Houkeai Nation
The Supreme Court
The Chief Justice
James White Thunder, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Houkeai Nation & Confederation is the permanent member of a three-judge panel which forms the Supreme Court. In cases where there is a Constitutional Question certified to the Court, cases where the litigants are clans, bands or tribes litigating between themselves, the Court then sits as a body composed of all Circuit Judges, led by the Chief Justice. In such cases, the Circuit Judges sit as Justices of the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court is designing an online utility, in conjunction with an electronic legal publisher, to bring Houkeai Revised Statutes (Annotated) available to all citizens. The proposed system will allow users to electronically search for key words and phrases and then select statutes or regulations based on the search result. In Phase II, we hope to bring published case rulings and decisions online as well.
Court's Recent Changes
COURT CLERK'S OFFICE
Jorge Hernandez III, Clerk of the Court
Welcome to our court system! Since 2013, we've embraced a digital transformation with the introduction of INLAW, our unified-filing system. This innovative platform allows all cases, appeals, and documents to be filed electronically, streamlining the judicial process for everyone.
The Clerk's Office is fully committed to making legal resources accessible to all Houkeai citizens, ensuring that everyone can meaningfully engage with justice system.
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Although clan, band and tribal courts are not required to utilize INLAW for cases at their respective levels, in 2025 the INLAW system will be opened up to any member of the federation that desires to use this new system.
Likewise, persons without an attorney desiring to meaningfully and effectively participate in their own cases will be allowed access to INLAW. Finally, by 2026, INLAW is planned to be open to public access (read only) for those desiring to read docket entries in any District, Circuit or Supreme Court case filed after 2013.
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WHY ELECTRONIC RECORDS?
​Electronic court records offer greater accessibility, allowing users to search and retrieve information quickly and efficiently. They reduce physical storage needs and can be easily backed up, ensuring that important documents are preserved.
Additionally, electronic records streamline the workflow for legal professionals, enhancing productivity and reducing the risk of errors associated with paper documents.
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​Electronic court records are designed with multiple layers of security to protect sensitive information. Advanced encryption secure access protocols help ensure that only authorized personnel can upload or alter these records. Regular maintenance and software updates are conducted to maintain the integrity of the system.
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