Ruby D. Watson, Petitioner-Appellant v. Eddie Paul Watson, Respondent-Appellee.   In this matter concerning child support and alimony arrearages awarded in 1988, the Court held that the claims for both child support and alimony arrearages are barred by laches, and affirmed the decisions of the Family Court to deny Appellant's request that Appellee obtain life insurance to cover arrearages, and to reduce future spousal maintenance.  The parties are elderly and at the time of the award, their children had not been minors, but had been attending high school.  The Court discussed the evolution of Navajo Nation child support and alimony law.  The Court addressed Appellant's 13 year delay in seeking enforcement, the age of the children at the time of the award, property and possessions left for Appellant and the children as traditional law dictates, and Appellee's arrangements for Appellant to receive one-half of his retirement benefits. Discussing the Child Support Enforcement Act, the Court stated that the CSEA tolls the statute of limitations only from birth to the age of 18.  The Court addressed the concept of finality in cases of divorce, stating that Navajo traditional law teaches the principle that once a couple divorces, each must live their separate lives.  The Court also addressed traditional concepts of property and support in affirming the Family Court's decision to apply one-half the value of the JUA home toward arrearages.  Finally, the Court stated that the request to secure life insurance is a bilagaana way of making arrangements for paying a debt.  To demand such a remedy in the Diné perspective is Dine biz nfdizin, wishing ill-will or early death on an individual, and offensive to the values and custom of the Diné.  (December 14, 2009, recon. January 21, 2010). 

Milton J. Yazzie, Petitioner-Appellant v. Tooh Dineh Industries, Inc., Respondent-Appellee, The Court issues an Opinion Denying Reconsideration in an appeal from a  decision of the Navajo Nation Labor Commission.  (April 6, 2010). 

Bridgette Grass, Petitioner-Appellee v. Chee Phillip Yazzie, Respondent-Appellant, The Court remands a matter concerning the trial court's use and disclosure of in camera testimony of minor children in the modification of a child custody provision of a prior decree.  (May 12, 2010)

Shirley v. Morgan, an appeal from the decision of the Window Rock District Court concerning the enactment of Resolution CO-41-09 which placed President Joe Shirley, Jr. on administrative leave on October 26, 2009.  The Court upholds the district court's declaration that the resolution is null and void, but on different grounds.  The Court further invalidates Resolution CJA-08-10 (enacting the Foundation of the Diné, Diné Law and Diné Government Act of 2009) and issues a clarifying opinion affirming that government power comes from the People.  On June 2, 2010, the Court made several non-substantive changes and re-issued the opinion with an Order of Correction.  (Corrected June 2, 2010, effective May 28, 2010; Order of Correction, June 2, 2010).

Nelson v. Initiative Committee to Reduce Navajo Nation Council and Dr. Joe Shirley, an appeal from the decision from the Office of Hearing and Appeals concerning a voter's challenge to the Reduction in Council Initiative.  The Court upholds the dismissal of the Office of Hearings and Appeals.  The Court further issues a clarifying opinion in order to give finality to issues relating to the Initiative Election.  On June 2, 2010, the Court made two minor non-substantive corrections and re-issued the opinion with an Order of Correction.  (Corrected June 2, 2010, effective May 28, 2010; Order of Correction, June 2, 2010).

Shaw v. Shiprock District Court, an application for a Writ of Prohibition or in the alternative, a Writ of Superintending Control filed against the Shiprock Family Court (SRFC) to prohibit the enforcement of a pro bono appointment.  The Court makes permanent the writ and vacates the SRFC's order of appointment and ORDERS the Office of Pro Bono Service shall require of the District Court Administrator to submit a copy of the indigency assessment made by the Office of Probation and Parole Service before the name of the next eligible counsel is provided to the court. (June 11, 2010)

Sandra Oliver v. Judy Apache, an appeal of a small claims judgment.  The Court denied the appeal for failure to file a transcript and clarified that hearing such appeals is discretionary with the Court under Rule 20 of the Navajo Rules for Small Claims Proceedings, there is no right to an appeal of a small claims judgment except where "substantial justice has not been done."  (June 17, 2010)

Navajo Nation Dept of Justice, on behalf of the Commission of the Nahata'Dziil Chapter v. Arnold Begay, a petition for a Writ of Mandamus filed directly to the Supreme Court by the central government to compel a local official to perform statutory duties.  The Court summarily dismissed the petition, clarifying that such a writ must first be sought in the lower courts.  (June 17, 2010)

Todacheene v. Shirley; Shirley v. NEA, an appeal of the decision of the Office of Hearings and Appeals.  This is a consolidated case. The Court affirms the decision of the Office of Hearing and Appeals that Dr. Joe Shirley, Jr., cannot run as a candidate for the Office of Navajo Nation President in the upcoming 2010 elections.  The Court also affirms the decision of the Navajo Nation Election Administration that 2 N.N.C §1002 (D) prohibits Presidential candidates from running for a third consecutive term.  A short order was issued immediately following oral argument on July 9, 2010.  The Court issued its formal opinion stating the reasons for the Court's decision on July 30, 2010.  On August 2, 2010, the Court issued an Order of Correction making several non-substantive typographical changes.  The Opinion published conforms to the Court's correction order. (July 30, 2010, corrected August 2, 2010, effective July 9, 2010).

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