How are Tribal Codes, Acts, and Ordinances different?
- Tribal Codes are a systematic collection of laws passed by Tribal Council and organized by subject matter. Tribal Codes provide a comprehensive and uniform set of laws for specific areas, such as the Choctaw Nation Criminal Code and Choctaw Nation Children’s Code.
- Acts are typically a single piece of legislation passed by Tribal Council that address particular areas such as the Choctaw Nation Act to establish a Court of General Jurisdiction and the Choctaw Nation Peacemaking Act.
- Ordinances are laws or regulations enacted by a local government authority and are usually temporary and address specific local issues or emergencies.