The Tribal Law Journal (TLJ) invites submissions for Volume 26, to be published in the Spring of 2027. The Journal seeks scholarly, practitioner, and student work addressing legal issues affecting tribal nations and their internal justice systems. Contributions may include tribal court case comments, reflections on tribal systems, the development of tribal law, the value of tribal law, interviews, and teachings.
Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis and you will be notified directly regarding the status of your submission. If your proposal is selected, additional publishing instructions will be communicated. Submissions accepted through Scholastica and via email.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:
Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction and Public Safety Authority
- Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction (SDVCJ)
- Criminal jurisdiction on highways/interstates within tribal lands
- Cross-deputization agreements and MOUs
- Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA/SOUSA) Programs
- Jury trials in Indian Country
Tribal Regulatory Authority & Fundamental Rights (Tribal Constitutions & ICRA)
- The Second Amendment and firearm regulation & restriction on tribal lands, including registration, licensure, and training requirements
- Due Process Protections in criminal and civil proceedings under tribal codes, constitutions, and ICRA
- Equal Protection & other fundamental rights under tribal constitutions and ICRA
Mental Health, Elder Law, and Protective Services in Tribes
- Mental health law on tribal lands, including involuntary civil commitment
- Adult Protective Services (APS), guardianship, and conservatorship for elders
Intergovernmental Relations and Tribal Sovereignty
- Cooperation between tribal and state governments
- Contemporary governance issues and sovereignty developments
- Reflections on tribal involvement in Supreme Court litigation