Arizona courts Chinle

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

GALLUP — The Arizona Supreme Court will conduct oral arguments in two cases on Wednesday in Chinle, making it the first time the court will do so on the Navajo Nation.

The Court will be visiting Apache and Navajo counties this week as part of the 2005-2010 strategic agenda "Good to Great." The agenda was created in an effort to better connect with communities and is led by Chief Justice Ruth V. McGregor. The high court will also conduct a town hall in Snowflake before making its way to Chinle.

"It's important for the judicial branch to reach out to all Arizona residents," said McGregor.

The court will hear two oral arguments the Chinle Community Center, including CV-06-0076-PR: George Winn vs. Plaza Healthcare, and CV-07-0008 PR: Suzanne Tyman vs. Hintz Concrete, Inc.

Last December was the first federal criminal trial conducted on the Navajo Nation. The case was heard by New Mexico Chief Judge Martha Vazquez of Santa Fe and took place at the Shiprock District Court.

The arguments in Chinle are open to the public and an informal question-and-answer block for residents will follow the arguments.

"This gives our people and students a chance to see how a high court functions to better understand the judicial system," said President Joe Shirley Jr.

The hearings begin at 1 p.m. noon (MST) with doors opening at 11:30 a.m. Seating is limited and visitors are asked to arrive early.

A dress code for the Arizona Supreme Court prohibits cutoffs or torn jeans, flip flops, halter tops, below-waist pants or hats. Visitors are also encouraged not to bring electronic devices of any sort. Food, bottled water and bags will not be allowed. Children should also not be brought to the arguments.