§ 3613. Base support funding for tribal justice systems
(a)
In general
Pursuant to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act [25 U.S.C. 450 et seq.], the Secretary is authorized (to the extent provided in advance in appropriations Acts) to enter into contracts, grants, or agreements with Indian tribes for the performance of any function of the Office and for the development, enhancement, and continuing operation of tribal justice systems and traditional tribal judicial practices by Indian tribal governments.
(b)
Purposes for which financial assistance may be used
Financial assistance provided through contracts, grants, or agreements entered into pursuant to this section may be used for—
(4)
the acquisition, development, and maintenance of a law library and computer assisted legal research capacities;
(5)
the development, revision, and publication of tribal codes, rules of practice, rules of procedure, and standards of judicial performance and conduct;
(8)
membership and related expenses for participation in national and regional organizations of tribal justice systems and other professional organizations; and
(c)
Formula
(1)
Not later than 180 days after December 3, 1993, the Secretary, with the full participation of Indian tribes, shall establish and promulgate by regulation, a formula which establishes base support funding for tribal justice systems in carrying out this section.
(2)
The Secretary shall assess caseload and staffing needs for tribal justice systems that take into account unique geographic and demographic conditions. In the assessment of these needs, the Secretary shall work cooperatively with Indian tribes and tribal organizations and shall refer to any data developed as a result of the surveys conducted pursuant to section
3612 of this title and to relevant assessment standards developed by the Judicial Conference of the United States, the National Center for State Courts, the American Bar Association, and appropriate State bar associations.