Shingle Springs Tribal Court Judge Sworn In

PLACERVILLE, CA (MPG) - Victorio L. Shaw was publicly sworn in as chief judge of the Shingle Springs Tribal Court (Tribal Court) on March 11. He was appointed in October and, due to Covid, privately sworn in in November.

The Tribal Court was established in 2009 to uphold the Tribe’s codes and ordinances and enforce state court orders. California is a Public Law 280 state, where tribes retain civil and some criminal jurisdiction.

As chief judge, Hon. Judge Shaw will also serve in the Family Wellness Court, a joint jurisdiction collaborative court between the Tribal Court and the Superior Court of California, County of El Dorado. This court hears youth and adult cases involving Tribal members and emphasizes culturally appropriate restorative justice practices. This groundbreaking court was established in 2015 and is the first of its kind in California and the second in the nation. It serves as a model for other tribal and state courts.

Judge Shaw graduated from U.C. Davis School of Law and teaches in the university’s Native American Studies Department. He has extensive background in tribal law and has worked at several prestigious Indian law firms. He is an Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) specialist and also works for the protection of Indian children at the Indian Child and Family Preservation Program.

Judge Shaw is an enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe and is a descendant of Karuk, Yurok and Apache Mescalero people.

Tribal Chairwoman Regina Cuellar welcomed Shaw, saying, “We are delighted to have Judge Shaw join the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to protect the peace, safety and security of our community.”

-Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians-