The Hopi Judiciary consists of:

Trial Court, which includes the Children’s Court
Appellate Court

Trial Court
The Trial Court has civil jurisdiction over all causes of action committed by American Indians arising on the Hopi Reservation and criminal jurisdiction over all offenses committed in violation of any ordinance of the Hopi Tribe. It is the responsibility of the Hopi Judiciary to interpret and apply laws including, but not limited to, Hopi customs and traditions, Hopi ordinances, the Hopi Tribal Constitution and By-Laws, and sometimes common law, federal, or state laws. 

Appellate Court
The Appellate Court hears appeals on final judgments of the Trial Court. Defendants do not have a right to appeal in criminal cases involving a sentence of less than 30 days in jail or fines of less than $50. The Appellate Court may issue opinions regarding Hopi law if the question is properly certified to the court by another court or tribal, federal, or state administrative agency.

On September 9, 2009, the Hopi Tribal Council through Hopi Tribal Council Resolution No. H-088-2009 withdrew all authority and jurisdiction granted by the Tribal Council to the Southwest Intertribal Court of Appeals and appointed Chief Justice Anna Atencio, Associate Justice Paul Berman and Associate Justice Robert Clinton. To file an appeal, see format in the Forms Download section titled, 'Notice of Appeal'.

For more information contact Carol Ovah, Chief Court Clerk at (928) 738-5171.