A Bethel Assistant Public Defender reports that he has had few occasions to go there in the past two years, suggesting that the exercise of traditional authority may be an effective means of responding to incipient or actual criminal activity. Chevak - Elders in the village of Chevak recently elected judges from among their ranks to the village's tribal court, newly established after enactment of a tribal court ordinance in the fall of 1992. Chevak, with a population of 600, has a traditional council that has long had a voice in community decision-making, in addition to its work in resolving disputes and warning offenders. The council is drafting ordinances to codify traditional unwritten village law. The village's tribal court liaison explained the importance of the elders' role in village justice.
Elders bring their traditional authority to bear on the task of judging.
Since they have more influence over people, they are an effective force. When you're sitting in front of the elders you have no choice but to feel their presence. You have this natural respect for them. I don't think anyone wants to go through that. Traditionally, elders settled disputes quietly in the village.