WHAT IS THE SEMINOLE TRIBAL COURT?
The Seminole Tribal Court is a separate but equal branch of the Seminole Tribe of Florida government. The Court is a two tiered court with a trial and appellate court. The Trial Court has broad authority to hear all types of civil disputes. The Tribal Appellate Court has the authority to review the final decisions of the Trial Court. The decisions of the Appellate Court are final and cannot be overturned by Tribal Council.
WHAT TYPE OF CASES CAN I FILE IN TRIBAL COURT
The Tribal Court has broad civil jurisdiction to hear cases that are brought before the Court. The Tribal Court does not have a criminal court at this time. Please be advised that the Court Clerks cannot provide legal advice. If you have a question as to whether or not your case is within the jurisdiction of the Seminole Courts, you may contact an attorney who can determine if your case can be filed with the Tribal Court.
the Seminole
TRIBAL COURT
The Tribal Council, under the authority of the Constitution of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, at Article X, has established a division of the judicial branch of government to be known as the Seminole Court.
The powers of the Seminole Court are vested in the Seminole Tribe of Florida Appellate Court and the Seminole Tribe of Florida Trial Court. The Seminole Court shall have broad civil jurisdiction to hear cases and controversies that are brought before the Court.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Tribal Court shall insure the just, efficient and unbiased resolution of conflict for all persons who come before the Court. The Court will respect the customs and traditions of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and will ensure that the rights and powers which are inherent to the Tribe’s sovereign status are secure.
SEMINOLE TRIAL COURT
The Seminole Trial Court consists of a Chief Judge and two associate judges. All judges of the Seminole Court must be members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida per the Tribal Constitution and must abide by the Seminole Tribal Court Code of Judicial Conduct.
The Chief Judge or one of his associate judges will hear those cases filed with the Trial Court.
The Trial Court has a Judicial Advisor on staff who provides advice and assistance to the Judges on matters of law and procedure.
SEMINOLE APPELLATE COURT
The Seminole Appellate Court consists of a Chief Justice and two associate justices. All justices of the Seminole Appellate Court must be members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida per the Tribal Constitution and must abide by the Seminole Tribal Court Code of Judicial Conduct.
Appeals from the Trial Court shall be heard by a panel of three Appellate Court Justices. The decisions of the Appellate Court cannot be overturned by Tribal Council.
Links to Forms for Civil Hearings and Admission to Practice in Seminole Court
Links to Download for Seminole Tribe of Florida Codes
Seminole Tribe of Florida Tribal Appellate Court Staff, Trial Court Staff, and Court Administration
Contact Information for the Seminole Tribe of Florida's Courts
