Judicial Branch

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Court system is designed to provide enforcement of tribal laws, equal justice to all, and protection of tribal sovereignty.

The court initially functioned as the Court of Indian Offences for western Oklahoma beginning in 1978 and became the CPN Tribal Court in 1985. Its caseload has expanded consistently each year to meet the needs of tribal members, tribal employees, other Native Americans, and non-Indian litigants. Today, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Court handles civil, criminal, Indian Child Welfare matters and juvenile matters.

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Court comprises three district court judges, seven supreme court justices, and two prosecutors. All judges and justices are law-trained and are recognized as accomplished, well-qualified, and experienced individuals.