(A) Public Law 83-280 (18 U.S.C. Section 1162; 28 U.S.C. Section 1360), did not divest the Tribe of its inherent sovereign authority to establish and operate its own judicial system.

(B) The courts of the state of California lack jurisdiction over most civil disputes and many criminal acts that occur within the Tribal lands.

(C) The establishment of a Tribal Court that can exercise jurisdiction over civil disputes and criminal acts occurring on the Tribe’s lands wherever situated, particularly those disputes and acts over which the courts of the state of California lack jurisdiction, is necessary to maintain peace and order on Tribal lands.

(D) The adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter is in the best interests of the members of the Tribe and furthers the administration of justice on lands and over persons within the Tribe’s jurisdiction.

(E) The Karuk Tribe hereby establishes the Karuk Tribal Court. The Tribal Court shall consist of a Peacemaker Mediation Forum and the following divisions: (1) Administrative; (2) Civil; (3) Family; and (4) Criminal. The Tribal Court also includes a Court of Appeal. The Tribal Court is empowered to create such further specialized divisions as necessary to hear matters as defined in the Tribe’s laws. [Res. 10-R-111 § 10.0, 9/30/2010.]