On April 16, 2013, the Department of Justice (DOJ) released a Dear Tribal Leader Letter and framing paper (attached) to initiate tribal consultation on the implementation of section 904 (“Tribal jurisdiction over crimes of domestic violence”) and section 908 (“Effective dates; pilot project”) contained in the recent reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) (PL 113-4).
The DOJ is particularly seeking comments relating to “how best to structure section 908’s two-year voluntary Pilot Project for exercising tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence while fully protecting defendants’ rights under Federal law.” The DOJ poses numerous questions for tribal consideration regarding the implementation of VAWA.
The consultations are to be held via telephone on the following dates and times:
May 14, 2013, at 3 pm EST
May 17, 2013, at 3 pm EST
The Department of Justice is also accepting written comments to be received by May 20, 2013. Further information regarding the consultations will be posted at: www.justice.gov/tribal
Please let us know if we may provide additional information regarding the implementation of the Violence Against Women Act or if we may provide assistance with submitting comments.
