Technology Expands Communication for a New Jurisdiction
- Industry: Choctaw Nation of the Tribal Prosecutor
- Location: Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Number of Employees: 23
- Population: 231,000
- Tyler Client Since: 2019
- Tyler Solution: Enterprise Justice Case Manager, Enterprise Attorney Manager
A major shift to a new era of an expanded jurisdiction did not halt the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma from serving justice to its constituents. By implementing innovative court technology solutions, the Choctaw Nation’s Office of the Tribal Prosecutor was well prepared to manage the suddenly increased caseload, putting processes in place to reduce complexity and expand electronic access to court services.
Communication Is Key
After two court decisions — a 2020 U.S. Supreme Court ruling, McGirt v. Oklahoma, that upheld tribal sovereignty in federal criminal cases and a 2021 Criminal Appeals Court decision, Sizemore v. State of Oklahoma, that applied the McGirt SCOTUS ruling to Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma — the Office of the Tribal Prosecutor anticipated the transfer of hundreds of cases. The court needed to overcome cumbersome, manual processes and position itself to better serve the United State’s third-largest Indian Nation, with more than 212,000 tribal members and 12,000 associates, many of whom reside in rural areas.
To fully prepare, the court integrated Tyler Technologies’ Attorney Manager software solution with their current case management system, Tyler’s Enterprise Justice. When the first day of filing under the new laws approached, the Choctaw Nation court system was equipped to connect with the court clerk’s office digitally, allowing the 200 transferred cases to be filed and managed instantly. “Because we connect with the court clerk’s office, we can send them documents right away and they’re available to them to get filed, as soon as possible,” said Kelsey Long, senior legal clerk for the Choctaw Nation’s Office of the Tribal Prosecutor.
The benefits of the new software extended beyond the court walls, leaving no case in limbo — easing the concern that violent incarcerated individuals would be released during the transition. Long credits increased interoffice communication in providing a trustworthy system for all. “Not letting violent criminals out of custody — it was that communication between the state and my office, between my office and correctional institutions, that really helped make sure we ensured safety for the public,” Long said.
Connectivity In Reach
By automating and digitalizing the system, court staff and constituents experienced greater accessibility throughout the judicial process. In Long’s previous role with the state of Oklahoma, there was one computer dedicated to the court clerk’s filings. As the only hub with connectivity, employees had to get up from their desks, walk over to the computer, sit down and manually log on to verify dates, times, or other case data for individual work.
With the addition of Attorney Manager, the office can not only seamlessly track their criminal and civil cases, but, court staff, attorneys, and justice partners can now more easily and securely communicate with each other to manage cases. “It’s just a more streamlined process and much more efficient than emailing documents, which was our other alternative before we started implementing the tasks and queues option,” noted Long.
A more streamlined process emerged for constituents as well, especially for tribal members not located within easy traveling distance to court — a sample of the population that increased significantly with the addition of more counties to the jurisdiction. The new system allows for filing cases online and provides up-to-date case status and information, eliminating the burden of a potential three or four hour drive to the Choctaw Nation courthouse.
It’s just a more streamlined process and much more efficient than emailing documents, which was our other alternative before we started implementing the tasks and queues option.
Kelsey Long
Senior Legal Clerk, Choctaw Nation’s Office of the Tribal Prosecutor
Future Ready
After the pandemic and the recent court rulings, the Choctaw Nation recognized the importance of modernizing their legal processes. The office is in a multiphase plan with Tyler to enhance and maximize the capabilities of Enterprise Justice while continuing to deliver efficient, accessible justice.