This information supplies a primer on press freedom and data entry within the many federally acknowledged tribes situated in Oklahoma. Reporters Committee workers developed this information by reviewing constitutions and codes accessible on tribes’ web sites, in addition to by inspecting supplies accessible on the Nationwide Indian Regulation Library, the Tribal Court docket Clearinghouse, and the Native American Journalists Affiliation. In the event you see one thing that must be added, up to date, or corrected, please e-mail guides@rcfp.org.
This information doesn’t substitute authorized recommendation from an legal professional. Journalists and media attorneys who’ve extra questions or want help ought to contact the Reporters Committee’s free Authorized Hotline.
Tribal governance
Almost 40 federally acknowledged tribes are situated in Oklahoma, every of which is acknowledged by the US as sovereign. Sovereignty is the best of every tribe to control itself and decide its personal cultural and political identification.
As sovereign nations, tribes have the best to enact, implement, and interpret their very own legal guidelines. Constitutional provisions limiting federal and state powers, together with the First Modification, don’t instantly apply to them. See Talton v. Mayes, 163 U.S. 376 (1896) (holding that the Fifth Modification doesn’t apply to tribes); see additionally Santa Clara Pueblo v. Martinez, 436 U.S. 49 (1978) (noting decrease court docket choices that utilized Talton to different constitutional rights). State legal guidelines such because the Oklahoma Open Data Act or the Open Assembly Act additionally don’t apply to tribes.
Overview
Many tribal nations situated in Oklahoma have enacted their very own legal guidelines associated to press freedom and data entry. For this primer, we surveyed 38 federally acknowledged tribal nations situated in Oklahoma and located:
- 28 tribal nations explicitly defend press freedom, and lots of tribal constitutions embrace language mirroring the First Modification of the U.S. Structure. Others establish as according to the U.S. Structure however don’t particularly point out the press. This useful resource notes cases the place the press is referenced explicitly.
- 32 tribal nations have document entry provisions (i.e., freedom of data legal guidelines). Many apply completely to tribal residents.
- 37 tribal nations have provisions regarding assembly discover or quorum necessities. The discover timelines and quorum sizes range drastically.
- At the very least 3 tribal nations have defend legal guidelines, or a regulation designed to guard reporters’ privilege.
- Most tribes have a media outlet or communications crew that publishes tribal information. Nevertheless, the vast majority of these publications are a part of their respective tribal governments and don’t operate independently. The Native American Journalists Affiliation maintains an inventory of urged components for impartial tribal media.
Take a look at our interactive map exhibiting press freedom data for various tribes situated in Oklahoma.
Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.astribe.com
Public data: The tribe has a freedom of data handbook. The tribal secretary handles requests, together with appeals, with assist from the tribal govt committee. Very like within the federal FOIA course of, responses are usually due in 20 days barring uncommon circumstances or situations.
Exemptions to the tribe’s coverage are an identical to the federal FOIA exemptions. The coverage additionally doesn’t apply to common circulation supplies, corresponding to coverage statements, case opinions, and administrative manuals. Informant data and pending regulation enforcement data are additionally excluded. A.S.T. Freedom of Information. Act Handbook.
Typically, all court docket data are public. A.S.T. Courts Code § 113(d). Specifically, for claims towards the tribe or considered one of its workers, “judgments, orders, and settlements of claims shall be open public data except sealed by the court docket for good trigger proven.” A.S.T. Gov’t. Tort Claims Act § 12.
Tampering with public data is a prison offense. It carries penalties as much as life banishment, which might happen after a number of offenses. A.S.T. Crim. Regulation Code § 412.
Open conferences: In keeping with the tribal structure, “All conferences of every of the tribal elective our bodies are closed to non-tribal members except they’re on official enterprise with the tribe or are in any other case invited to attend by the respective physique.” A.S.T. Const. artwork. 16 § 5.
Basic Council conferences require 15 days’ discover to members. Government Committee conferences require 5 days’ discover to officers. A.S.T. Const. artwork. 16 §1, §3.
Basic Council conferences require a 50-member quorum, whereas Government Committee, Tribal Court docket, Appeals Court docket, and Election Fee conferences require a three-officer quorum. A.S.T. Const. artwork. 17.
Different: The tribe has a prison defamation statute. The regulation defines defamation as (1) communication with information and malicious intent, (2) “to question the honesty, integrity, advantage or popularity, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) somebody alive or somebody lifeless or lacking inside the previous 20 years. “An injurious publication is presumed to have been malicious if no justifiable motive for making it’s proven by the use of protection.” A.S.T. Crim. Regulation Code § 564(a).
Punishments for defamation embrace fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to prison defamation that the individual making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with a foundation in reality.” A.S.T. Crim. Regulation Code § 564(b).
Libel and slander claims every have a one-year statute of limitations. A.S.T. Civ. Proc. Code § 1004. They’re the one tort claims that can not be introduced as small claims. A.S.T. Civ. Proc. Code § 1601(a).
The tribe’s provisions for privateness violations embrace a consent regulation for recording. A.S.T. Crim. Regulation Code § 563. It’s illegal, besides as approved by regulation, to (1) trespass on property with intent to topic anybody to eavesdropping or different surveillance in a non-public place; or (2) set up in any personal place, with out the consent of the individual or individuals entitled to privateness there, any system for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or occasions in such place, or use any such unauthorized set up; or (3) set up or use exterior of any personal place any system for listening to, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds originating in such place which might not ordinarily be audible or understandable exterior, with out the consent of the individual or individuals entitled to privateness there; or (4) reveal with out the consent of the sender or receiver the existence or contents of any such message if the actor is aware of that the message was illegally intercepted, or if he discovered of the message in the midst of employment with an company engaged in transmitting it. A.S.T. Crim. Regulation Code § 563(a). Punishments for violating the consent regulation embrace fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. A.S.T. Crim. Regulation Code § 563(c).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Absentee Shawnee Information, a government-affiliated publication.
Alabama Quassarte Tribal City
Tribe’s web site: https://www.alabama-quassarte.com
Open conferences: Conferences require a seven-member quorum. A.Q.T.T. Const. Bylaws artwork. 2.
Apache Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://apachetribe.org/about/
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. A.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Open conferences: Particular conferences require a minimum of 10 days’ discover. A.T. Const. artwork. 6 § 2. In any respect conferences, 50 tribal members and three tribal executives represent a quorum. A.T. Const. artwork. 15.
Caddo Nation of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://mycaddonation.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data. C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4.
Open conferences: Particular conferences and modifications in location for normal quarterly conferences each require 10 days’ discover to members. C.N. Bylaws artwork. 2 §§ 1, 4. Conferences require a 20-member quorum. C.N. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 3.
Cherokee Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.cherokee.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 3 § 4.
Public data: In keeping with the Cherokee Nation Code, “Any individual has a proper to examine or copy any public document of a public physique.” The federal government should reply to requests inside 15 days, not together with weekends and holidays, and is allowed to cost affordable charges for data manufacturing. The code comprises an in depth checklist of kinds of data which are exempt from the statute or have restricted use. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 104-106. An internet type is accessible to submit a request for public data. Since 2019, the Cherokee Nation has printed yearly studies containing all public document requests and responses thereto.
The Cherokee Nation Code makes use of an in depth definition of “public document,” noting, “it’s important in a democratic society that public enterprise be carried out in an open and public method.” 67 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 101-103.
Any Cherokee Nation citizen could apply to the District Court docket of Cherokee Nation for a declaratory judgment and/or injunctive reduction to implement the provisions of the Cherokee Nation Code that relate to Chapter Two of Title 67 (“Freedom of Info and Rights to Privateness”), together with public data. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). An software should be made no later than one 12 months following the date of the alleged violation or one 12 months after a public vote in public session, whichever comes later. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). If an individual in search of such reduction prevails, they might be awarded affordable legal professional charges and different prices of litigation (or a portion thereof if such individual prevails partially). 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(B).
Any one that willfully and maliciously violates the provisions of Chapter Two of Title 67 of the Cherokee Nation Code (“Freedom of Info and Rights to Privateness”) could also be discovered responsible of a criminal offense and fined no more than $100 or imprisoned for as much as 30 days; subsequent offenses carry enhanced penalties. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 112.
The tribal code additionally creates the Archives and Data Fee, which establishes and manages document storage. It additionally establishes an official repository, the Cherokee Nationwide Archives. 67 C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 1-9.
Moreover, the federal government is required to take care of a public data system for publishing legal guidelines and court docket opinions to tribal membership. “The textual content of all legal guidelines, resolutions, judicial opinions and orders, besides in any other case protected by regulation, and all different governmental publications, besides these by Nation-owned entities, shall be within the public area and free from encumbrances towards use by the Residents. This shall not constrain the Nation from copyrighting different elements of governmental publications, besides that residents shall at all times have license for private use of the copyrighted work with out discover or charge.” C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 11.
Open conferences: Conferences of the Council of the Cherokee Nation (the legislative physique of the Cherokee Nation) and its committees are open to the general public besides people who concern sure personnel issues, the “ethical turpitude of any citizen,” or if the “decorum of the viewers” prejudices the orderly administration of enterprise. If consideration of a topic takes place in govt session, any votes should happen in an open assembly. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 6. Discover of particular conferences should be printed not lower than ten days previous to the assembly and should embrace the aim(s) of the particular assembly. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 5.
Additional, conferences of public our bodies — any Cherokee Nation board, fee, company, authority, public or governmental physique or political subdivision of the Nation — are required to be open except they’re closed for a objective offered for by regulation corresponding to investigative proceedings relating to allegations of prison misconduct. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 103, 107-108(A). Public our bodies could solely enter govt session at a gathering for a “particular objective” as allowed by regulation and no motion could also be taken in govt session besides to adjourn or return to the general public session. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 108(B). Written public discover is required for each common and particular conferences of public our bodies; agendas should be offered a minimum of 10 days previous to any common assembly and 24 hours previous to any particular assembly. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 109. Minutes of conferences are thought of public data and are required to be made accessible inside an affordable time after a gathering. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 110.
Any Cherokee Nation citizen could apply to the District Court docket of Cherokee Nation for a declaratory judgment and/or injunctive reduction to implement the provisions of the Cherokee Nation Code that relate to Chapter Two of Title 67 (“Freedom of Info and Rights to Privateness”), together with open conferences. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). An software should be made no later than one 12 months following the date of the alleged violation or one 12 months after a public vote in public session, whichever comes later. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). If an individual in search of such reduction prevails, they might be awarded affordable legal professional charges and different prices of litigation (or a portion thereof if such individual prevails partially). 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(B).
Any one that willfully and maliciously violates the provisions of Chapter Two of Title 67 of the Cherokee Nation Code (“Freedom of Info and Rights to Privateness”) could also be discovered responsible of a criminal offense and fined no more than $100 or imprisoned for as much as 30 days; subsequent offenses carry enhanced penalties. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 112.
Different: The code additionally creates a defend regulation defending journalists from being compelled to reveal sources and unpublished data. 44 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 21-24. Nevertheless, the defend regulation “doesn’t apply with respect to the content material or supply of allegedly defamatory data, in a civil motion for defamation wherin the defendant asserts a protection primarily based on the content material or supply of such data.” 44 C.N.C.A. 2 § 24.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Cherokee Phoenix, a newspaper with an impartial editorial coverage.
The tribe additionally produces Anadisgoi Journal and the Cherokee Voices, Cherokee Sounds radio program.
The tribal code supplies for an impartial press and establishes tribal publications. “It’s crucial to have measures in place to make sure the liberty of the press and to make sure the tribal publications have the independence to report objectively.” 44 C.N.C.A. 1 § 2.
The code additionally creates an editorial board with 5 members, a minimum of three of whom will need to have journalism expertise and comply with Society of Skilled Journalists and Native American Journalists Affiliation ethics codes. The board members can’t be concerned in any tribal politics aside from voting, and they are often eliminated solely by the tribal Supreme Court docket for trigger. Nevertheless, the board members are appointed and confirmed by the tribal authorities. 44 C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 1-8.
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 1 § 1(b).
Public data: The tribal structure permits members of the general public to examine or receive copies of data for a “affordable charge.” It establishes the kind of data the tribe should keep and requires the tribe to develop methods for accessing and indexing the data. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 7 § 1(d).
All choices, opinions, and orders by the tribal Supreme Court docket should be written and printed. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 8 § 6(e).
Open conferences: Council conferences require a minimum of 15 days’ discover. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 5 § 3(c). Conferences require a 75-member quorum. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 5 § 4(a).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes a newspaper, the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune. The tribe additionally has radio and TV stations.
The Chickasaw Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.chickasaw.internet
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 4.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data. C.N. Const. artwork. 7 § 3.
Open conferences: All conferences are open to tribal members. C.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 4. Conferences require a nine-member quorum. C.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 2. Assembly agendas should be launched to the general public a minimum of two days upfront. 16 C.N.C. 2 § 1(B)(2).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Chickasaw Instances, a newspaper with an impartial editorial coverage. “The Instances shall be honest, neutral and inform the Chickasaw public of tribal objectives, operations, procedures, providers and emphasizing the accomplishments and opinions of all Chickasaw residents. No individual or assortment of individuals shall be allowed to dominate the Instances in any type or trend.” 2 C.N.C. 9 § 4(B). The tribal newspaper is ruled by 2 C.N.C. 9 §§ 1–4. Nevertheless, the newspaper is funded with authorities {dollars} and is required to provide house to authorities officers. See 2 C.N.C. 9 §§ 1(B)(2), 4(A)(3), 4(D)(7).
The tribe additionally has radio and TV stations.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.choctawnation.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of the best of members to talk, write, or publish opinions on issues regarding the Choctaw Nation. C.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 3.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data. C.N. Const. artwork. 9 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members and require an eight-member quorum. Particular conferences require a minimum of one days’ discover. Conferences might be held in personal session, however solely with a public two-thirds vote by council leaders. Members can not handle the tribal council with out approval of the vast majority of council leaders current. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 §§ 2–4.
Discover of court docket periods is required, and periods are open to the general public. C.N. Act to Set up a Ct. of Gen. Jurisdiction, artwork. 1 § 114(A).
Different: The tribal code comprises substantial libel and slander provisions: “Libel is a false or malicious unprivileged publication by writing, printing, image, or effigy or different mounted illustration to the attention, which exposes any individual to public hatred, contempt, ridicule or obloquy, or which tends to deprive him of public confidence, or to injure him in his occupation, or any malicious publication as aforesaid, designed to blacken or vilify the reminiscence of 1 who’s lifeless, and tending to scandalize his surviving kinfolk or associates.” C.N. Crim. Code § 771.
Malice is “presumed” for non-privileged publications except details and testimony present in any other case. C.N. Crim. Code §§ 772, 774. Penalty for precise or threatened libel might be as much as one 12 months imprisonment or $1,000 tremendous. C.N. Crim. Code §§ 773, 777.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Biskinik, a authorities publication.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.potawatomi.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 16 § 1(a).
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4.
Open conferences: Conferences look like open to tribal members. “The aim of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Indian Council conferences shall be to provide data . . . to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.” C.P.N. Const. artwork. 13 § 1.
Conferences require 10 days’ discover. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 13 § 5. 9 members of the tribal legislature and 5 p.c of the tribal membership are required for quorum. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 17 §§1–2.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Hownikan, a authorities publication.
Comanche Nation, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://comanchenation.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can view authorities data with out paying prices or charges. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 4. Court docket data are typically public. 1 C.N.C. 2 § 12(D).
Open conferences: Conferences require 10-14 days’ discover. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 4. Conferences require a 150-member quorum. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 5.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Comanche Nation Information, a authorities publication.
Delaware Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.delawarenation-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. D.N. Const. artwork. 12 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can view authorities data. D.N. Const. artwork. 14 §§ 3–4. The tribe’s election ordinance additionally makes candidate data public. D.N. Election Ordinace § 401(J).
Open conferences: Conferences require 10 days’ discover. D.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 1. Conferences require a 20-member quorum. D.N. Const. artwork. 15 § 3.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Delaware Nation Newspaper, a authorities publication.
Delaware Tribe of Indians
Tribe’s web site: https://delawaretribe.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of freedom to put in writing in its invoice of rights. D.T.I. Const. artwork. 3 § 1.
Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members, who can take part with the Chief’s permission. D.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 4(A). The tribe’s annual assembly requires 30-45 days’ discover to members, and particular conferences require 5 days’ discover to council leaders. D.T.I. Const. artwork. 11 § 1; D.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 3. Conferences require a 100-member quorum. D.T.I. Const. artwork. 11 § 3.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Delaware Indian Information, or Lënapeí Pampil, the “official publication of the Delaware Tribe of Indians.”
Japanese Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://estoo-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. E.S.T. Const. artwork. 5(a).
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data. E.S.T. Const. artwork. 8 § 3.
The tribe additionally has an in depth public data ordinance, which states that the tribe typically permits members to view and duplicate data besides when doing so would disturb authorities operation or create confidentiality points. The ordinance delineates procedures for accessing and copying data. It additionally supplies an inventory of data which are exempt from disclosure. E.S.T. Pub. Rec. Ordinance.
The ordinance additionally addresses the restricted rights of non-members: “Non-members have an curiosity in tribal paperwork and data solely as required by regulation, or as decided by tribal officers to be according to the curiosity of the tribe.”
Open conferences: Particular conferences require 10 days’ discover, and conferences require a 30-member quorum. E.S.T. Const. artwork. 16 §§1–2.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Taking pictures Star, a authorities publication.
Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://fortsillapache-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 8 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data. F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences are open to all tribal members in addition to “different individuals invited by the enterprise committee.” F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 11 § 3. Particular conferences require seven days’ discover, and all conferences require a 10-member quorum. F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 11 §§ 2, 5.
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.bahkhoje.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. I.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data. If the federal government refuses to offer entry to the data, members can ask the tribe’s grievance physique to implement their rights. I.T. Const. artwork. 11 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences require 10 days’ discover. I.T. Const. artwork. 6 §§ 1-2, 5. Basic conferences require a 20-member quorum, whereas smaller committee conferences require solely two or three elected leaders to determine quorum. I.T. Const. artwork. 13.
Tribal media: The tribe printed the Bah Koh-Je Journal, a authorities publication, as lately as December 2016.
Kaw Nation, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://kawnation.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. Ok.N. Const. artwork. 2 § 1(A).
Public data: The tribal structure consists of data entry in its invoice of rights. Tribal members can entry authorities data except such data are declared confidential by means of laws. Ok.N. Const. artwork. 2 § 3; Ok.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4(C). Tribal leaders’ voting data are public. Ok.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 1(H).
Tampering with data is punishable by tremendous as much as $5,000, imprisonment as much as one 12 months, and/or banishment for not lower than one 12 months nor greater than 5 years; or upon a subsequent conviction, banishment for not lower than 5 years nor greater than ten years. 7 Ok.N.C. 1 §139; 7 Ok.N.C. 4 § 412.
Open conferences: Particular conferences require 10 days’ discover; quarterly conferences are set for mounted dates however could also be rescheduled with 30 days’ discover. Ok.N. Const. artwork. 4 §§ 2(C)–(D). Conferences require a 25-member quorum. Ok.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 2(A).
Different: The tribe has a prison defamation statute[1] that defines defamation as (1) communication with malicious and realizing intent, of data that (2) “tends to question the honesty, integrity, advantage, or popularity, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) an individual who’s alive or has been lacking or lifeless for lower than 20 years. 7 Ok.N.C. 5 § 564(a).
Malice is “presumed” except a “justifiable motive” exhibits in any other case. Defamation is punishable by as much as $500 and/or as much as six months’ imprisonment. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to prison defamation that the individual making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with foundation in reality.” 7 Ok.N.C. 5 § 564(b).
The tribe’s privateness statute requires consent for recording. 7 Ok.N.C. 5 § 563. It’s illegal, besides as approved by regulation, to (1) trespass on property with intent to topic anybody to eavesdropping or different surveillance in a non-public place; or (2) set up in any personal place, with out the consent of the individual or individuals entitled to privateness there, any system for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or occasions in such place, or use any such unauthorized set up; or (3) set up or use exterior of any personal place any system for listening to, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds originating in such place which might not ordinarily be audible or understandable exterior, with out the consent of the individual or individuals entitled to privateness there; or (4) reveal with out the consent of the sender or receiver the existence or contents of any such message if the actor is aware of that the message was illegally intercepted, or if he discovered of the message in the midst of employment with an company engaged in transmitting it. 7 Ok.N.C. 5 § 563(a). Punishments for violating the consent regulation embrace fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than six months. 7 Ok.N.C. 5 § 563(c).
The tribe’s subpoena statute consists of an exception for “enough excuse” however doesn’t particularly defend journalists. 8 Ok.N.C. 2 § 213(c).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Kanza Information, a authorities publication. “Revealed quarterly, the Kanza Information is the Kaw Nation’s official newspaper. It’s the main medium of reports and data assortment and dissemination for tribal actions, academic and enterprise alternatives. … The publication informs the folks, giving them essential messages and calling them collectively for conferences, ceremonies, and tribal occasions.”
[1] § 564(a) of the prison defamation statute states, “It shall be lawful to knowingly and with malicious intent talk to any individual orally or in writing any data which one is aware of or ought to know to be false and knowingly that the knowledge tends to question the honesty, integrity, advantage or popularity, or publish the pure defects of 1 who’s alive, or who has not been declared lacking or lifeless for a interval exceeding twenty years, and thereby expose him to public hatred, contempt or ridicule. An injurious publication is presumed to have been malicious if no justifiable motive for making it’s proven by the use of protection.” The usage of “lawful” originally of the paragraph is probably going a scrivener’s error because the statute is titled “Prison Defamation,” defines components of the offense, units out a variety of punishment, and supplies a doable protection.
Kialegee Tribal City
Tribe’s web site: https://kialegeetribal.webstarts.com
Press freedom: The tribe’s structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. Ok.T.T. Const. artwork. 9 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities paperwork within the presence of the secretary upon order by the tribe’s grievance physique. Ok.T.T. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 4.
Open conferences: Conferences require a seven-leader quorum. Ok.T.T. Bylaws artwork. 5.
Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.kickapootribeofoklahoma.com/residence
Press freedom: The tribe’s structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. Ok.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities paperwork within the presence of the secretary upon order by the tribe’s grievance physique. Ok.T. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.
Court docket data are typically open to the general public, aside from juvenile data. Juvenile court docket proceedings are additionally not public hearings. Ok.T. Judicial Sys. Ordinance Ch. 2 § 11.
Cameras and recording gadgets are usually not allowed within the tribal courtroom. Ok.T. Courtroom Guidelines.
The tribe supplies a type for the general public to request court docket data. Requests for copies of data are topic to nominal charges.
Open conferences: Conferences require a 25 member or three-leader quorum. Ok.T. Bylaws artwork. 6 §§1–2.
Different: The tribe has a devoted libel and slander statute. In keeping with the statute, libel entails “a false or malicious unprivileged publication by writing, printing, image, signal, or effigy or different mounted illustration to the attention, which exposes any individual to public hatred, contempt, ridicule or obloquy, or which tends to deprive that individual of public confidence, or to injure that individual in that individual’s occupation, or any malicious publication as aforesaid, designed to blacken or vilify the reminiscence of 1 who’s lifeless, and tending to scandalize that individual’s surviving kinfolk or associates.” Ok.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 101.
Fact alone is just not a protection to libel. Defenses embrace proof that disproves the fees or proof that the alleged libel was each true and privileged. Nevertheless, if the alleged libel is printed within the media with good religion, a jury or decide can take into account whether or not the factual dispute was an “sincere mistake.” Ok.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 104.
Privileged communications can happen throughout official conferences, judicial proceedings, or different official duties. Publications in these settings are usually not topic to libel penalties. Ok.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 105.
Candidates for elected workplace have a restricted privileged communications privilege. Disputes below this privilege are additionally left to a jury or decide however are analyzed contemplating the workplace sought, and the character and setting of the alleged libel. Ok.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 106.
Libel and slander instances abate if the defendant dies. Ok.T. R. Civ. Professional. § 310(a)(3).
The tribe supplies a separate civil grievance type for libel and slander issues.
Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://kiowatribe.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom and whistleblower protections in its invoice of rights. Ok.I.T. Const. artwork. 1 §§ 1(b), (g).
Open conferences: Conferences require a minimum of 15 days’ discover. Conferences additionally require a 150-member quorum. Ok.I.T. Const. artwork. 5 §§ 4(c), 5(a).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Kiowa Information, a authorities newspaper.
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.miamination.com
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data by appointment within the presence of the secretary/treasurer. M.T. Bylaws artwork. 17 § 3. Tribal members also can request copies of tribal court docket paperwork by filling out a type and paying $0.50 per web page in addition to $13 in extra copy and mailing charges.
Open conferences: Particular conferences require 10 days’ discover. M.T. Bylaws artwork. 19 § 2. Conferences require a 25-member quorum. M.T. Bylaws artwork. 22 § 1.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Atotankiki Myaamiaki, a authorities newspaper.
Modoc Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://modocnation.com
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data. If the federal government refuses to offer entry to the data, members can ask the tribe’s judicial department to implement their rights. M.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences require 10 days’ discover. M.N. Const. artwork. 10. Additionally they require a 10-member quorum. M.N. Const. artwork. 11.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.muscogeenation.com
Press freedom: A 12 months and a half after repealing its free press statute and asserting authorities management over Mvskoke Media, the tribe created the “Unbiased Muscogee (Creek) Press Act.”
“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Press, Mvskoke Media, shall be impartial from any undue affect and freed from any specific political curiosity. It’s the responsibility of the press to report on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and its folks with out bias to have an knowledgeable citizenry.” 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 1(A).
The statute features a defend regulation, which supplies that journalists and members of the Mvskoke Media Editorial Board would not have to reveal sources or unpublished data, with restricted exceptions. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 11.
In 2021, residents of Muscogee Nation permitted an modification to the tribal structure guaranteeing that residents should approve any future modifications or repeal of the free press regulation. The tribal structure now states, “The Muscogee Creek Nation shall have an Unbiased Press that shall be free from political curiosity or undue affect, harassment, censorship, management or restrictions from any division of the federal government of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation so as to present unbiased information and studies objectively to the Muscogee (Creek) residents.” M.C.N. Const. artwork. 14 § 1.
Public data: The Muscogee Nation has a freedom of data regulation. Amongst different data, the statute identifies kinds of data which are public and kinds which are protected. 37 M.C.N.C.A. 20 § 017.
All authorities spending is public document. M.C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 7(d).
Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members. 37 M.C.N.C.A. 5 § 101. Tribal leaders can take conferences to personal govt session solely after voting on whether or not to go to govt session in public. 37 M.C.N.C.A. 5 § 102.
Conferences require “affordable public discover.” 37 M.C.N.C.A. 5 § 104. Additionally they require a majority of elected officers to determine quorum. M.C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4(a).
“Mvskoke Media won’t be faraway from public discussion board conferences or censored in reporting these conferences according to govt and legislative working procedures and coverage, besides by order of the Nation’s Courts.” 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 3.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Mvskoke Information, now an impartial newspaper. It additionally maintains a radio station. “The Mvskoke Information is an editorially impartial and constitutionally protected publication. Its objective is to satisfy the wants of the tribe and its residents by means of the dissemination of data.”
Though it might obtain and show political promoting, “Mvskoke Media broadcasts and publications shall not be thought of an official capability of Muscogee (Creek) Nation and shall not embrace the Muscogee (Creek) Nation official Seal on any supplies.” Editorial workers should be free from all political exercise aside from voting and internet hosting candidate debates. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 2, 7.
The Unbiased Muscogee (Creek) Press Act features a detailed description of the three-person Mvskoke Media Editorial Board, which has energy over Mvskoke Media’s editorial coverage. Two members are political appointees. Among the many members, a minimum of one will need to have tribal regulation expertise, a minimum of one will need to have an undergraduate or graduate diploma in journalism or a associated discipline, and two will need to have a minimum of 5 years’ journalism expertise. The board members are required to stick to ethics codes established by the Society of Skilled Journalists and the Native American Journalists Affiliation. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 5–6.
The Mvskoke Media is assured funding, topic to assessment by the tribal authorities. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 10.
The Osage Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. O.N. Const. artwork. 4 §3(A). The Osage Nation has loved a free press since 2009, when its Supreme Court docket issued its first-ever ruling which included language that upheld the Osage Nation’s free press constitutional freedoms. “[T]his Court docket does acknowledge that freedom of speech or the press is an inalienable proper of the Osage folks, to not be abridged or denied by any department or division of the Osage Nation authorities or by any official of the federal government. This Court docket considers such rights to be needed to take care of ‘a free, sovereign, and impartial nation.’” Grey v. Mason, No. SPC-08-01, at 11 (Osage Dec. 11, 2009).
The Unbiased Press Act of 2008 supplies for an impartial newspaper and an editorial board. 15 O.N.C. 12 §§ 105–06. The statute features a defend regulation, which supplies that journalists would not have to reveal sources or unpublished data in court docket. Nevertheless, the privilege doesn’t apply to alleged defamatory content material, prison proceedings, or actions the place a court docket finds “substantial Osage Nation curiosity.” 15 O.N.C. 12 § 112.
“The Osage Nation’s press shall be impartial from any undue affect and freed from any specific political curiosity. It’s the responsibility of the press to report on the Osage Nation and its folks with out bias to have an knowledgeable citizenry.” 15 O.N.C. 12 § 104.
Public data: The tribe has a statute devoted to open data. The statute identifies kinds of data which are public and kinds which are protected. 15 O.N.C. 8 §§ 103–104.
The statute spells out procedures for inspecting and requesting copies of data. The tribal authorities should reply to requests inside 10 enterprise days. The tribe can cost requesters for “affordable prices” associated to copying data, and the primary 25 pages are free. 15 O.N.C. 8 § 107. If a request is denied, the federal government should state why, and the requester has as much as six months to petition the Osage Nation Trial Court docket to power launch. 15 O.N.C. 8 § 108.
Illegal disclosure or destruction of data is punishable by a tremendous of $1,000 to $5,000. Authorities workers who refuse to launch data when required by court docket, in addition to anybody who obtains data by means of stealing or bribery, can face related fines. Nevertheless, the statute comprises a protection for whistleblowers who launch data unlawfully to show authorities abuses of energy. 15 O.N.C. 8 § 113(A)–(C).
Open conferences: The tribe has a statute devoted to open conferences. “Conferences of public our bodies” are open to members and most of the people, though attendees could also be requested to establish whether or not they’re members. Conferences might be filmed or recorded. 15 O.N.C. 7 § 105; O.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 19.
Tribal leaders can meet in govt session solely after the vast majority of members vote in public to permit the manager session. Government session conferences are restricted to a handful of delicate matters corresponding to personnel and authorized points. 15 O.N.C. 7 § 107.
Conferences require a minimum of two days’ discover “except an emergency requires shorter discover.” 15 O.N.C. 7 § 108.
“The Osage Nation is a consultant authorities and depends upon an knowledgeable constituency. The Nation encourages residents to train their privilege of attending and talking at conferences of public our bodies.” 15 O.N.C. 7 § 102.
Different: The tribe has a prison defamation statute. The statute defines defamation as (1) communication with malicious and realizing intent, of data that (2) “tends to question the honesty, integrity, advantage, or popularity, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) an individual who’s alive or has been lacking or lifeless for lower than 20 years. Malice is “presumed” except a “justifiable motive” exhibits in any other case. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 164(A).
Defamation is punishable by as much as $250 and/or as much as three months’ imprisonment. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to prison defamation that the individual making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with foundation in reality.” 6 O.N.C. 5 § 164(B).
The tribe’s privateness statute requires consent for recording. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 163. It’s illegal, besides as approved by regulation, to (1) trespass on property with intent to topic anybody to eavesdropping or different surveillance in a non-public place; or (2) set up in any personal place, with out the consent of the individual or individuals entitled to privateness there, any system for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or occasions in such place, or use any such unauthorized set up; or (3) set up or use exterior of any personal place any system for listening to, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds originating in such place which might not ordinarily be audible or understandable exterior, with out the consent of the individual or individuals entitled to privateness there; or (4) reveal with out the consent of the sender or receiver the existence or contents of any such message if the actor is aware of that the message was illegally intercepted, or if he discovered of the message in the midst of employment with an company engaged in transmitting it. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 163(A). Punishments for violating the consent regulation embrace fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 163(C).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Osage Information, a totally impartial newspaper. The paper has detailed insurance policies about sourcing and presents.
“As an impartial information group, we try to report information and data with equity and stability. Whereas being the official information group of the Osage Nation, we base our information judgements on our loyalties to our readers and Osage residents, and we’re not instantly beholden to the Government, Legislative, or Judicial branches of the Osage Nation. … The Osage Information seeks to cowl information in all its complexity.”
The press statute features a detailed description of the three-person Osage Information Editorial Board, which oversees the newspaper’s editorial coverage. Two members are political appointees. The political appointees should be 25, have skilled newsroom expertise, be capable of keep neutrality towards topics, and cling to ethics codes set by the Society of Skilled Journalists and the Native American Journalists Affiliation. The third, at-large member, is appointed by the 2 political members. The at-large member should both have an undergraduate diploma in journalism, regulation, authorities, or enterprise, have 5 years’ journalism expertise, or have served three years in public workplace. 15 O.N.C. 12 § 106.
The press statute prevents the Osage Information from utilizing the identical model and working in the identical constructing as the federal government. 15 O.N.C. 12 §§ 110–11. Nevertheless, the newspaper’s finances is funded and topic to assessment by the tribal authorities. 15 O.N.C. 12 § 109.
Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.omtribe.org
Open conferences: Basic conferences require a 100-member quorum, whereas conferences of tribal leaders require a five-leader quorum. O.M.T.I. Const. artwork. 11 §§ 1(a), 2(a). Particular common conferences and management conferences require a minimum of 10 and three days’ discover, respectively. O.M.T.I. artwork. 11 § 1(c), 2(c).
Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: http://www.ottawatribe.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. O.T. Const. artwork. 11 §§ 1, 4(a).
Public data: Tribal members can entry authorities data upon request and within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. If the federal government refuses to offer entry to the data, members can ask the tribe’s grievance physique to implement their rights. O.T. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences require a minimum of 10 days’ discover. O.T. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 1. Conferences require a 20-member quorum and a three-leader quorum. O.T. Bylaws artwork. 3.
Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://pawneenation.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. P.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data. P.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 3(iii).
Open conferences: All conferences require a minimum of two days’ discover. P.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 6(ii)(b). Conferences usually require a five-leader quorum. P.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 5.
Different: The tribe has a prison defamation statute. P.N. Regulation & Order Code § 564. The regulation defines defamation as a (1) communication (both orally or in writing) with information and malicious intent, (2) “to question the honesty, integrity, advantage or popularity, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) somebody alive or somebody lifeless or lacking inside the previous 20 years, (4) thereby exposing the individual to public hatred, contempt or ridicule. P.N. Regulation & Order Code § 564(a). “An injurious publication is presumed to have been malicious if no justifiable motive for making it’s proven by the use of protection.” P.N. Regulation & Order Code § 564(a).
Punishments for defamation embrace fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to prison defamation that the individual making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with a foundation in reality.” P.N. Regulation & Order Code § 564(b).
Libel and slander claims every have a one-year statute of limitations. P.N. Civ. Proc. Code § 1004(d). They’re the one tort claims that can not be introduced as small claims. P.N. Civ. Proc. Code § 1601(a).
For elected leaders, conviction of libel “in any legit governmental jurisdiction” is trigger for removing from the governing physique. P.N. Const. artwork. 7 § 4(iv)(a)(E)(15).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Chaticks si Chaticks, a authorities publication.
Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://peoriatribe.com
Public data: The Peoria Council, which consists of all tribal members who’re a minimum of 18 years of age, can examine authorities data. P.T.I. Const. artwork. 6 § 3(e).
Open conferences: All conferences require 10 days’ discover. P.T.I. Const. artwork. 14 § 3. Basic conferences require a 25-member quorum. P.T.I. Const. artwork. 15 § 2.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Eehisi Iiyaayankwi, a authorities publication.
Quapaw Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.quapawtribe.com
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. Q.N. Governing Res. § 9.
Open conferences: Conferences require a four-leader quorum and “correct discover.” Q.N. Governing Res. §§ 1(b), 11.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Ogahpah Igazozo, a authorities publication.
Sac & Fox Nation, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data within the presence of the secretary. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 3 § 1(c).
Open conferences: Conferences require 5 to 10 days’ discover. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 8 §§ 2(a), 3(a). Conferences require a 60-member and three-leader quorum. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 9.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Sac & Fox Information, a authorities publication.
The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.sno-nsn.gov
Public data: Authorities spending is public document. S.N.O Const. artwork. 5 § (e).
The tribe’s appellate process code establishes guidelines for press entry to court docket proceedings. Limitations can embrace directives for press to clear entrances and hallways, stopping press from being inside the bar railing, and limiting press to a selected variety of allotted seats. No pictures, video, or different taping is permitted within the courtroom, with a number of exceptions. 1 S.N.C. Rule 106(h)–(i).
“In a broadly publicized or sensational civil or prison case, the Court docket, on movement of both occasion or by itself movement, could challenge a particular order governing such issues as … the seating and conduct within the courtroom of spectators and information media representatives …” 1 S.N.C. R. 106(h).
Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members. 16 S.N.C. 8 R. 2.7. Conferences require a minimum of 10 days’ discover besides in emergencies. S.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 1; 16 S.N.C. 8 R. 2.6. A 15-member quorum is required. 16 S.N.C. 8 R. 2.8.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Cokv Tvlvme, a authorities publication. It additionally has a radio station.
Seneca-Cayuga Nation
Tribe’s web site: http://sctribe.com
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. S.C.N. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences require a 225-member and four-leader quorum. S.C.N. Bylaws artwork. 4.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Gah-Yah-Tont, a authorities publication.
Shawnee Tribe
Tribe’s web site: https://www.shawnee-nsn.gov
Public data: Tribal members can entry authorities data. S.T. Const. artwork. 8 § C.
Requests for tribal citizenship data should be in writing, with restricted exceptions. 2 S.T.C. 20 § 30(A). Authorities suggestions to disenroll residents are usually not public. 2 S.T.C. 12 § 60(A). Compiled statistical information about members, corresponding to addresses, and member and citizenship applicant information are usually not public. 2 S.T.C. 20 § 30(C).
Court docket data are typically public, besides as in any other case offered by regulation. 14 S.T.C. 8 § 130(D). For a nominal charge, “any individuals” can receive copies of court docket data; in any other case, inspection is proscribed to the court docket clerk’s workplace throughout enterprise hours. 14 S.T.C. 8 § 140.
Open conferences: Basic conferences require 20 days’ discover, and conferences of elected leaders require one days’ discover. S.T. Const. artwork. 9 §§ A, D. Basic conferences require a 25-member quorum, and conferences of elected leaders require a six-leader quorum. S.T. Const. artwork. 11.
Thlopthlocco Tribal City
Tribe’s web site: https://www.tttown.org
Press freedom: As initially adopted, the tribal structure consists of press freedom. T.T.T. Const. artwork. 7 § 1.
Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: http://www.tonkawatribe.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. T.T.I. Const. artwork. 9 § 1.
Public data: Tribal council members (all members of the Tonkawa Tribe 18 years of age or older) can examine authorities data within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. T.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.
Open conferences: Particular conferences require a minimum of 5 days’ discover. T.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 3 § 2. Conferences require a 20-member and two-leader quorum. T.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 4.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes a authorities publication.
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.ukb-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. U.Ok.B.C.I.O Const. artwork. 11 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data within the presence of the secretary. U.Ok.B.C.I. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences require a minimum of 10 days’ discover. U.Ok.B.C.I. Bylaws artwork. 3 § 4. Conferences require a seven-member quorum. U.Ok.B.C.I. Bylaws artwork. 4.
Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco & Tawakonie), Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://wichitatribe.com
Press freedom: The tribal governing decision consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public data: Tribal members can examine authorities data. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 12 § 3.
Open conferences: Particular conferences require a minimum of 10 days’ discover. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 6 § 2. Conferences require a 15-member and four-leader quorum. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 15.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Wichita Tribal Information, a authorities publication.
Wyandotte Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://wyandotte-nation.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. W.N. Const. artwork. 11 § 1.
Public data: All court docket data are public data besides as in any other case offered by regulation. 4 W.N.C. 1 § 113(d). For a “affordable copy charge,” “any individuals” can receive copies of court docket data; in any other case, inspection is proscribed to the court docket clerk’s workplace throughout enterprise hours. 4 W.N.C. 1 § 114.
Tribal citizenship data are confidential. W.N. Enrollment Ordinance § 6(B).
The tribe’s appellate process code establishes guidelines for press entry to court docket proceedings. Limitations can embrace directives for press to clear entrances and hallways, stopping press from being inside the bar railing, and limiting press to a selected variety of allotted seats. No pictures, video, or different taping is permitted within the courtroom, with a number of exceptions. 1 W.N.C. R. 105(h)–(i).
“In a broadly publicized or sensational civil or prison case, the Court docket, on movement of both occasion or by itself movement, could challenge a particular order governing such issues as … the seating and conduct within the courtroom of spectators and information media representatives …” 1 W.N.C. R. 105(h).
Open conferences: Conferences require a minimum of three days’ discover. W.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 4. Basic conferences require a 50-member quorum; conferences of tribal management require a three- or four-leader quorum. W.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 5.
