Mission Statement:

The mission of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court is to fully implement the delegation of Constitutional judicial authority from the people of the Tribe consistent with self-determination, the sovereign powers of the Nation, traditional values, fairness and justice.

Goals:

  • To develop a judicial system which meets the judicial needs of both the tribal community and its government.
  • To provide a forum for the resolution of all disputes under tribal law arising in law and equity.
  • To provide due process and equal protection to all persons.
  • To promote Tribal self-government, community development and the human potential of all persons.
  • To develop judicial institutions and judicial tools which reflect the Band’s culture, traditions and values.

    • Court News:

    Contact Information:

    NHBP Tribal Court
    2221 1-1/2 Mile Road
    Fulton, MI 49052
    Phone: 269-729-5151
    Fax: 269-729-4826
    Click here for     Directions       MAP

    Requirements for Practicing Before Tribal Courts:

    Every attorney who proposes to practice before the Courts of the Tribe must be duly admitted. Any attorney, who is admitted to practice in any state and who is in good standing, is eligible for admission. Each applicant for admission must complete an Application for Admission, Oath of Admission, and pay the Admission to Practice Fee.

    Schedule of Court Fees:

    Court Forms:

    Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Court Rules:

    Pursuant to Administrative Order 08-001CJ referenced below, the Tribal Court has adopted the State of Michigan Court Rules for Practice, Procedure and Evidence until such time as the Tribal Court adopts its own Rules for Practice, Procedure and Evidence.

    Administrative Orders:

    Court Opinions:

    Chief Judge:
    Hon. Melissa L. Pope

    On February 17, 2011, I was appointed by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Council to serve as the Chief Judge of the Tribal Court. I was welcomed in a traditional way that warmed my heart. As the breathtakingly beautiful turquoise Pendleton was placed around my shoulders, it reminded me of the responsibility I was taking on in this position.

    This Tribe is, with respect to governmental development, young in age. There are few things I love more in life than building something new. I am grateful to be coming into a Court with a strong foundation, including an excellent Court Administrator who is dedicated not only to developing a Court that is fair and impartial, but one that serves this Tribe.

    I have been taught by my Elders that a person who holds a position in a Tribe is not a leader, but rather, a servant. This is how I view my role here at NHBP. I hope that my life lessons as Chief Justice of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Appellate Court, as an Adjunct Faculty in American Indian Law, as a social justice advocate, as a person rooted in community service - guide me as I serve this Tribe as Chief Judge.

    I will not promise perfection. One of my favorite stories is about a woman who weaved her spirit into a blanket because she tried to make it perfect - when only the Creator can make something perfect. From this story, you will find that all Navajo blankets are made with at least one mistake in them- to not only keep the spirit from passing through, but to also recognize the beauty of the Creator's gifts.

    What I will promise is a commitment to expand and enhance the Tribal Court in a way that reflects the values and traditions of the Tribe with the foremost considerations being the protection of the people and the protection of the sovereignty of this great Nation.

    Chi miigwitch for allowing me to walk this journey with you.

    Court Administrator:
    R. Scott Ryder

    I have worked for the Tribe as Tribal Court Administrator since March of 2007. Since that time, the Chief Judge and I have worked closely together to establish a functioning Tribal Court. Some of our work to create an infrastructure for the Court is reflected in the Court Rules, Administrative Orders, Schedule of Fees and Practice Requirements that can be accessed on this web site.

    As of January 17, 2010, I will have practiced law in Michigan for 35 years. I started my legal career as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Shiawassee County, Michigan with primary responsibilities for juvenile court matters. I held that position for 4 ½ years. I spent the next 25 years as the first attorney referee in the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Court. During this time I presided over 20,000 cases involving neglected and delinquent children as well as hearing post-judgment divorce, visitation, support and custody matters. I retired from my referee position in 2004 to work as the Juvenile Court Director for St. Joseph County, Michigan a position I held for 2 ½ years before coming to work for the Tribe.

    Since I began practicing law in 1979, I have been on the faculty of the Michigan Judicial Institute, the training agency for the Michigan Supreme Court. I was an adjunct assistant professor at Western Michigan University for 5 years teaching a course in criminal law and procedure. I am presently an associate faculty member at Glen Oaks Community College teaching a course in juvenile justice, and I am also an associate faculty member at Spring Arbor University teaching a course in state and local governments. During this time I have also co-authored a college level textbook entitled: Juvenile Justice: A Social, Historical and Legal Perspective which is in its 3rd edition.

    In 1993 I received the “Respect for Law Award” from the Kalamazoo Optimist Club, and I served as the chairperson of the State Bar of Michigan Juvenile Law Section in 1994-1995. I also served as a Kalamazoo County Bar Association Director from 1996-2002. I was elected to the St. Joseph County Retirement Board in 2005 and served as vice-president. I was elected president of the church council at St. Johns Lutheran Church for two terms 2007-2008.

    I am married and my wife Denise and I live in Kalamazoo. I also have 3 adult sons and an adult step-daughter.

    Contact Information:
    R. Scott Ryder
    Court Administrator
    269-729-5151
    sryder@nhbpi.com

    © 2011 Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi - All Rights Reserved