South Fork Band of the Te-Moak Tribe v. State Engineer of Nevada

OPINION

This appeal concerns the scope of a district court’s power to enter orders of contempt, and the standard upon which we must review such orders. When the legislature has provided for a direct appeal of a district court’s contempt order, we will review for abuse of discretion. We hold that a district court’s contempt power does not encompass the power to order an Indian tribe to enact a legislative resolution. The district court may order that, if a con-temnor continues in its contempt, it must post a bond as security to cover costs incurred as a result of the contempt. Additionally, the…