Chief Judge

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Chief Judge serves as the highest judicial officer of the Court, entrusted with both the administration of justice and the overall leadership of the judicial branch. This position presides over a full range of cases, ensuring that proceedings are conducted fairly, impartially, and in accordance with Tribal law, applicable codes, and constitutional principles. This position also provides strategic direction and administrative oversight for the Court, including supervision of judges and staff, management of court operations, and coordination with the Tribal Council and community stakeholders.

COMPETENCY:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of civil law, criminal law, juvenile law, and the tribal constitution, codes and ordinances, rules, precedents and the relationships affecting jurisdiction on criminal, civil and juvenile cases in Indian territory.
• Knowledge of tribal customs, traditions, constitution and ordinances for the protection of individual rights and the sovereignty of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in the exercise of jurisdiction and application of law.

Skills

• Skilled in interpreting judicial policies, rules, guidelines, procedures and must perform legal research.

Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Abilities

• Ability to research case law pertaining to decision making on a case.
• Ability to recognize sensitive and complex issues relating to court cases and handle them effectively.
• Ability to display a high level of judgment and proficiency relating to court cases.
• Ability to communicate effectively with Federal, State and Tribal officials.

SUPERVIORY RESPONIBILITES:

Supervision of Bailiff and all Judicial positions within the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:

• Must be a graduate from an accredited law school and be a member in good standing of a bar association of any state or federal court. Must have a minimum of three (3) years trial experience.
• Must have experience and knowledge of federal Indian law and apply the Code of Laws of the Three Affiliated Tribes for the protection of individual rights and for the preservation and enhancement of sovereignty.
• Must not have been convicted of a felony; or have committed a misdemeanor within the past year for which a punishment of imprisonment was imposed.
• The candidate must demonstrate and maintain fitness of character and competency for the appointment to the Judicial Office.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated.

Work is primarily sedentary. Duties are normally performed in an office environment or court room where stress management and conflict resolution abilities are essential.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Presides over all matters properly brought before the Court, and shall assign cases to
Associate Judges and Magistrate Judges.
2. Presides over all criminal, juvenile, and custody hearings.
3. Issues or directs issuance of court documents, subpoenas, warrants, summons, writs,
judgments, decrees and other documents relating to the Court.
4. Exercises supervision over all receipts and disbursements made within the Court system.
5. Directs the preparation of fiscal reports, the annual budget and modifications thereto.
6. Takes all steps necessary to ensure order in court, compel obedience to lawful orders, and
to compel attendance of person in proceedings as provided by law.
7. Punish for contempt to assure the effectual exercise of these powers.
8. Provide guidance to support staff on legal and judiciary procedures.
9. Participates in the development of policy and procedures which contribute to the
improved delivery of services and administration of Justice on the Fort Berthold
Reservation.
10. Shall coordinate relationships and contracts with Federal, State, County and local
authorities on court related matters.
11. Shall abide by the Model Code of Judicial Conduct, adopted by the Tribal Business
Council.