Section 3. Powers

(a) The Judicial Branch of government of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians shall have jurisdiction, as determined by legislative action pursuant to Chapter 1.05 and Chapter 2.01 of the Turtle Mountain Tribal Code and applicable federal law, to adjudicate actual cases an controversies that arise under the Turtle Mountain Constitution, statutes, resolutions, civil and criminal causes of action and legal decisions, and to ensure due process, equal protection, and protection of rights arising under the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, for all persons and entities subject to the criminal and civil jurisdiction on the Turtle Mountain Tribe.

(b) The Judicial Branch shall have authority to independently develop its operating budget and independently secure funding for its operations directly from funding sources. Nothing within this section shall prohibit the Tribal Council from providing funds from its general accounts to supplement the budget of the court or assist the court in obtaining needed funding.