WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Law and Order Committee voted three in favor, with one delegate abstaining and none opposed, not to confirm the permanent appointment of JoAnn Jayne to serve as the Navajo Nation Chief Justice.
The vote follows a series of public hearings in 13 Navajo communities, the LOC’s visit to every judicial district, and extensive community input that helped to evaluate the performance of the Probationary Chief Justice.
Under Navajo Nation law at 2 N.N.C. §601(B)(10)(a) and 7 N.N.C. §355(E), this decision is final and binding. The President of the Navajo Nation cannot override this decision or appoint a Chief Justice whom the LOC has not recommended.
As the Supreme Court has consistently reaffirmed, any attempt to appoint a judge outside of the prescribed legislative process is unlawful and invalid under Navajo law (In re Certified Questions I and II, 6 Nav. R. 97, 105 [1989]).
The LOC’s determination was based on an independent evaluation of Jayne’s performance during her probationary period. After visiting all judicial districts and listening to public testimony, the committee concluded that her performance didn’t meet the standards required for permanent appointment. Legislation No. 0140-25, which outlined the grounds for denial, was passed by the committee after a thorough review and discussion.
“The public’s voice was central in this process,” LOC Chair Eugenia Charles-Newton said. “Community members were clear in their expectations for judicial leadership. We listened, and we acted accordingly. The integrity of our judiciary is not negotiable.”
