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TAHLEQUAH, OK - For the first time in nearly 20 months,

(Left to Right) Justice Darell R. Matlock, Jr., is sworn in by Principal Chief Chad Smith and Chief Justice Philip Viles.

the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma has a full panel of justices seated for it’s highest court, the Judicial Appeals Tribunal. Chief Justice Philip Viles swore in newly appointed Justice, Darell R. Matlock, Jr. in a ceremony at the Cherokee Nation courthouse. JAT Justice Matlock fills a seat that has been vacant since Justice Ralph Keen resigned in February 1999.

"The Cherokee people have always held their justice system in the highest regard,"said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith. "Our current tribunal, with Justices Viles, Dowty and Matlock, will continue that proud tradition of excellence."

Judicial Appeals Tribunal Justice, Darell R. Matlock, is a trial lawyer with 30 years of civil and criminal experience. Before joining the JAT, he served on the Cherokee Nation Employee Appeals Board.