The Department of Justice will hold two consultation sessions next month to discuss the tribal jurisdiction provisions of S.47, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013.

The law recognizes tribal jurisdiction over non-Indians who commit domestic violence offenses in Indian Country. The provision doesn't kick in until March 2015 but DOJ is authorized to start a pilot project for tribes that are ready to exercise authority sooner.

"The purpose of these consultations is to solicit recommendations from tribal leaders on how best to structure and implement the voluntary pilot project," according to a letter that was posted by Turtle Talk.

The consultation sessions will take place by telephone on May 14 and May 17.

Relevant Documents:
Tribal Leader Letter (April 6, 2013)
VAWA 2013 AND TRIBAL JURISDICTION OVER NON-INDIAN PERPETRATORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (March 26, 2013)

Relevant Links:
Video of Signing Ceremony | Transcript of Remarks by President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden

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DOJ highlights tribal jurisdiction provisions in VAWA update (327)