§ 1732.Definitions

Every later section in this chapter leans on the vocabulary Section 1732 sets up. An “applicant” is whoever can bring an action to enforce a tribal court money judgment, and a “respondent” is whoever that action can be brought against. “Civil action or proceeding” covers anything that isn't criminal, apart from the categories Section 1731 already carves out. “Good cause” ties to a substantial reason grounded in the prejudice or irreparable harm a party would suffer without a hearing, or without one held on schedule, which matters later when a court decides whether to hold a hearing outside the usual timeline.

The definition of “due process” spells out concrete features, the right to counsel, reasonable notice, a hearing opportunity, cross-examination, and a chance to present evidence to an impartial decisionmaker, rather than leaving that phrase to abstract debate. “Tribal court” reaches any court or tribunal of a federally recognized tribe, pueblo, band, or Alaska Native village, including Courts of Indian Offenses. And “tribal court money judgment” is defined narrowly: a written, final, conclusive judgment for a specified sum, enforceable in the tribal court that issued it and authenticated under that tribe's own procedures, which is what keeps this chapter from reaching informal or non-final tribal rulings.