The College’s National Tribal Judicial Center, launched in 2002, is one of the only institutions that serves the specific needs of American Indian and Alaska Native tribal law judiciaries. Although many courses pertain only to tribal court judges and personnel, the College encourages participants to consider other courses offered by the NJC that will enhance professional skills. In addition to regular courses, the NTJC offers specific programs – such as the Tribal Criminal Proceedings Enhancement Program – for a higher level of tribal judicial expertise.

Courts of general jurisdiction hear all state court case types: civil, criminal, family, probate, and mental health. Unlike some other court types, a jury trial is possible. In some smaller or more rural jurisdictions, the judge hears all case types as a matter of necessity rather than design.

A “special court” is one of limited jurisdiction or one designed to provide specific treatment or sanctions. Examples include: drug courts, justice courts, municipal courts, domestic violence courts, or small claims court. Many courses that appeal to special court judges feature sessions on addictive behavior and pharmacology, court security, therapeutic justice and appropriate sentencing.