Lectures and open discussions leave attendees, as well as the bench and practicing bar, with a better understanding of the historical perspective and the contemporary legal issues facing tribal, state, and federal governments. The Sovereignty Symposium was established to provide a forum in which ideas concerning common legal issues could be exchanged in a scholarly, non-adversarial environment. The Supreme Court espouses no view on any of the issues, and the positions taken by the participants are not endorsed by the Court. The Oklahoma Supreme Court works closely with the federal judiciary. Certified questions are issues raised in a federal case for which there is no Oklahoma law, and the Oklahoma Supreme Court is called upon to settle the issue.
Justices also participate in a program involving state, tribal and federal judges.
The 10 th Circuit Task Force on Federal, State and Tribal Relations is chaired by 10 th Circuit Chief Judge Stephanie Seymour. Members of the Oklahoma judiciary and their staff are governed by very strict rules of ethical conduct called the Code of Judicial Conduct . Judicial officers are charged with maintaining the integrity and independence of the judiciary. No Justice or Judge may lend the prestige of the office to advance any private interest. They must refrain from participation in political activities.