LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY SHEET

Tracking No. 0354- f2.­

DATE: August 6,2012

TITLE OF RESOLUTION: RELATING TO LAW AND ORDER; RECOMMENDING TO THE PRESIDENT MS. VICTORIA YAZZIE FOR PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENT AS DISTRICT COURT JUDGE

PURPOSE: The purpose is to recommend to the President of the Navajo Nation Ms. Victoria Yazzie for Probationary Appointment as District Court Judge.

This written summary is provided in accord with the practices of the Navajo Nation Council or Standing Committee on the resolution as drafted by the Office of Legislative Counsel. This written summary does not address recommended amendments as may be provided by the standing committees. The Office of Legislative Counsel requests each Council Delegate to review each proposed resolution detail.

12-651-1

)oUAY tSlLL tll&.y ~

TlME/~TE: ~:O()11fiI 8Iq/~ol'- Law & Ord Committee SIGNATURE: ~rl ENDD\TE: 81I-1/1JOI'L.

PROPOSED STANDING COMMITTEE RESOLUTION

22nd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL - Second Year, 2012

3 INTRODUCED BY

5

4

-f?~~ 6 (Prime Sponsor)

7

8 TRACKING NO. 0361-1 'L 9

10 AN ACTION

11 RELATING TO LAW AND ORDER; RECOMMENDING TO

12 THE PRESIDENT MS. VICTORIA YAZZIE FOR PROBATIONARY

13 APPOINTMENT AS DISTRICT COURT JUDGE

14

15 BE IT ENACTED:

16

17 Section 1. Findings.

18 A. lbere are five vacancies for Navajo Nation District Court Judge.

19 B. The Law and Order Committee, in accordance with statutory requirements of2 N.N.C.

20 §601, has completed its screening process for applicants for these vacant positions.

21 C. Pursuant to 2 N.N.C. §601(B)(7) and 7 N.N.C. §355(A), the Law and Order Committee

22 determines the qualifications for all applicants for judicial appointment, including

23 positions for District Court Judges and Justices of the Supreme Court. The names of

24 those deemed qualified are forwarded to the President of the Navajo Nation for

25 appointment. The Navajo Nation Council confirms all judicial appointments. Pursuant

26 to 7 N.N.C. §355(B), those confirmed by the Navajo Nation Council must serve a two­

27 year probationary term. Thereafter, permanent judicial appointments are subject to a

28 determination of satisfactory completion of probation term by the Law and Order

29 Committee of the Navajo Nation Council, permanent appointment by the President of the

30

Page 1 of2 12-651-1

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NaYajo Nation and pennanent appointment confirmation by the Navajo Nation Council.

2 N.N.C. §601(B) and 7 N.N.C. §355(E).

Section 2. Recommendation for appointment.

The Law and Order Committee of the Navajo Nation Council, pursuant to 2 N.N.C.

§601(B)(7) and 7 N.N.C. §355(A), hereby submits to the President of the Navajo Nation, Ms.

Victoria Yazzie for consideration for appointment to fill a current vacation position for Navajo

Nation District Court Judge, subject to confinnation by the Navajo Nation Council.

Section 3. Directive.

The Office of Legislative Services shall immediately submit all documents provided by

Ms. Victoria Yazzie to the Office of the President, Navajo Nation. Such documents contain

confidential infonnation and accordingly shall remain confidential unless the applicant consents

to its public disclosure.

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JUDICIAL BRANCH OF THE NAVAJO NATION

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT

AIUNG ADDRESS

TYpe CLASS:

o COL 0 OPERATOR

SUBER

R NAV IIlIBE? IF YES INDICATE CENSUS NUMBER

o NO 'OOf f30 If no1 re iou I submitted lease attach co of IS

ARE Y U A VE ERA ? DO YOU WISH TO CLAIM VETERANS' PREFERENCE?

o YES~NO 0 YES o NO If not previous! submiad pleale rov'de I alP ~ Ferm 214121!1225 If Yes, lease ahactl an Application for Veterans' Empl9Ymen1 Preference

Mil YOU CURRENTlY EMPLOYl!O WITH ntI. NAVAJO W.TION, SUCH AS THI! fXl!CUTIVE OR LEGISLATIVE BRANCH OR ITS ENTERPRISES? o YES ~O

SECTION 1/: Position Information (Please Fill Out Completely) POSITION NUMIIER CLASSC

REVISED· 2125/2011 PAGE 10F3

·',~ . .-£fERENce.: PLEASE LIST niOS! NOT REl.ATED TO YOU WHO HAVE ABSOLUTE KNOWLEDGE IN YOUR WORK QUALIFICATIONS AND CHARACTER.

DO NOT REPEAT NAMES OF SUPERVISORS LISTED IN WORK HISTORY BELOW.

NAME OF REFERENCE OFFICIAL TITLE TELEPHONE. NUMBER

HAI/£ YOU IVI!Il BeEN CQtMCTED 0' A FELONY? INCLUDE$, FlDfRAL MID ITATE CONVICTIONS

HAVE YOU Ell£R BI!EN CONII!CT!!P OF A MIIDEMUNOR? * W YEI, GIVE DAT! ANtI REASON

DO YOU CURRENTLY HOlD ANY POLITICAL OR PUBLIC onICElS), I.E. CHAPTER OFFICIAL, GRAZING COtIIIITTEE. F~ BOANl, COUNCIL DELEGATE? I' YES, PLEASE LIST BELOW:

I,

f r

o YESANO

o YES ~O

• PLEAse 'JOTE: A conviction does not automatically disqualify you, however a NON-DISCLOSURE will result in your application for employment to be incomplete and will not be consisdered for the position you are applying for.

ARI YOU RELATED TO ANYDN!! ~UFUlENTLY EMPLOYED WITH THE JUDICIAL BRANCH OF THE NAVAJO NATION? DYES NO

NAME: RELATIONSHIP: t I,NAME: RELATIONSHIP:

I! t

t I' i i 1 I \

REVISED· 2125/2011 PAGE 2 OF 3

THE INFORMATION THAT I HAVE PROVIDED ON THIS APPLICATION IS TRUE AND COMPLETE. ANY MISREPRESENTATION OR OMISSION OF ANY FACT IN MY

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT WITH THE JUDICIAL BRANCH OF THE NAVAJO NATION, OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL(S) USED IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS, OR INFORMATION OFFERED DURING ANY INTERVIEWS, CAN BE JUSTIFICATION FOR REFUSAL OF EMPLOYMENT, OR IF EMPLOYED, TERMINATION FROM EMPLOYMENT

WITH THE JUDICIAL BRANCH OF THE NAVAJO NATION. MY SIGNATURE BELOW AUTHORIZES THE JUDICIAL BRANCH OF THE NAVAJO NATION TO CONTACT ANY OF

MY PRIOR !MPLOYERS FOR REFERENCE PURPOSES AND THAT I UNDERSTAND THAT A CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK AND INVESTIGATION OF MY BACKGROUND

TO DETERMINE ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT, AND I RELEASE EMPLOYERS AND PERSONS NAMED IN MY

APPLICATION FROM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES ON ACCOUNT OF HIS/HER FURNISHING OF SAID INFORMATION.

SPECIFICALLY, YOU ARE HEREBY AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY INVESTIGATION OF MY PERSONAL HISTORY, EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND, MILITARY RECORD, MOTOR

VEHICLE RECORDS ILlZING FED!RAL, STAn, OR LOCAL NAVAJO NATION LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY OR BUREAU OF YOUR CHOICE. I AUTHORIZE THE

RELEAS! THI FO MATION BY THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES TO THE INVESTIGATING SERVICE.

PAGE 30F 3

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OATH OF OFFICE ~, . ,'. " ~

OFFICE OF THE PROSECUTOR

I, VICTORIA R. YAZZIE, SOLEMNLY SWEAR TO . '

PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE NAVAJO NATION AND

ITS LAWS AND TO SUPPORT THE TREATY OF 1868.

SHALL CARRY OUT MY DUTIES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES AS A PROSECUTOR TO THE BEST

OF MY ABILITY, GUIDED BY LAW, PROFESSIONALISM,

AND ETHICS, SO HELP ME GOD.

SIGNED THIS 2ND DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2001.

HONORABLE JUDG WINDOW ROCK DISTRICT COURT JUDGE

I

itt llf t £ rnS~tlt . , ur eatb ef c9f(ttt

I, Victoria R. Yazzie,

solemnly swear to preselVe and protect

the Navajo Nation and it's Laws and to

support the Treaty of 1868. I shall carry out my duties and

responsibilities as a Prosecutor

to the best of my ability, guided by the

law, professionalism and ethics,

so help me God. Signed thi day of ber, 2005

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LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Re: VICTORIA R. YAZZIE

Date: December 7,2011

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

This is a letter of recommendation for Ms. Victoria R. Yazzie. Victoria is a person with good moral character and displays good judgment.

I would highly recommend Victoria for any employment position she is seeking. Victoria is very assertive, knowledgeable and professional both personally and within her employment. She is a great person to know and work with. I have been an acquaintance of Victoria for more than twenty (20) years. I am familiar with the type of work she does many years as a tribal court advocate and tribal prosecutor. She can work under duress and handle stress quite effectively.

Victoria is an impeccable speaker and presenter in legal training, chapter houses and counseling in the legal field. I am aware that Victoria has worked with programs such as the Navajo Nation police department, behavioral health, tribal judges, prosecutors, and courts throughout the Navajo Nation. I have listened to Victoria's lectures and they are usually of high intellectual quality.

Victoria is honest, hardworking and a reliable individual. Again, I would highly recommend Victoria R. Yazzie, a person with high standards and high expectations, for any employment she seeks.

,

Lorraine Charlie PO Box 1483, Shiprock NM 87420 Telephone: 505/368-3204 .

EC-07-~011 14:26 From:CI HU I Q: 1 r'.l"l

THE

NAVAJO

NATION

Post Office Box 9000, Window Rock, Arizona 86515

BENNIE SHELLY REx L. JIM PRESIDENT V1CF- PRESIDENT

December 7, 2011

To Whom It May Concern

Ms. Victoria R. Yazzie has reQuested that I write a letter of reference/ recommendat1on for her. I am, therefor~, indeed pleased to do so.

I have known Ms. Yazzie as a Navajo Nation Prosecutor at Kayenta Police District. I havE' found her to be highly motfvated, dedicated and conscientious individual with an excellent sense of format, direction and attentIon to duty. She has demonstrated the desfre and initiative to take the extra effort to work with everyone including the communlty servlce providers and surrounding community people. She works with dtligence and exhibited a stro~ sense of practicaL consequences of her decfsions and conduct with respect to personal accountability and cultural tolerance.

Ms. Yazzie is an amiable and cultured individuaL She wiU make a positive and significant contribution to whatever endeavor she is invoLved in. She is trustworthy, professional and just as important, a team player with the capacity to successfully coordinate the efforts of others.

I am pleased to refer Ms. Yazzie to you, and I recommend her without reservations or hesitations. She is a qualified, very personabLe and capable person.

RespectfuLLy,

Kayenta Criminal Investigation Unit, Post Office Box 978, Kayenta, Arizona 86033

RESUME OF J7CTORJA R. YAZZIE POSTOFFICE BOX 207

SHIPROCK, NEWMEXICO 87420 TELEPHONE: (505) 368-5500

CERTIFICATION OF EDUCATION:

2000109- Certified Senior Prosecutor: Oath by Honorable Allen Sloan

2002: Fort Lewis College, Durango, Colorado Bachelor of Arts in Education

1998: San Juan College, Fannington, New Mexico Associate Degree in Legal Assistant

1985: Navajo Nation Bar Association Membership with the Navajo Nation Bar Association

1974: Shiprock High School Diploma High School

**** Throughout the employment status, Applicant took many numerous trainings in the field and study of law; procedural law; substantive law: and Court procedures and managements.

EMPLOYMENT:

2004/2009 Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor; Post Office Box 1098; Kayenta, Arizona 86033: ~osition: Senior Prosecutor for the district of Kayenta Arizona. Duties entailed as follows: (Adult): review all criminal complaints, police reports and referral from the schools and other department. District Court appearance for hearings, filing of criminal complaints at prosecutorial discretion; Drafting Motion(s), Minute Entry Order(s), Order(s). Issue warrant(s); apprehending upon good cause. ADMINISRATIVE DUTIES; submission of Quarterly Report(s); Supervise staff, set meetings with other resources and entities within the community for positive and effective working relationship and positive resolution. Promote and ensure the daily function and operation as a supervisor for the District Office. Interview and set meetings with Local entities e.g. Department of law Enforcement and Public Safety; Department of Corrections; Department of Criminal Investigation; and Arizona Federal Prosecutor, Phoenix, Az; Kayenta Division of Social Services; Monument Valley high School; and the general public (walk-ins). Review budget for the fiscal year; account for all purchase order/requisition(s), review administrative task for employee, e.g. sick leave/annualleave and other. JUVENILE: Review and file Juvenile complaints upon prosecutorial discretion in the areas of: (1) Delinquent (2) Child In Need of Supervision (3) Petition for Adjudication of dependent Child. Review report(s) and referrals from the local school(s). Court Appearance with cases filed with the Family Court(s). SupeIVisor: Roger Shirley

[1]

2004

•

Navajo Nation: Office of the White Collar Crime Unit, Post Office Box 3779~ Window Rock, Arizona 86515. Assistant Prosecutor for White Collar. Duties entailed: Review of all criminal complaints, and police report and investigation reports from White Collar Crime Unit Investigators. Filing of criminal complaints, and misdemeanor criminal traffic citation(s). File criminal complaints, draft Motion, Orders, and Petitions. District Court appearances as court date are scheduled. Supervisor: Ella Wilson

20002004 Navajo Nation: Office of the Prosecutor, Post Office Box 1057; Chinle, Arizona... Position: District Senior Prosecutor. Duties: review all Adult criminal complaint(s), civil traffic infraction citation(s), criminal· traffic misdemeanor charges, and Petition and/or Complaint(s). Submit Motion(s) and Order(s), and Court representation for the Navajo Nation. JUVE~E: Chinle District Office. Representing the Navajo Nation in filing of Juvenile Delinquent cases~ Child in Need of Supervision~ and Dependency cases. ADMINISTRATIVE~ duties include, the overall operation and functions of the Chinle Prosecutor's office. Oversee the office budget, and personnel. Submission of quarterly report(s) etc. Attend meetings with local entities especially with the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Department of Criminal Investigations. and chinle Division of Social Services. Worked closed with Federal FBI agents. U. S. Marshalls; and AUSA Prosecution cases involving major crimes on the Navajo Nation.

2000/2001 Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor Post Office box 1057; Chinle, Arizona. Position: Assistant Prosecutor, assisting Victor Clyde. Worked under the supervision of the Honorable Victor Clyde. Duties assisted with court representation. Review and filing of Adult and Juvenile complaints. Assist in the review and drafting of court pleadings. Review all reports, police reports and civil reports. Respond to ~{otion(s) and Order(s), and other relevant materials. Worked with defense counsels and private attorneys and Tribal court Advocates. Interview witness (es) and victims in preparation of court trial cases. Worked closely with Federal FBI agents and U. S. Marshalls.

2001/1991 San Juan College. Farmington, New Mexico: Position: Student Service Worker. Full time student at the College and worked after hours on campus.

1999/1998 Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor: Position: Sexual Abuse Prosecutor funded under P.L 638 project~ supervised by Timothy Joe. Location: Shiprock:, New Mexico. File complaints of cases involving sexual abuse of minors and adults. Investigate each case. Review Police report from Criminal Investigation and patrol and walk-in(s). Based on prosecutorial discretion file complaints. Shared information with Federal FBI and U.S, Marshall(s) in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

[2]

1979/1975

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DNA Peoples' Legal Services: Position: Receptionist: Supervisor: Tim FlynnO'Brien. Duties entailed answering incoming telephone calls; logging in clients for Atto rIley and Tribal Court Advocates. Interview walk-in clients; prepare files and bench trial book for Attorneys and Tribal Court Advocates.

CERTIFICATION:

1985: Passed the Navajo Nation Bar Exam and became License as a Tribal Court Advocate. Currently a member of the Navajo Nation Bar Association and in good stamcjing.

1985/2011 Attended all Navajo Nation Bar Association Annual Conferences and ke=p"t all credit hours to obtain my license.

Attended numerous trmmngs from numerous professional, individuaJly, workshops, and University and from other major Law Institute e.g. NIJC, and others.

[3]

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THE NAVAJO NATION ETHICS AND RULES OFFICE

P.O. BOX 5490· WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA 86515· TELEPHONE (928) 871-6369· FAX (928) 871-7168

Website: www.nnethjcsrules.navajo-nsn.gov

MEMORANDUM:

TO: Darren Tungovia. Iluman Resource Dircctor JUDICIAL 8RANCH OF THE NAVAJO NATION

FROM:

Josephine Yazzie. Legislative Assistan ETHICS AND RULES OFFICE

DATE: March 6. 2012

SUBJECT: ETHICS CLEARANCE

.\s requested. the Ethics and Rules Office checked for any outstanding ethics yiolations/san~tions (2 N.N.C. ~374 I ef seq.) on the following applicant:

1. Victoria R. Yauic.

The Ethics and Rules Oftice found no pending case(s) or any outstanding judgments against 1'\/1s. Yazzie. My review of our tiles was limited to pending cases and any that may have been heard and disposed of by the Ethics and Rules Committee of the Navajo Nation Council. [,vIs. Yazzie has no ethical violations on record with our ottice.

If there are any questions. do not hesitate to call me at extension X: 7243. Thank You.

xc: Ethics and Rules Oftice Files

Integrative Mental Health PO Box 1864 Aztec, NM 87413 (505) 334-7-4::11

PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORT

Name of Client: Victoria R. Yazzie Date of testing: 11/28/2011

Date of Birth: 07/08/1955

REASON FOR REFFERAL: Psychological evaluation pursuant to employment.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Mrs. Yazzie is a 56 year old married woman and mother to six grown children. She and her common law husband maintain two residences presently, as she lives in Shiprock, while he is a caretaker for his father in Newcomb. She is ve~

understanding of her husband's obligation to care for his father, and looks forward t<> ..he day when he can return home.

Mrs. Yazzie was raised on the 1\'avajo nation as one of nine children. She attended ]Jrivate boarding school in Utah for much of her junior high and high school education. On breaks, she describes coming home to work with her father on the family farm. She credits her father as being a good role model in her life and teaching her to help others when she could. A::fter completing high school in Shiprock, she attended San Juan College where she earned 4n Associate of Arts degree in law. She later completed a Bachelor's degree in Educatjon. With the exception of one year of teaching school, the total of her professional work has been in the legal field. She passed the Bar Association for the Navajo Nation in 1995 and has ~o..ked as an attorney ever since. She describes her passion for law as an opportunity to help others: by working diligently to uncover the truth.

Mrs. Yazzie reports no psychiatric disorders in herself or her family, except her fath er:» who abused alcohol. She denies using alcohol or drugs. She describes the ability to cope vvith difficulties by dealing with things directly and then moving on.

TESTS ADMINISTERED: Mrs. Yazzie was administered the Minnesota Multiph.;asic Personality Inventory (N1MPI-2) and Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory ( S ASSIE-3) to provide objective data for this assessment.

On the Ml\1PI-2, Mrs. Yazzie's profile suggests good ego strength with no signs of emotional disturbance. She appears to be a clear thinker who approaches problems reasonably and systematically. Such individuals are comfortable socially, verbally fluent and often -take a leadership role.

f\1rs. Yazzie is a likeable person who creates good first impressions. Others see her ClS kind­hearted, trustworthy and reliable. She is an energetic person with an outgoing nature, Ulho

enjoys competition and recognition. She doesn't display her emotions openly and rna:y at times

1

Integrative Mental Health PO Box 1864 Aztec, NM 87413 (505) 334-7411

have difficulty expressing negative feelings. However, she is not likely to become overwhelmed

by emotional turmoil.

Strengths include her intelligence, and verbally fluency. She approaches problems realistically and logically. Decisions are made with a level head, rather than impulsively. Her work is likely to be neat, organized and meticulous. While she is somewhat moralistic and prefers conventional norms, she often takes a creative and imaginative approach to problem solving. She very much enjoys her work and gets pleasure from being productive.

On the SASSIE-3, Mrs. Yazzie's results did not indicate substance abuse. On the test, she describes herself as believing in the law and obeying societal rules. At the same time, she understands others flaws, and is willing to provide advice and assistance. She presents herself as a self-assured, confident and happy individual who handles emotional difficulties and stressors well. These results are consistent with her described history and .tv'IMPI-2 results.

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Mrs. Yazzie is a very pleasant, professional woman who has managed to balance raising a family with a long-term career as an attorney. Her passion is for the legal field, where she is able to apply her ample intelligence and compassion for her clients. The interview and test results indicate a well-balanced individual with strong coping skills who is able to handle stressors well. Her motivation for advancement in her field is high, based on her natural competitiveness and desire for intellectual challenges. She would bring very strong personal and professional qualities to her new position.

If I can be of any further assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Diane Williams, PsyD D Date Licensed Clinical Psychologist

2.

p.l Mar 06 12 05:0?p

LETTER OF RECOMENDAnON

TO: 22·d NAYAJO NATION COUNCIL Law and Order Committee P.O. Box 3390 Window Rock, Arizona 86515

FROM: VICTOR J. CLYDE

SUBJECT: Lett~r ofR~ferenceforVictoria Yazzie

DATE: December 7, 2011

This letter accurately represents my views of the character and abilities of Ms. Victoria Yazzie of Kayenta, Arizona and may therefore be used a£ a reference source. I have known Ms. Yazzie for over twenty three years, and during this time I have had the opportunity to observe her professional progression in taking on new challenges, to note her ethics and character, and to hear commentary on her legal knowledge in prosecuting cases within the Navajo Nation Courts. Therefore, please accept this letter ofreference for Ms. Victoria Yazzie as a Judge within the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch. My sources ofreference are articulated below.

First, during my professional affiliation and association with Ms. Yazzie in the capacity as a Navajo Nation district prosecutor and her immediate supervisor I was consistently intrigued by her willingness to take on new challenges. This is even more evident by her current application for a Judgeship within the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch. I am not talking about a quality that is pW"e selfish ambition, but I am referring to a quality that is rooted in a desire to create a better life for the Navajo people. Consequently, it is my sincere belief that Ms. Yazzie would make an excellent Judge because of the rare quality evidenced in her willingness to take new challenges. As a judicial professional in the Arizona State Courts and an appointed Commissioner in the Navajo Nation Family Courts 1 perceive that this quality is one that is lacking in so many potential candidates for Navajo Nation judicial office. Ms. Yazzie clearly embraces this quality which allows her to willingly accept additional duties and responsibilities. This character is one that places her above many other candidates for a Judge within the Navajo judicial court system.

Secondly, during my professional association with Ms. Yazzie she consistently demonstrated that she possesses the ethics and integrity required to be a Judge within the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch. 1 have never heard of any incidents or activities that would bring Ms. Yazzie or the Navajo Nation into disrepute. This is an important quality for a Judge and I sincerely believe Ms. Yazzie has not been involved in situations that could cause major character issues to be levied against her. fn fact, her ethics and integrity is supported by her traditional knowledge of the Navajo Common Law. I have always known her to be fair, honest and above reproach in her dealings.

p.2 Mar 06 12 05:0?p

Thirdly, it is my belief and information that Ms. Yazzie possesses the legal knowledge necessary to focus on complex issues at hand in cases that are beard before the Navajo Nation Courts. She has been a police dispatcher, private legal counsel and a Senior Prosecutor for many years and has gained a wealth of legal knowledge and experience that could be used for the furtherance of Navajo Nation judicial system. More importantly, she speaks Navajo fluently and she understands traditional and cultural issues related to cases brought before the Navajo Nation courts. Ms. Yazzie possesses the knowledge to develop Navajo Fundamental Law in her court decisions and opinions. She is raised in a home with strong cultural values.

Finally, as a member in good standing with the Navajo Nation Bar Association, and as a person personally aware ofthe issues I mentioned above, it is with great pleasure that I offer this reference for Ms. Yazzie. It is my sincere belief that the Navajo Nation would greatly benefit by selecting Ms. Yazzie as a Judge within the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch. I believe she deserves the oppornmity and I believe the Navajo Nation Council's Law and Order Committee, the Office of the Navajo Nation President and the 22ncf Navajo Nation Council would avail to select Ms. Yazzie asa Judge.

You can contact me at (928) 674-5922 if there are any questions or clarification concerning this letter of reference.

P. O. BOX 1744 .. LUKACHUKAI, ARIZONA 86507 .. 928-787-4338

LEGISLA riVE BRANCH HONORABLEJOHNNY NAIZE NAVAJO NATION Speaker, 22nd Navajo Nation Council

August 8, 2012

MEMORANDUM

TO Honorable Alembers Law and ( er Committee

FROM

SUBJECT

Pursuant to 2 KN.C. § 164 (A)(4), this memorandum serves to inform and advise you that I assign the following legislation to the Law and Order Committee:

Legislation No. 0354-12

AN ACTION RELATING TO LAW AND ORDER; RECOMMENDING TO THE PRESIDENT MS VICTORIA YAZZIE FOR PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENT AS DISTRICT COURT JUDGE.

As the Committee assigned to consider the legislation, Legislation No. 0354-12 must be placed on the Law and Order Committee's agenda at the next regular meeting for ftnal consideration.

ATIACHMENT: Legislation No. 0354-12

xc: Hon. Ben Shelly., President The Navajo Nation

Harrison Tsosie, Attornry Gmeral Mark Grant, COlltrolkr Honorable Rus~ell Begaye, Counl."il Delegate (prime Sponsor)

OFFICE OF THE SPEAKER INA VAJO NATION LEGISLA TIVE BRANCH I POST OFFICE BOX 3390 I WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA 86515 TELEPHONE (928) 871-7160 FAX (928) 871-7255

Office ofLegislative Counsel Johnny Naize 7:'cplnllc:(9:l8.' 8-'-7~'(,() ,Slim/-cr oft;'" lVIll'iljn l\:ltiOI7 CII/III,.,/ h ": (9,'8) 8-'/ -7'7(1

MEMORANDUM

TO: Russell Begaye 22nd Navajo Nation Council

FROM: ~J~bl.~ Katy GroWlds, Attorney Candidate

O~giS~sel THROUGH:

DATE: August 6, 2012

SUBJECT: OLC Service Request No. 12-651-1: Relating to Law and Order; Recommending to the President of the Navajo Nation Ms. Victoria Yazzie for Probationary Appointment as District Court Judge

Pursuant to your request, attached is the above-referenced proposed legislation for your sponsorship. Please review the proposed legislation. If this proposal is acceptable to you, as drafted, please sign the proposed legislation where it indicates "PRIME SPONSOR" and submit it to the Office of Legislative Services for the assignment of a legislation number and referral to the Speaker who will assign it pursuant to 2 N.N.C. §164(A).

If the proposed legislation is unacceptable to you or if you have further questions, please contact me at the Office of Legislative Counsel and advise me of changes you would like made to the proposed legislation. You may contact me at (928) 871-7166. Thank you.

Office of Legislative Counsell The Legislative Branch I Post Office Box 3390 I Window Rock, Arizona 186515

THE NAVAJO NATION� LEGISLATIVE BRANCH�

INTERNET PUBLIC REVIEW PUBLICATION�

LEGISLATION NO: _0354-12__ SPONSOR: Russell Begaye

TITLE: An Action Relating To Law And Order: Recommending To The President Ms. Victoria Yazzie For Probationary Appointment As District Judge

Date posted: August 9. 2012 at 10:20am

Digital comments may be e-mailed to comments@navajo-nsn.gov

Written comments may be mailed to:

Executive Director� Office of Legislative Services�

P.O. Box 3390� Window Rock, AZ 86515�

(928) 871-7590�

Comments may be made in the form of chapter resolutions, letters, position papers, etc. Please include your name, position title, address for written comments; a valid e-mail address is required. Anonymous comments will not be included in the Legislation packet.

Please note: This digital copy is being provided for the benefit ofthe Navajo Nation chapters and public use. Any political use is prohibited. All written comments received become the property of the Navajo Nation and will be forwarded to the assigned Navajo Nation Council standing committee(s) and/or the Navajo Nation Council for review. Any tampering with public records are punishable by Navajo Nation law pursuant to 17 N.N.C. §374 et. seq.