903 of this Title may not recover his attorney's fees as provided by this subsection.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 990, AST CIV PRO Code Section 990



 

Subchapter D. Costs
Section 991. Costs Defined

Costs include, in addition to items of expense specifically recoverable as costs pursuant to any statute of the Tribe, fees required to be paid by law for the filing of any paper in an action expense for service of process as provided by law, costs of transcripts, Tribal Police Fees for service of papers and mileage, costs of publication of any notice required to be published, printing of briefs or other documents required by the Court to be printed, and any other items made recoverable as costs by Court rule.

Absentee Shawnee Civil Procedure Section 991, AST CIV PRO Code Section 991