Navajo Nation Lawmaker Wants Chief Justice Removed

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Friday, March 27, 2015 - 8:25am

A bill introduced in the Navajo Nation Council this week seeks to oust the tribe's chief justice.

Herb Yazzie was appointed to the Navajo Nation Supreme Court in 2005 and given a lifetime term in 2007. He previously served as the chief legislative counsel and as the tribe's attorney general.

The bill to remove Yazzie comes shortly after the high court reaffirmed an order requiring the tribe's belated presidential election to be held without further delay.

Tribal lawmakers wanted to hold a referendum vote on language requirements for top elected posts before the presidential contest.

The bill's sponsor, Leonard Tsosie, insists it's not a form of revenge. He says Yazzie has failed in his duties and wrongfully interpreted laws.