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FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) — The Navajo Nation's top judge, Chief Justice Herb Yazzie, is retiring after a decade in the position.
The Daily Times newspaper of Farmington reports (http://bit.ly/1IAaq1m ) that Yazzie's retirement is effective at 5 p.m. Friday. It was announced by the Judicial Branch on Wednesday.
Yazzie was confirmed as the chief justice in April 2005. His retirement comes at a time when tribal lawmakers are considering legislation that calls for his removal.
The bill, introduced in March, alleges that Yazzie neglected the duty of his office.
Yazzie presided over the court when it recently reaffirmed popular elections and the Nation's requirement that its president be bilingual.
He wrote in a statement that he has been required to make difficult decisions in court that would be better handled by a more traditional Navajo system.
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Information from: The Daily Times, http://www.daily-times.com
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