San Manuel Tribal Court
Established in 2003 Opened in 2009
The Tribal Court exercises general civil jurisdiction over our citizens and anyone who has consented to tribal jurisdiction. This includes those who have entered the San Manuel Reservation or anyone engaging in contractual relations with our Tribe.
Our Tribal Court does not hear any gaming-related disputes, which are handled and heard by the Gaming Commission.
Tribal Law
To request a copy of a Tribal law, please submit the below form to the Clerk of Court.
All requests are decided on a case-by-case basis by the Judiciary Committee.
Tribal Citizens may obtain a copy of Tribal laws at the Tribal Court upon showing proof of Tribal membership to the Clerk of the Court.
Non-Tribal Citizens who would like to review a copy of applicable Tribal laws must schedule an appointment with the Clerk of the Court.
Rules & Admin. Orders
Please click the following links to download the document.
Appellate Opinions
Please click the links below to download and view the recent San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Appellate Court opinions.
Coming Soon
Coming SoonForms
Here you will find all necessary forms for Tribal Court, Appeal Court, and San Manuel Employee Forms. Please click on the form to download the document.
San Manuel Bar Admission
Appeal Forms
San Manuel Employees Only
Fees
Please click the following links to download the document.
E-Filing
If you are filing by email, send all court documents to TribalCourtFilings@SanManuel.com Documents must be in PDF format with the case number and document name in the subject line.
You will receive written confirmation of the date and time of recorded receipt by the Clerk of the Court.
Any filing fees need to be delivered to the court within five (5) court days of the received written confirmation either in person or via US Mail.
Cash, Money Order, or Check are accepted and must be made payable to San Manuel Band of Mission Indians (SMBMI). Credit cards are not accepted.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday | 9:00am - 5:00pm
Holidays
New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
President’s Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
California Native American Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving Day
Native American Heritage Day
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Our Judges
Our Tribal Court consists of the Trial Court and Appellate Court. The Appellate Court hears appeals from final judgments and final orders of the Trial Court. The Chief Judge of the Trial Court acts as the Chief Administrator of both courts.
Our Governing Council appoints both the Chief Judge and Appellate Judge, while the Tribal Council appoints the Pro Tempore Judges. The Judiciary Committee consults on all appointments.