JoAnn Jayne

JoAnn Jayne is an American and Navajo politician and attorney who is currently the Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation, a position she has held since 2018. She previously served as a Democratic member of the Montana House of Representatives from 2001 to 2009.

JoAnn Jayne
Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation
Incumbent
Assumed office January 24, 2018
Preceded by	Thomas Holgate (acting)
Member of the Montana House of Representatives from the 15th district
In office January 1, 2001 – January 5, 2009
Preceded by	Rick Jore
Succeeded by	Frosty Boss Ribs
Personal details
Born	1957 (age 66–67) Shiprock, New Mexico, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Harley Tanner
Education	Arizona State University, Tempe (BS) University of Arizona (MS) University of Montana (JD)

She served as Justice of the Peace in Lake and Sanders County, Montana counties from 2012 to 2014. Jayne was the Democratic nominee in 2008 and 2012 for District Court Judge for Sanders and Lake counties. In 2012, she lost her bid for election after plagiarism charges regarding her application surfaced. She was also accused of illegal campaign practices by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, but was not formally charged. She had worked for them as an attorney from 1998 to 2000.

In 2018, Jayne was confirmed as Chief Justice of the Navajo Nation, succeeding Thomas J. Holgate and becoming the first non-acting chief justice since Herb Yazzie in 2015.

See also

• List of first women lawyers and judges in Montana
• List of Native American jurists

External links

• Montana House of Representatives - Joey Jayne Official Montana State Legislature website
• Joey Jayne for District Court Judge Official campaign website
• Project Vote Smart - Representative Joey Jayne (MT) profile
• Follow the Money - Joey Jayne
  • 2006 2004 2002 2000 campaign contributions