Judicial Branch

Mission

The Osage Nation Judicial Branch is an independent, co-equal branch of the Osage Nation government empowered by the Osage Constitution to provide an impartial and responsive justice system that protects the rights and liberties of all who come before it, interprets and enforces governing law fairly and equally and reflects the unique social, governmental and cultural standards of the Osage Nation.

The Judicial powers of the Osage Nation are vested in one Supreme Court and a Trial Court. The Judicial Branch is responsible for interpreting the Constitution and laws of the Osage Nation. Its powers include the trial and adjudication of certain civil and criminal matters, the redress of grievances, the resolution of disputes and judicial review of certain holdings and decisions of administrative agencies and of the Trial Court.

The Supreme Court consists of one Chief Justice and two Associate Justices. The Trial Court consists of one Chief Judge and any Associate Judges. All Supreme Court Justices and Chief Trial Judge are appointed by the Principal Chief and confirmed by Congress. Associate Judges are jointly appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Chief Judge of the Trial Court. The Chief Justice is responsible for the administration of both the Supreme Court and the Trial Court.

The Osage Nation Judicial Branch is committed to serving the Osage Nation, its citizens and its community by providing a fair and efficient system of justice that offers all interested persons a meaningful opportunity to resolve disputes arising under the laws and regulations of the Osage Nation.

COVID Precautionary Measures

Video - Judicial Branch Evaluation

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