About the Choctaw Nation Judicial Branch

Hailed as one of the most efficient tribal court systems in the U.S., the Choctaw Nation Judicial Branch takes pride in offering tribal members and Oklahoma residents a judicial process they can believe in. Each case is thoroughly presided over and treated fairly with the utmost respect given to the laws of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

HOW THE COURTS WORK TOGETHER

Founded on the Choctaw Nation’s core beliefs of faith, family and culture, the Choctaw Nation Judicial Branch exists to respect our citizens and allow their voices to be heard.

The Choctaw Nation judicial system is made up of the Court of General Jurisdiction, which includes the District Court and Court of Appeals, and the highest-level court, the Constitutional Court.

While each court exists to provide judicial due process in accordance with its purpose, the judicial powers of the Choctaw Nation are vested in the Constitutional Court and the Court of General Jurisdiction.

The Choctaw Nation Judicial Branch holds the authority to prosecute felony offenses.

The Choctaw Nation Constitutional Court

The Choctaw Nation Constitutional Court has exclusive jurisdiction to decide disputes arising under any provision of the Choctaw Nation Constitution or any rule or regulation enacted by the Tribal Council. It also has supervisory authority over the Court of General Jurisdiction and discretionary authority to hear an appeal from any judgment from the Appellate Division of the Court of General Jurisdiction, under such rules as the Constitutional Court shall adopt, with the approval of the Tribal Council. The decision of the Constitutional Court shall be final. learn more

The Choctaw Nation Court of General Jurisdiction

Operating through the Appellate Division and the District Courts of the Choctaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation Court of General Jurisdiction has full civil and criminal jurisdiction over all Indian Country as described in Article I, Section 2 of the Choctaw Nation Constitution. It does not have jurisdiction over matters arising under any provision of the Constitution, or any rule or regulation enacted by the Tribal Council. learn more

Celebrating Our Rich History

Since its establishment in 1838, the judicial department of the Choctaw Nation has grown to serve all Choctaw citizens. The new Choctaw Nation Judicial Center stands as a testament to our dedication to continually improving the Choctaw judicial system and providing fair justice to all who enter our jurisdiction.

learn more about our history

The Choctaw Nation Appellate Division

The Choctaw Nation Appellate Division has full authority over any appeal from the District Court to affirm, reverse, modify or vacate any action in the District Court or other entity from which an appeal is taken as authorized by law. learn more

The Choctaw Nation District Court

The Choctaw Nation District Court focuses on family issues such as divorce, child custody, child support, parental rights, visitation and adoption, civil matters, juvenile matters and guardianship. The Court also presides over criminal matters in accordance to the Tribal Law and Order Act adopted into the Choctaw Nation legislation in 2015. learn more

The Court has jurisdiction over Choctaw citizens and other individuals or entities, for which jurisdiction has been granted under tribal and/or federal laws.