---
kind: "section"
citation: "25 U.S.C. § 3611"
title: "25"
title_heading: "Indians"
number: "3611"
heading: "Office of Tribal Justice Support"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/25/3611"
units:
  - "Chapter 38 — Indian Tribal Justice Support"
  - "Subchapter I — Tribal Justice Systems"
---

# §3611. Office of Tribal Justice Support

- (a) **Establishment—** There is hereby established within the [Bureau](/usc/25/3602.md?p=1) the [Office](/usc/25/3602.md?p=5) of Tribal Justice Support. The purpose of the [Office](/usc/25/3602.md?p=5) shall be to further the development, operation, and enhancement of [tribal justice systems](/usc/25/3602.md?p=8) and [Courts of Indian Offenses](/usc/25/3602.md?p=2).
- (b) **Transfer of existing functions and personnel—** All functions performed before December 3, 1993, by the Branch of Judicial Services of the [Bureau](/usc/25/3602.md?p=1) and all personnel assigned to such Branch as of December 3, 1993, are hereby transferred to the [Office](/usc/25/3602.md?p=5) of Tribal Justice Support. Any reference in any law, regulation, executive order, reorganization plan, or delegation of authority to the Branch of Judicial Services is deemed to be a reference to the [Office](/usc/25/3602.md?p=5) of Tribal Justice Support.
- (c) **Functions—** In addition to the functions transferred to the [Office](/usc/25/3602.md?p=5) pursuant to [subsection (b)](#b), the [Office](/usc/25/3602.md?p=5) shall perform the following functions:
  - (1) Provide funds to [Indian tribes](/usc/25/3602.md?p=3) and [tribal organizations](/usc/25/3602.md?p=7) for the development, enhancement, and continuing operation of [tribal justice systems](/usc/25/3602.md?p=8).
  - (2) Provide technical assistance and training, including programs of continuing education and training for personnel of [Courts of Indian Offenses](/usc/25/3602.md?p=2).
  - (3) Study and conduct research concerning the operation of [tribal justice systems](/usc/25/3602.md?p=8).
  - (4) Promote cooperation and coordination among [tribal justice systems](/usc/25/3602.md?p=8) and the Federal and State judiciary systems.
  - (5) Oversee the continuing operations of the [Courts of Indian Offenses](/usc/25/3602.md?p=2).
  - (6) Provide funds to [Indian tribes](/usc/25/3602.md?p=3) and [tribal organizations](/usc/25/3602.md?p=7) for the continuation and enhancement of traditional tribal judicial practices.
- (d) **No imposition of standards—** Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed or construed to authorize the [Office](/usc/25/3602.md?p=5) to impose justice standards on [Indian tribes](/usc/25/3602.md?p=3).
- (e) **Assistance to tribes—**
  - (1) The [Office](/usc/25/3602.md?p=5) shall provide technical assistance and training to any [Indian tribe](/usc/25/3602.md?p=3) or [tribal organization](/usc/25/3602.md?p=7) upon request. Technical assistance and training shall include (but not be limited to) assistance for the development of—
    - (A) tribal codes and rules of procedure;
    - (B) tribal court administrative procedures and court records management systems;
    - (C) methods of reducing case delays;
    - (D) methods of alternative dispute resolution;
    - (E) tribal standards for judicial administration and conduct; and
    - (F) long-range plans for the enhancement of [tribal justice systems](/usc/25/3602.md?p=8).
  - (2) Technical assistance and training provided pursuant to [paragraph (1)](#e-1) may be provided through direct services, by contract with independent entities, or through grants to [Indian tribes](/usc/25/3602.md?p=3) or [tribal organizations](/usc/25/3602.md?p=7).
- (f) **Information clearinghouse on tribal justice systems—** The [Office](/usc/25/3602.md?p=5) shall maintain an information clearinghouse (which shall include an electronic data base) on [tribal justice systems](/usc/25/3602.md?p=8) and [Courts of Indian Offenses](/usc/25/3602.md?p=2), including (but not limited to) information on staffing, funding, model tribal codes, tribal justice activities, and tribal judicial decisions. The [Office](/usc/25/3602.md?p=5) shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure the confidentiality of records and other matters involving privacy rights.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 103–176, title I, § 101, Dec. 3, 1993, 107 Stat. 2005.)