The Navajo Nation Council voted 67-11 to override a veto of a bill that addresses how disputes are handled under Dine Fundamental Law.

The bill bars tribal court judges from using Fundamental Law to resolve cases. Any dispute regarding the validity, application or interpretation of the tribe's traditional, unwritten laws will instead be resolved through a peacemaking process.

"In this vague system that we have, how can we expect justice or fair play? There's been no certainty at all," said Delegate Lorenzo Curley, the Associated Press reported.

Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. had vetoed the bill, saying it would hurt tribal culture.

Get the Story:
Override backs traditional Navajo law (AP 2/23)

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