Navajo chief justice confirmed

The chief appellate judge for the Crow Nation has been confirmed as chief justice of the Navajo Nation’s highest court.

JoAnn “Joey” Jayne’s appointment to the position in July had been subject to approval by the Navajo Nation Council.

Tribal lawmakers voted in favor Wednesday, and Jayne was sworn in immediately was sworn during a ceremony in Window Rock, Ariz.

The Navajo woman is the first chief justice hired under a change that requires a law degree for the job. She joins Associate Justice Eleanor Shirley on the bench. The third position on the Navajo Nation Supreme Court is vacant.

Jayne will be on probationary status for two years. Tribal lawmakers then would decide whether to give her a lifetime appointment.