Idaho Tribal State Court Forum

Tribal courts are courts operated by federally recognized Native American tribes. There are five tribal courts in Idaho, and each operates its own court system to handle legal matters under tribal law. Idaho state courts do not supervise or manage tribal courts.

Whether a case belongs in tribal court depends on several factors, including the type of legal issue involved and whether it occurred on tribal land or involves a tribal member. If you believe your case may involve tribal jurisdiction, you should contact the appropriate tribal court directly.

In 1993, the Idaho Supreme Court hosted Idaho’s first Tribal State Court Forum to encourage interaction, enhance understanding, and reduce jurisdictional conflicts between state and tribal courts.

This forum brings judges, lawyers, and professors together annually and as needed to:

• Foster mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration to minimize conflict among tribal, federal, and state justice communities
• Educate states and tribes on processes that promote cooperation in problem-solving
• Promote state-tribal interaction to ensure equal access to justice
• Address current issues of importance to state and tribal courts