Historic Joint Jurisdiction Court Celebrates First Year


PLACERVILLE, CA--(Marketwired - April 27, 2016) - On Wednesday, April 27, the Shingle Springs Family Wellness Court celebrated its first year of operation. The historic court enables state judges of El Dorado County to preside in Shingle Springs Tribal Court and the chief judge of the Shingle Springs Tribal Court to preside as a judge pro tem over state court matters.

Hon. Christine Williams, chief judge of the Shingle Springs Tribal Court, and Hon. Suzanne N. Kingsbury, presiding judge of the Superior Court El Dorado County, oversee the tribal-state joint jurisdiction court, the first of its kind in California. This landmark court hears cases in tribal court by a state court judge and a tribal court judge, together. 

"This court's holistic approach is monumental step in working together to address our Tribal youth's unique challenges," said Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians' Tribal Chairman Nicholas Fonseca. Fonseca commemorated the occasion by giving traditional native necklaces to the judges and others whom have contributed to the court's success. 

The collaborative court serves as a model for other tribal and state court judges.

Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2016/4/27/11G095535/Images/Hon._Suzanne_N._Kingsbury,_Tribal_Chairman_Nichola-929ac770cc4692f099d12cd8674b6632.jpg

Contact Information:

Contact: 
Kim Stoll, Director of Public Relations
Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians
530-387-4183 or 775-232-4976

Hon. Suzanne N. Kingsbury, Tribal Chairman Nicholas Fonseca and Hon. Christine Williams