Tribal Legal Development Clinic

Course 238A is enforced requisite to 238B. Students provide nonlitigation legal assistance to Indian nations. Projects include development and modification of tribal legal codes and constitutional provisions, creation of tribal dispute resolution processes, and drafting of intergovernmental agreements. Legislative drafting and cross-cultural representation skills emphasized. Faculty members meet with tribal leaders to inform them of availability of clinic services and determine whether clinic could assist them with their legal development needs. Once students are assigned to particular projects, they meet with relevant tribal officials and community groups with travel funds supplied. Students learn about tribal governments and legal systems, including federal constraints on activities of tribal legal institutions, and culture of tribe they are representing to be able to craft legislation and other documents that meet tribal intentions and needs. Concurrently scheduled with Law 728. In Progress grading (credit to be given only on completion of course 238B).