Judiciary Committee applicants needed

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Karen Francis
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo Nation Council’s Judiciary Committee is seeking applicants for appointment to the Judiciary Conduct Commission — a body tasked with enhancing public confidence in the tribe’s court system.

The committee is encouraging all individuals to apply for the appointment. A law-related background is not required but applicants must have an interest in improving the Navajo Nation’s judicial system and its administration of justice by tribal court justices and judges.

Those interested in applying should send a letter of interest and resume by 5 p.m. on Nov. 28. to Darlene Womochil, legislative advisor for the Judiciary Committee, P.O. Box 3390, Window Rock, AZ 86515.

The Navajo Nation Code, in section 7, requires the establishment of the Judicial Conduct Commission — an independent commission receiving administrative support and assistance from the judicial branch that operates pursuant to a plan of operation, policies and procedures recommended by the commission and approved by the Judiciary Committee.

According to the Council speaker’s office, the commission is tasked with enhancing public confidence by providing a fair, impartial and expeditious forum to hear complaints and grievances against justices and judges of the Navajo Nation. Such complaints and grievances pertain to alleged violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct, personnel policies and other laws or policies that set standards of ethics and conduct for justices or judges.

The commission investigates or directs investigations of complaints and grievances against justices or judges, recommends appropriate sanctions and forwards recommendations for suspension or removal to the Judiciary Committee and the chief justice.

The five members of the commission serve staggered terms. One member, appointed by the Judiciary Committee, is a member of the Navajo Nation selected from among those who submit a letter and resume. One member, appointed by tribal justices, is required to be a retired or sitting federal or state court judge or justice. The tribal justices also select a retired Navajo Nation justice or judge in good standing with the Navajo Bar Association for the commission.

Two others, current or inactive members in good standing of the bar, are selected by the Navajo Bar Association membership.