Wilton Rancheria Courts - Judicial Branch
The Tribal Court is established in Article VIII, Section 1 of the Wilton Rancheria Constitution and serves as the Judicial Branch of the government.
The Constitution of Wilton Rancheria provides that the judicial power of the Tribe shall be vested in the Tribal Court. The Wilton Rancheria’s Judicial Branch consists of the Tribal Court, The Appellate Panel, and the Traditional Court. Together they are known as the Wilton Rancheria Courts. These three courts work together to ensure a fair and accessible system of justice. Transparency, accuracy, consistency, and fairness are their foundation.
The Tribal Court has original jurisdiction over all cases and controversies, both criminal and civil, in law or in equity, arising under the Constitution, laws, customs, and traditions of Wilton Rancheria, including cases in which Wilton Rancheria, or its officials and employees, shall be a party.
The Tribal Court is composed of one Chief Judge and one or more Associate Judges. These judges are appointed by the Tribal Council to serve four-year terms and must be licensed to practice law in any state.
Wilton Rancheria preserves its cultural identity through its Traditional Court. The Traditional Court advises the Tribal Court on matters of custom and tradition, serving as the foundation of the Tribe’s common law. This approach ensures that the traditional values of Wilton Rancheria are kept at the forefront of the Tribal Court’s decision-making process.

Christine Williams
Chief Judge
Term 2024-2028

bekah Pankiw
Deputy Court Clerk