Tribal Justice
USA, 87 min, Documentary, English, Not Rated
Sunday, Jun 11, 2017 4:30 PM
MIDWEST PREMIERE. Tribal courts number in the hundreds throughout the United States. They offer a traditional, communal justice system for Native Americans and have become beacons of criminal justice reform due to their emphasis on restoration and rehabilitation instead of punishment and incarceration. Tribal Justice focuses on two Chief Judges, the HONORABLE ABBY ABINANTI and the HONORABLE CLAUDETTE WHITE, of the Yurok and Quechan Tribal Courts, respectively. Over a period of four years, cameras document their attempts at rehabilitating tribal members such as Taos, an excitable and sweet repeat offender, and Isaac, Judge White’s bored teenage nephew. With attention, kindness, and sovereignty, these judges attempt to raise their constituents out of inequality and hardship. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor said tribal courts have “much to teach the other court systems operating in the United States,” and Tribal Justice is a heartfelt testament to that.