Superior Court of Alpine

Because one-third of the population are members of the Washoe Tribe, the county faces several jurisdicational issues in both social services and law enforcement. Clarification of these issues is currently being sought from the California Attorney General. In 1995, the tribe assumed, by federal order, jurisdiction over juvenile dependency caseload. This has reduced the workload of the court in this area.  The county court currently maintains jurisdiction over juvenile delinquency cases and this workload is expected to increase.

It is the mission of this Court to resolve disputes arising under the law in a fair, accessible, effective, and efficient manner; and to interpret and apply the law consistently, impartially, and independently to protect the rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitutions of California and the United States of America.

Community outreach in a small county is a part of everyday activity. Judges campaign door-to-door for election and have the opportunity to talk to every citizen directly about the court and their perceptions of the services rendered. Formal opportunities, facilities, or activities that exist for community outreach in larger communities are not present in Alpine County. There is no high school or college in Alpine County. There are no service clubs, no radio or television broadcasters, and only a limited monthly newspaper. Only a few opportunities exist, or can be created, for the purpose of reaching the approximately 1200 residents of the county. This plan contemplates the limited opportunities for community outreach in Alpine County, and incorporates the admonition from the members of the Alpine County community that public funds not be spent on public relations activities.