NMI JUDICIARY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT

Editorial BOARD

Advisors

Sonia A Camacho,Director of Courts

Martha M Standish,ARPAAdministrator

Hyun Jae Lee,General Counsel

Matthew JBrown,Dep General Counsel

Patrick C Quimby,Law Clerk

Keith H Ketola,Law Clerk

Associate Editors

Josephine N Estrada,Judicial Assistant

Rogelio N.Francia,ARPAInfo.SystemsSupport Specialist

RoyV Salas,ARPAAdministrative Officer

Contributing Staff

Jennalyd S Babauta,ProgramsSpecialist

Bryan S Bocago,Special Proj & Infrastructure Coordinator

Jan Christin S.Cabrera, ARPAScanning Clerk - Tinian

Frank Eli Vincent PCamacho,ARPAInfo SystemsAssistant

MaryBernadette C Glass,Paralegal

Micca B King,ARPAScanning Clerk - Rota

Kristine D.Laurio,ARPAInfo.SystemsAssistant

TracyD Limes,ARPAScanning Clerk - JAO

Elvira M Manglona,ARPAScanning Clerk - Rota

Jolyn M Pangelinan,Client ServicesNavigator

Lana C Togawa,LEPCoordinator

Pleasevisit NMIJudiciary gov

Weappreciatethe hard workof our staff in fulfillingthe Judiciary?smission dayin and dayout. Thisvideo, presented at the 2022 JudiciaryProfessional Development Conference, isa good depiction of theJudiciaryfamily.

amessagefrom CHIEF JUSTICEALEXANDROC. CASTRO

After two long yearsof being substantiallyimpacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,two-thousand twenty-two wasa year that will be remembered asthe year the Judiciary began to emerge from the pandemicwith lessonslearned and a hardened resolve Two yearsof economicand societal upheaval began to lessen,and the Judiciarycontinued to satisfy itsconstitutional mandates Just asthe COVID-19 pandemicapproached itsend stages,the Judiciaryalso completed itsfirst strategic plan,spanning from 2018 to 2022

Just asit did in 2021,upon being awarded approximately$13 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding,the Judiciarycontinued to responsiblyexpend itsfundsand ensure itsspending plan was followed to take full advantage of thisonce-in-a-lifetime funding infusion Chief among thisyear?s accomplishmentswasthe overall technologymodernization of our facilitiesand services,allowing for greater accessto the judicial system for the people of the Commonwealth.Throughout the year,we worked tirelesslypreparing for the launch of the Commonwealth Recorder?sOffice?se-recording platform,with a planned launch date in early FY2023 Thissystem will allow for worldwide accessto recording documentsin the Commonwealth and streamline the recording processand isone component of the Judiciary?sdigitization and scanning project which involvesthe scanning of tensof thousandsof documentsdating back to the Trust Territory era

Thisyear we were also able to look back on our first five-year strategic plan and note our accomplishments,while also reflecting on goalswe still must complete Among our seven goals,the Judiciary made extraordinary advancesin addressing pressing needsthrough non-adversarial models and strengthening our connection with the community In 2021,the Mental Health Court Docket waslaunched,and in 2022,the Judiciary received $303,000 for a viabilitystudyto expand thisdocket to include a focused approach to assist our veterans.Additionally,I can proudlysaythat after a multi-year hiatus,the Judiciarysummer pre-law program returned and was completed by19 participants

Year after year,the Judiciarycontinuesto adapt,and its employeesrise to the occasion byensuring judicial servicesremain available to all 2022 wasno different Si Yu?usMa?ase for those who contributed to these efforts

CHIEF JUSTICEALEXANDROC. CASTRO isthe fourth Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.He was appointed byGovernor Benigno R.Fitial in 2012 and unanimouslyconfirmed bythe Senate.He currentlyservesasa justice pro tem of the Supreme Court of Guam and a non-resident Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republicof Palau.In the CNMI, Chief Justice Castro also served asan Associate Justice of the Supreme Court (1998-2012); Presiding Judge of the Superior Court (1993-1998); and Associate Judge of the Commonwealth Trial Court (1989-1993).

He became the first indigenousCNMI Attorney General in 1986 after serving asthe Chief Prosecutor (1983-1986).He isthe founding father of the AttorneyGeneral?sCup Speech Competition,an annual event in which high school studentsfrom Rota,Tinian,and Saipan debate a current legal issue facing the CNMI. He isadmitted to practice law in the U.S. Supreme Court; U.S.Court of Appealsfor the Ninth Circuit; U.S.District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands; CNMI Courts,and the Courtsof the Trust Territoryof the Pacific Islands(asa paralegal).Chief Justice Castro graduated from the Facultyof Law,University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in 1989,a British-oriented law school.While in law school,he represented UPNGin the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington,D.C. He ismarried to Carmen Mosesof Angaur, Palau,and he isblessed with six children?Patrick,Yvonne,Eric,Junior,Rodney, and Ariel.

JUSTICEJOHN A. MANGLONA hasbeen a justice for over 22 years.Governor Pedro P.Tenorio initiallyappointed him in 2000,and the CNMI Senate unanimouslyconfirmed the appointment.Justice Manglona hasbeen successfullyretained in three elections,each carrying an eight-year term.Justice Manglona served asan Associate Judge in the Superior Court from 1998 to 2000.While serving asa judge,he wasalso nominated byGuam Governor Carl T.C.Gutierrezto serve asa Designated Justice of the Guam Supreme Court for a term of four years.The Guam Legislature

unanimouslyconfirmed the nomination.He continuesto assist the Guam Supreme Court as a justice pro tem.

Justice Manglona,born on Rota,attended Guam Catholicschoolsand graduated from Father DuenasMemorial School.He received hisB.A. in Political Economy from the University of California,Berkeley. He graduated from Creighton University School of Law (J.D.) and the Universityof the Pacific,McGeorge School of Law (LL.M.in Taxation).Prior to his appointment to the bench,Justice Manglona wasin private practice focusing on probate, corporations,tax,and real property transactions.He actively participatesin the Judiciary?soutreach programssuch asthe Law and the Freshman Legislator,High School Mock Trial,Justicesin the Classroom,and Law Week. He volunteered for manyyearswith the National ForensicsLeague,National Speech and Debate,and We the People programsasa competition coach or judge.

Justice Manglona ismarried to U.S.District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona,and they are blessed with two adult children.

JUSTICEPERRY B. INOSascended to the Supreme Court in 2013 after serving asan Associate Judge on the Superior Court since 2008.Governor Benigno R.Fitial appointed him to both courts.Justice Inossuccessfully underwent retention electionsin 2012 and 2020.

Born on Saipan,Justice Inoswent to Rota High School and graduated from the Universityof Guam with a B.B.A.in Management.He received hisJurisDoctor degree from the Universityof New Mexico School of Law.Before joining the bench,he worked for the Office of the AttorneyGeneral,Law Office of John A. Manglona,and asa solo practitioner.Justice Inosparticipatesin the Judiciary?svarious outreach programsand the PacificJudicial Council education committee and assiststhe Guam Supreme Court asjustice pro tem when designated.He volunteersin the community as a member of the RotaryClub of Saipan.

He ismarried to Debra A.Inos,and they have three children.

SupremeCOURT

"TheCommonwealthsupremecourt shall hear appealsfromfinal judgmentsandordersofthe Commonwealthsuperiorcourt.Thesupremecourt shall haveall inherent powers,includingthepower toissueall writsnecessarytothecompleteexercise ofitsdutiesandjurisdictionunder thisconstitution andthelawsoftheCommonwealth.Thesupreme court shall consist ofachiefjusticeandat least two associatejustices.TheLegislaturemayincreasethe number ofjusticeswhennecessary."NMI CONST.art. IV,§3.

JUDICIAL ASSISTANTS

Irene T. San Nicolas,Chamber Administrator to Chief Justice Alexandro C.Castro,graduated from Mt.Carmel High School and attended Hawaii PacificCollege to pursue a degree in BusinessManagement.She began her career in the Supreme Court on April 10,1995.Irene has taken on manypositionsin the Judiciary: Secretary, Judicial Assistant,and Chamber Administrator.She served three Supreme Court Chief Justicesbefore Chief Justice Castro: Chief JusticesJose S.Dela Cruz,MartyW.K.Taylor, and Miguel S.Demapan.She washappilymarried for 44 yearsto her high school sweetheart,Gil M.San Nicolas, and isblessed with three beautiful children and 14 beautiful grandchildren.

Ignatia C. Aldan,Judicial Assistant to Justice PerryB. Inos,graduated from Mount Carmel School and began her career with the Judiciaryon December 19,2011,as then-Associate Judge PerryB.Inos' Judicial Assistant. On March 8,2013,when Justice Inosascended to the Supreme Court,she remained hisJudicial Assistant. Ignatia worked for 5 1/2 yearsbefore resigning to care for her uncle.She then returned to her position as Judicial Assistant to Justice Inoson February 14,2021. Ignatia ishappilymarried and blessed with four children,one stepson,and four grandchildren.Her hobbiesinclude listening to musicand playing with her grandchildren.

LAW CLERKS

Patrick C. Quimby began clerking for Chief Justice Castro in September 2022.He haslived all throughout the southeastern United Statesbut callsHouston, Texashishome.Patrick holdsabachelor?sdegree in international studiesfrom TexasA&M Universityand alaw degree from Washington and Lee University.He enjoysplaying pickleball,watching European soccer, and eating good barbecue.

Originallyfrom the Minneapolis,Minnesota area,law clerk Keith H. Ketola attended St.Olaf College and the Universityof Michigan Law School before moving to Saipan in September 2021.In hisfree time,he enjoys running,music,diving,martial arts,and spending time with friendsand family.

Josephine N. Estrada,Judicial Assistant to Justice John A. Manglona,started at the Office of Adult Probation asan office clerk while she wasworking towardsher associate'sdegree in Criminal Justice from the Northern MarianasCollege, Josephine then received her bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in May2021 from both the Universityof Guam and Northern MarianasCollege through the NMC-UOG3+1 Program.She started her career in the Supreme Court asa CARES Act Administrative Officer before becoming a Judicial Assistant in April 2021.Josephine isexploring the idea of pursuing a Juris Doctor.In her spare time,she enjoys singing and learning interesting facts about cows.

Benjamin S. Schwartz wasborn and raised in Los Angeles,California.He hasthree brothers,two of which are human and one of which isa dog.After graduating from Universityof California,Berkeley,he taught English in Japan for two years.While attending the Universityof Michigan Law School,he spent two summersworking at the Department of Homeland Security.He enjoysreading,watching anime,and traveling.

Fromleft: Ignatia C. Aldan,Irene T. San Nicolas,and Josephine N. Estrada. (November 22,2022)

Fromleft: LawClerksKeith H. Ketola,Patrick C. Quimby,and Benjamin S. Schwartz. (November 22,2022)

OfficeOFTHECLERKOFTHESUPREMECOURT

Judy T. Aldan assumed her role asClerk of Court for the NMI Supreme Court in November 2020.Prior to joining the Judiciary,she wasastaff attorney with the CNMI Law Revision Commission,and an attorneywith TorresBrothers,LLC.For several years,she served as the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator and asan Instructor at Northern MarianasCollege.She also taught leadership at Keystone Leadership Training Center in Bundang-Gu,South Korea.

Mrs.Aldan received her JurisDoctorate degree from ThomasM.CooleyLaw School and her undergraduate degree from Boise State University.She returned home after completing her studiesand joined the CNMI Bar in 2008.

The DeputyClerk of the Supreme Court is Nora V. Borja,who hasbeen with the Judiciaryfor over 25 years.Mrs.Borja served the former Chief Justice,Miguel Demapan,ashisJudicial Assistant before joining the Office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court in 2012.She isalso the Bar Administrator.

The OCSC,in partnership with Northern MarianasCollege,had three externsin the Spring 2022 semester: Ariel V.Lapuz, Sheila D.Songsong,and Silween N. Veloria.These externs,together with the

scanning clerk,Leonora Vergara,met the Judiciary?s 2018-2022 Strategic Plan Goal 4.3 when they successfullydigitized the remaining paper filesfrom 1989-2006,comprised of appeals,disciplinaryactions, and Bar admissions.In Fall 2022,NMCextern,Rafael C.Ordona,began digitizing audio recordingsof oral arguments.Chamber Administrator,Irene San Nicolas, served asSpecial Deputy Clerk of the Supreme Court from Januaryto mid-June 2022.

Extern Spotlight

?Hi! Mynameis Ariel andI loveto travel,spendquality timewithloved ones,andplay volleyball.I amalso abigfanofthe Pokémonseriesand mostlyplayit inmy freetime.I liketo livelifethrough ambitionandfun, andI alwayslook forwardfor any opportunityto learn.?

Nora V. Borja and JudyT. Aldan. (November 3,2022)

TABLE1. PUBLISHED OPINIONS

Marciano Takasi,et al.,v.Ikuo Yoshizawa

v.CNMI Dept.of Corrections,et al.

I.Albia,et al.,v.George C.Duenas,et al.

C.White v.Joaquin T.Camacho

A.Crisostomo v.Commonwealth Department of Corrections,and Wally Villagomez,in hisOfficial Capacityasthe Commissioner of the Commonwealth Department of Corrections

TABLE2. OTHERDISPOSITIONS

Jose C.Ayuyu and Xiu Fang Huang v.Sylvan Cabrera,Jose Cabrera,and Stefania M.Cabrera

In Re the Estate of Margarita Attao Duenas

2022-SCC-0009-CIV Dismissed byOrder dated 10/26/2022.

Order Granting Stipulation to Dismissfiled 11/18/2022.

Three Northern MarianasCollege studentsserved asexternswith the Office of the Clerkof the Supreme Court in Spring 2022. Theywere instrumental in successfullydigitizing appellate records.

Fromleft: MaryE. Novakavic,Keith H. Ketola,Justice John A. Manglona,JudyT. Aldan,Chief Justice AlexandroC. Castro,Justice PerryB. Inos,Benjamin S. Schwartz. BottomRow: Silween N. Veloria,Ariel V. Lapuz,and Sheila D. Songsong. (May 27,2022)

TABLE3. ORAL ARGUMENTSHELD PER QUARTER

CASENAME- 1ST QUARTER

Rebecca C.White v. Joaquin T.Camacho

Teodoro I.Albia,et.al.,v.Commonwealth Security Services,Inc.,and George C.Duenas

AnthonyRiosv.Commonwealth Department of Corrections,and WallyVillagomez,in hisofficial capacityasthe Commissioner of the Department of Corrections

Ricardo E.Antonio,asGuardian Ad Litem for AldricJon H.Antonio,a minor,and AlmaI Habosv. Haeng C.Baek

CASENAME- 2ND QUARTER

Commonwealth v.Kenneth ThomasB.Kaipat

Joseph A.Crisostomo v.Department of Correctionsand WallyVillagomez,in hisofficial capacity as Commissioner of the Department of Corrections

CASENAME- 3RD QUARTER

Northern MarianasHouse Corp.and Jessica Castro,et al.v.SSFM International,Inc.and Telesource CNMI,Inc.

CASENAME- 4TH QUARTER

Ralph DLG.Torres,in hisofficial capacityasGovernor of the Commonwealth,and the Office of the Governor v.House Standing Committee on Judiciaryand Governmental Operations,et al.

CASENUMBER

2021-SCC-0018-FAM

2021-SCC-0017-CIV

2021-SCC-0007-CIV

2021-SCC-0006-CIV

CASENUMBER

2021-SCC-0016-CRM

2021-SCC-0015-CIV

CASENUMBER

2021-SCC-0023-CRM

CASENUMBER

2022-SCC-0007-CIV

Studentsfromthe Rita Hocog InosJunior and Senior High School attend the oral argumentsheld at the Centron Hustisia for the second quarter. (May18,2022)

Justice ProTempore Carbullido(left) and Justice Pro Tempore Torres(right) of the Supreme Court of Guam,along with Justice Manglona,serve aspanel membersin an appealscase. (September 16,2022)

Everyyear,the Supreme Court conductsquarterlyappellate sessions. Prior to these sessions,both parties submit written arguments,which are formallyknown as?briefs.?These briefsrequest the Supreme Court to examine the trial court?sdecision for errorsmade during legal analysisor during the fact-finding process.A panel of three justicesor a justice pro temporeexaminesthe brief, researchesthe issuesraised,and formulatesquestionsto be asked during the oral argument.

Oral argumentsare held after all briefshave been submitted.Parties explain their written argumentsand take questionsfrom the panel in a span of 25 minutes.During thistime, partiesraise factual issuesand cite law to the panel in order to elucidate their arguments.Oral argumentsare generallyheld in the Supreme Court courtroom,but may also take place on Rota Centron Hustisia,Kotten Tinian,and other publicvenues

Once oral argumentsare completed, the justicesdeliberate and decide on the case presented.The decision is presented asa written opinion that is then published online for immediate publicaccess.The opinion can be found on the Law Revision Commission?swebsite, www.cnmilaw.gov.The Court hearsa number of appealson a wide set of issues.In 2022,the Court rendered the following opinionsand dispositionsfound on Table 5.

TABLE4. SUPREMECOURT FILINGS- FOUR YEARTREND

TABLE6. ORAL ARGUMENTSHEARD

Clerkof Court JudyT. Aldan (center) with DeputyClerkNora V. Borja and their summer intern at the Judiciary'sProfessional Development Conference. (November 22,2022)

TABLE7. NEW CASESRECEIVED

CASENAME

In re Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islandsv.Superior Court and Eric Lee Nekaifes

CASENUMBER

2022-SCC-0001-PET

2022-SCC-0004-CRM Atom?sCo.,Ltd.,v.Livin?Color,Inc.

Commonwealth v.Shabgua Zhang aka Shan Guo Zhang

Commonwealth Casino Commission v.Imperial PacificInternational (CNMI) LLC

Ralph DLG.Torres,in hisofficial capacityasGovernor of the CNMI,et al.,v.House Standing Committee on Judiciary& Governmental Operations,22nd NMI Commonwealth Legislature,et al.

Sun Ha Park v.Eun Soo Han and Kyung Hwa Park

Jose C.Ayuyu and Xiu Fang Huang v.Sylvan Cabrera,Jose Cabrera,and Stefania M.Cabrera

In the Matter of the Estate of Rosa LisuaMoteisou

In the Matter of the Estate of Concepcion Faisao Tudela

In re the Estate of Margarita Attao Duenas

Commonwealth v.Amin Zhang

Department of PublicLands(former MPLT) v.BasiliusBlas

Secundina U.Panglinan and Selina M.Pangelinan v.John Sablan Panglinan

Shawn Applebyv.WallyVillagomez,Commissioner,DNMI Dept.of Corrections,and Ramon B.Camacho, Chairman,CNMI Board of Parole

John B.Matsumoto v.RJCLCorporation dbaRNVConstruction and Raynaldo Alfonso

AnaksOcean View Hill Saipan HomeownersAssociation,Ltd.v.Perry Inos,Jr.,et al,and AtkinsKroll Saipan, Inc

Arayanee Ann Sablan Maratita v.CHC/ CHCC

In re Commonwealth v.Superior Court and Willie Carnell Frink

Commonwealth v.Tim Onopey

Justicesmeet with the Law Clerksand Supreme Court Clerkof Court to discuss variousrules. Pictured from left isChief Justice

AlexandroC. Castro,Justice

PerryB. Inos,former Law

ClerkMaryE. Novakovic, Clerkof Court JudyT. Aldan, Law ClerkBenjamin S. Schwartz,LawClerkKeith H. Ketola,and Justice John A. Manglona. (July21,2022)

2022-SCC-0005-CIV

2022-SCC-0006-CIV

2022-SCC-0007-CIV

2022-SCC-0008-CIV

2022-SCC-0009-CIV

2022-SCC-0010-CIV

2022-SCC-0011-CIV

2022-SCC-0012-CIV

2022-SCC-0014-CRM

2022-SCC-0015-CIV

2022-SCC-0016-CIV

2022-SCC-0017-CIV

2022-SCC-0018-CIV

2022-SCC-0019-CIV

2022-SCC-0020-CIV

2022-SCC-0021-PET

2022-SCC-0022-CRM

TABLE8. ADMINISTRATIVEORDERS

In re Court Operationsand Proceedingsin Response to Novel CoronavirusDisease

Notice of Certifications(2020 Opinions)

In re Court Operationsand Proceedingsin Response to Novel CoronavirusDisease

In re COVID-19 Vaccination or Testing Requirement and Other Containment Measures

In re the Appointment of Judge Pro Tempore Alberto E.Tolentinoto Sit on the Commonwealth

17

No.18

Order Appointing Judge Pro Tempore (for Superior Court Case No.22-0010) 2022-ADM-0005-MSC

In re Publication of Dispositive Opinions,Decision, and Order Order Establishing Publication Criteria and Procedures

In Re Bar Membership of: Claire Kelleher-Smith Order Granting Voluntary Resignation 2022-ADM-0007-BAR 03/18/2022

In re the Appointment of Judge Pro Tempore Alberto E.Tolentino to Sit on the Commonwealth Order Appointing Judge Pro Tempore (for Superior Court Case No.22-0050)

In re Court Operationsand Proceedingsin Response to Novel CoronavirusDisease COVID-19 Order No.19

In re Continuing Legal Education Creditsfor Summer Pre-Law Program and Lecture Series

In re the Appointment of Judge Pro Tempore Alberto E.Tolentino to Sit on the Commonwealth

In re the Appointment of Judge Pro Tempore David A.Wiseman to Sit on the Commonwealth

In re Application of Stephen J.Nutting for approval asa CNMI Court-Approved Mediator

In re Amendmentsto the NMI Supreme Court Rules,Title IX,Rulesof Admission 73-2

In re Amendment to the Northern Mariana Islands Supreme Court Rules,Title IX,Rulesof Admission

In re ElectronicRecordation

2023 Appellate Oral Argument Sessions

In re the Northern Mariana IslandsSupreme Court Rules

Order Appointing Judge Pro Tempore (for Superior Court Case No.22-0097)

Order Appointing Judge Pro Tempore (for Superior Court Case No.22-0103)

2022-ADM-0015-ADR 07/12/2022

Order Adopting Interim Supreme Court Rule 73-2 2022-ADM-0016-RUL 07/29/2022

Order Adopting Supreme Court Rule 73-2

Order Effectuating ElectronicRecordation with the Commonwealth Recorder?sOffice

2022-ADM-0017-RUL 10/20/2022

2022-ADM-0018-MSC 10/24/2022

2022-ADM-0019-MSC 10/25/2022

2022-ADM-0020-RUL 11/23/2022

TABLE9. TRAININGSATTENDED

BAR MATTERS

BAREXAM

Two applicantstook the Feb.2022 Bar exam. No applicant took the Jul.2022 Bar exam.

PROHACVICEADMISSION

InretheApplicationofRossGarber forProHacVice Granted on Mar.11,2022.

InretheApplicationofDavidC.Veisfor ProHacVice Granted on Mar.8,2022.

InretheApplicationofJulianBrewforProHacVice Granted on Aug.5,2022.(Substitution of local counsel on Oct.28, 2022.)

ADMISSION

Rellani B.Ogumoro,admitted on Apr.29,2022.

John S.J.Lee,admitted on May2,2022.

Tyler RossScott,admitted on Jun.9,2022.

DeJon Max Redd,admitted on Oct.13,2022.

Joshua Lloyd Willis,admitted on Nov.30,2022.

Yusuf Moin Ghadimi,admitted on Dec.12,2022.

SUSPENSION OR RESIGNATION

InClaireKelleher-Smith,2022-ADM-0007-BAR Order Granting Voluntary Resignation issued Mar.18,2022.

InreBar MembershipofMarkS.Smith,2022-ADM-0008-BAR Order ofSuspensionissuedApr.11,2022.

InreBar MembershipofGeorgeLloydHasselback,2022-ADM-0013-BAR Order Granting Voluntary Resignation issued May 25,2022.

John S. J. Lee getssworn in. (May6,2022)

Supreme Court Chief Justice Castroand Superior Court Presiding Judge Naraja and associate judgescongratulate newlysworn-in attorney, Rellani B. Ogumoro. (April 29,2022)

Yusuf Moin Ghadimi,accompaniedbyhisson,signsthe Oath of Office at hisswearing-in ceremony. (December 12,2022)

Chief Justice Castroadministersthe oath of office toTyler RossScott. Staff fromthe PublicDefender'sOffice were present during his swearing-in ceremony. (June 14,2022)

OfficeOFGENERALCOUNSEL

On July26,2021,the Office of General Counsel ("OGC") wasestablished via Supreme Court Order No. 2021-ADM-0011-MSC.OGCismade up of General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee,DeputyGeneral Counsel Matthew J.Brown, and Paralegal MaryBernadette Glass.OGCcontinuesto fulfill itsdutiesand responsibilitiesunder the NMI Supreme Court to provide a broad spectrum of advisorylegal functionsand to oversee variouslegal issues affecting the court system and itsadministration on Saipan,Rota,and Tinian.

The OGCoverseesall legal mattersof the Judiciary. Itsresponsibilitiesinclude providing legal advice on a wide varietyof legal issuesaffecting court system and administration,including but not limited to, state and federal compliance (including ADA,FLSA, FMLA,Title VI and VII of the Civil RightsAct of 1964, EEOClaws); contract and grantsmanagement, procurement,capital improvementsand personnel matters; researching and formulating legal opinions and making recommendationson a wide varietyof legal concernsfaced byand impacting the Judiciary and itsofficialsand employees; reviewing court rules,ensuring legal sufficiency,and recommending changes,if any,to the Supreme Court; reviewing and authoring court policiesand procedures; researching and drafting legal memoranda and lettersfor the Office of Chief Justice and the Supreme Court; reviewing and standardizing legal formsfor use by court officialsand personnel; providing and reviewing the applicabilityof proposed and enacted local and federal legislation; conducting education and training programsfor justices,judges,staff and the publicon applicable local,federal,and Judiciary rules,policies,and regulations; assisting in judicial education and ethics; and providing support,oversight, and legal advice to Judiciarycommittees,task forces,and work groups.

In 2022,OGCwasinstrumental in providing guidance,assistance,and support in all ARPAexpendituresand reviewing compliance for all procurement and contract close-outsfor major modernization projects,including eRecording for the Commonwealth Recorder'sOffice,eCourtsCase Management System,and on-call A&Eservices. OGC,among other duties,authored and reviewed 46 competitive bidding documents,negotiated and reviewed 10 contracts,reviewed over 250 HRdocuments, drafted and reviewed 31 ARPACommittee meeting minutes,and drafted and compiled the Judiciary'sbudget request and the HVACprogressreport.

CONFERENCES

Fromleft: DeputyGeneral Counsel MatthewJ. Brown,General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee,and Paralegal MaryBernadette Glass. (January 10,2023)

10.

ATTENDED BY OGC

General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee attended the Day1 of the PJCSettlement Conference/Mediator Training held in Kensington Hotel with Family Court Manager Crystal Pangelinan and Clerkof Court for Supreme Court JudyT. Aldan. Alsoshown in the photoisAttorneyColin Thompson. (October 26,2022)

NAMEOF TRAINING/ PRESENTATION

ARPAtraining session byDeputyGeneral Counsel Matthew J.Brown to provide an overview of the Final Rule issued bythe U.S.Department of the Treasuryvia MSTeams

ARPApresentation on Courtroom Technologyby General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee at the Bench

LAPPtraining conducted byGeneral Counsel Hyun Jae Lee to new Judiciarypersonnel

LAPPtraining conducted byDeputyGeneral Counsel Matthew J.Brown to new Judiciary personnel via MSTeams

NMI Judiciary'sEEOPolicyTraining Session 1 conducted byGeneral Counsel Hyun Jae Lee

NMI Judiciary'sEEOPolicyTraining Session 2 conducted byDeputyGeneral Counsel/EEOOfficer Matthew J.Brown

StrategicPlanning Presentation at the Annual Professional Development byGeneral Counsel Hyun Jae Lee and Acting Director of Courts/Deputy General Matthew J.Brown

MEETINGS

In 2022,OGCattended a total of 383 meetings,which included meetingsfor different committeessuch asthe ARPALeadership, ARPACapital Improvement Projects, ARPACommittee, e-Recording Project,eCourtsProject,HVACand Mold Remediation Project,Cultural Day Planning Committee,Professional Development Planning Committee,Goal 5 Committee,Elevator Project,and GrantsCommittee.

StrategicPlan presentation at the Annual JudiciaryProfessional Development byActing Director of Courts/DeputyGeneral Counsel Matthew J. Brown. (December 7,2022)

ARPACourtroomTechnology presentation at the Bench BusinessMeeting by General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee. (March 18,2022)

OGCstaff at monthlycheck-in meeting to discussongoing projects,address action items,and report workprogress. (November 30,2022)

TABLE11. INTERNAL TRAININGS/PRESENTATIONSBY OGC

TABLE12. MEETINGSATTENDED BY OGC

General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee conducted a five-daysite visit to Hawai'i State Judiciaryin December,2022.The five-dayvisit consisted of court observationsand informational interviewswith judges,court,staff,and relevant stakeholdersof the Hawai'i State Judiciary.

The site visit confirmed the Judiciary'scompliance with manyfederal mandatesrelated to equal accessand equal opportunity,including language assistance,ADA, and equal employment.

Improvementsto the court'sequal accessprogramscan be achieved byproviding professional interpreter training to court interpretersfrom a trained professional; implementing standardized testing for court interpreters; improving interpreter training to include hands-on workshops; implementing court

navigation programstargeting LEPand ethnically marginalized populations; and through the implementation of other specialty courts-- in particular,communityoutreach courts-- to resolve caseswhile providing humanitarian servicesto the community. Another area of improvement isthe family court division,which hasthe highest foot traffic.

Improvementsto the court'sEEOpolicycan be made with the adoption of sensitivitytraining and a hands-on guide for employees.

Director of Office on Equality and AccesstoCourts,Hawai'i' State Judiciary's Office Debi Tulang-De Silva,General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee,and Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice MarkE. Recktenwald. (December 7,2022)

Hawai'i State JudiciaryDriving While Intoxicated (DWI) Court Judge Alvin Nishimura and General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee. (December 6,2022)

District Court Judge ThomasHaia and General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee. (December 6,2022)

Chief Judge Matthew J. Viola,Judge Rebecca Copeland,retired Judge Craig Nakamura,General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee,and Judge Lesley N. Maloian. (December 6,2022)

Superior COURT

Fromleft: Associate Judge WesleyM. Bogdan,Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo,Presiding Judge RobertoC. Naraja, Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio,and Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho. (March 18,2022)

Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja wasborn on July 17,1955 in Saipan.He received hisB.S.in Political Science from CaliforniaLutheran College in 1979 and graduated with hisJurisDoctor from Gonzaga UniversitySchool of Law in 1982.

After receiving hislaw degree,Presiding Judge Naraja served asAssistant Legal Counsel to the CNMI Resident Representative to Washington,D.C.He subsequently worked asan Assistant PublicDefender and then asan Assistant AttorneyGeneral.Presiding Judge Naraja has also served asboth the Chief PublicDefender and the AttorneyGeneral.Thereafter,Presiding Judge Naraja ventured into private practice establishing hisown law firm.

Judge Kenneth L. Govendo wasborn in Syracuse, New York on January28,1945.In 1966,he graduated with hisBachelor of Artsdegree in Political Science from Alfred Universityin Alfred,New York.In 1969,he obtained hisJurisDoctor from the Universityof Toledo College of Law.

After law school,Judge Govendo became a general practitioner in Redondo Beach,California,and worked part-time asa senior staff attorney for the Legal Aid Foundation of the South Bar Association.He served as District Attorneyin Palau and asAssistant Attorney General on Saipan during the Trust Territoryperiod.He also served asAssistant Legislative Counsel for the Fifth Northern MarianasDistrict Legislature and was legal counsel for the Department of Natural Resources, Board of Elections,and Civil Service Commission.

Judge Joseph N. Camacho graduated from Northern MarianasCollege,with hisAssociatesdegree.He went on to obtain a Bachelor of Artsin Historyfrom San Jose State University,a Mastersof PublicAdministration from Seattle University,and a JurisDoctor from Gonzaga UniversitySchool of Law.

Judge Camacho served asa prosecutor for the CNMI Office of AttorneyGeneral before establishing hisown law firm with hiswife,who isalso an attorney.He was admitted to practice law in the US.Supreme Court,the U.S.Court of Appealsfrom the Ninth Circuit,the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands,and the Commonwealth Courts.

Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio ascended to the bench on December 22,2013.In 1997,she earned her Bachelor of Artsdegree in English from the College of Literature,Science,and the Arts,Universityof Michigan in Ann Arbor.In May of 2001,she graduated from New England School of Law with her JurisDoctor degree and islicensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the United StatesDistrict Court for the Eastern District of Michigan,the United StatesDistrict Court for the Northern Mariana Islands,the United StatesCourt of Appealsfor the 9th Circuit.

In 2015,Judge Kim-Tenorio actively participated alongside other justice professionalsin the implementation of the first-ever Drug Court program in the CNMI.Her Honor overseesthe program asthe initial Drug Court judge.

Judge Wesley M. Bogdan ascended to the bench in August 2017.He islicensed with the CNMI Bar and holdsan inactive license statusin New Mexico.After receiving a Bachelor of Artsdegree in Businessand Political Science from the Universityof Texas, Judge Bogdan returned to hishome in New Mexico and completed hisJurisDoctorate degree at the University of New Mexico School of Law.He then worked asa Judicial Clerk for the New Mexico Court of Appealsin Albuquerque from 1992 to 1994.

Judge Bogdan first joined the Northern Marianas communityin 1994.He served asboth an Assistant PublicDefender and an Assistant Attorney General for the CNMI before moving to private practice for several years.From 2009 to 2012,Judge Bogdan worked asthe DeputyDirector of the Legal Department and for the Acting President of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in KualaLumpur,Malaysia.

Judge Bogdan isa National Judicial College Certified Mediator and also served in the past asa member of the CNMI Bar Association DisciplinaryCommittee and asthe Chairman of the CNMI Bar Association

Continuing Legal Education Committee.He hasa SpecialtyCertificate in Environmental Law from the Universityof New Mexico School of Law and has graduated from the National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute program.

Tina V. Ngo, Law Clerk to Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja,earned her J.D.from the University of California, BerkeleySchool of Law and her B.A.,summa cum laude, from the University of California,Berkeley.Prior to joining the CNMI Judiciary, Tina worked asa litigation associate in the San Francisco officesof Alston & Bird LLP and Baker BottsLLP,where she focused on a broad range of civil litigation mattersincluding antitrust and intellectual property.Prior to that,she worked asa judicial extern for the United StatesDistrict Court, Northern District of California.Tina served asthe Vice President of the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Northern California in 2021 and 2020.In 2018,she wasnamed ?Outstanding Volunteer?bythe Bar Association of San Francisco for her commitment to pro bono work.

Rellani B. Ogumoro, Law Clerk to Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo,isa Saipan native and obtained her Bachelor of Science in Anthropology/Sociologyand minor in Gender Studiesfrom Eastern Oregon University where she wasnamed a 2011 Truman Scholar.Before law school,Ms.Ogumoro worked at the U.S.Department of Interior and asa policyadvisor under the Special Assistant to the President-Native American Affairsin the President Obama White House.Ms.Ogumoro then went to Arizona State UniversitySandra Day O?Connor College of Law for her JurisDoctor with a Certificate in the Indian Legal Program.

Keith D. Chambers II, Law Clerk to Associate Judge Joseph N.Camacho,served as Judge Camacho'slaw clerk until January 31,2023.Since then,Keith opened hisown law firm,ChambersLaw,LLC. He graduated from Florida State Universityand went to George Washington University Law School.

Greg P. Cenac, Law Clerk to Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio,haslived in variousplaces,although his immediate familycurrently livesin Ocean Springs, Mississippi.He received his undergraduate degree in International Affairsfrom the Universityof ColoradoBoulder,hisJurisDoctor from the George Washington UniversityLaw School and his L.L.M.in Admiraltyand Maritime Law from Tulane UniversityLaw School.He iscurrentlylicensed to practice law in Colorado and the CNMI.He haslived in Saipan for almost two yearsand plansto stayfor the foreseeable future.He enjoysfreediving,chess,hiking, and traveling.

Kara L. Woods,Law Clerk to Associate Judge WesleyM. Bogdan,hasbeen Judge Bogdan?slaw clerk since February2022.She received her undergraduate degree in Sociocultural Anthropology from Brigham Young Universityin 2017and went on to earn her JurisDoctorate from Sandra Day O?Conner College of Law in 2021.During law school she had the opportunityto complete internshipswith the Ateno Human RightsCenter in the Philippinesand the Judicial System Monitoring Program in Timor-Leste.Kara islicensed to practice law in Washington D.C.and hasa passion for completing volunteer work with teensand kids.

Tina V. Ngo

Rellani B. Ogumoro

GregP. Cenac

Kara L. Woods

Fromleft: Superior Court Law ClerksKara L. Woods,Tina V. Ngo,and Keith D. ChambersII,and Supreme Court LawClerkKeith H. Ketola. (November 22,2022)

Keith D. ChambersII

JUDICIAL ASSISTANTS

Rose Lynette M. Camacho, Chamber Administrator to Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja,began her career in the Judiciaryasa Publication?s Clerk for the Law Revision Commission in June 1996.A year later,she became Executive Secretaryto the former Director of Courts.After three years,she decided to work for the private sector (Japan Airlines) for four years, where she traveled to partsof Asia.In 2003,she returned to government service where she worked asan Administrative Officer for the Office of the PublicAuditor,a position she held for six years.In 2009,she washired asthe Assistant Clerk of Court for the Supreme Court and in 2012,she accepted a secretarial/judicial assistant position with the Chambersof Presiding Judge Roberto C.Naraja, eventuallybecoming hisChamber Administrator.

Daisy S. Mendiola, Judicial Assistant to Associate Judge Kenneth L.Govendo,joined the Superior Court in 2004 asan Administrative Clerk for the Superior Court Office of the Adult Probation Supervision.In January 2022,Ms.Mendiola became a Judicial Assistant. Prior to that,she worked at the Superior Court Office of the Clerk of Court asa Deputy Clerk II starting in June 2010.

During her tenure with the Superior Court,she wasawarded the Associate Judges Award in 2021 and 2022.

Delia S. Magofna,Judicial Assistant to Associate Judge Joseph N.Camacho,worked as a DeputyClerk I for two years. She also servesasthe primary timekeeper for the Superior Court.Prior to working at the CNMI Superior Court,Delia worked asa legal secretary/legal assistant for Calvo,Fisher & Jacob LLPfor 13 years,culminating in over 24 yearsof experience in the legal field.

Sabrina Lynn Dela Cruz, Judicial Assistant to Associate Judge Teresa K.Kim-Tenorio, graduated from Kagman High School in 2006.She began her career at the Judiciaryin September 2009.She was hired asa scanning clerk under the ARPAGrant for 3 years.Then,she moved on asa DeputyClerk I and held that position for 8 years.She was assigned to clerk for Associate Judge Kenneth L.Govendo asa FamilyCourt clerk up until the FamilyCourt Docket was transferred to Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio. Shortly thereafter,Sabrina wasreassigned to clerk for Judge Kim-Tenorio asa FamilyCourt clerk.She then applied and washired asa Deputy Clerk II for the Drug Court Division in 2020.Finally,after onlythree months of experience asa Deputy Clerk II for the Drug Court Division,another opportunitymade itswayto her where she washired asa Judicial Assistant to Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio.Sabrina hasfour wonderful children.She enjoysspending time with familyand friendsand going to the beach.

Vivian S. Dela Cruz, Judicial Assistant to Associate Judge WesleyM.Bogdan, servesasa Judicial Assistant beginning in August 2016 to present.She wasa Judicial Assistant for Retired Judge David A. Wiseman from March 2001 through May2016.Prior to working for the Judiciary,Ms. Dela Cruzworked at the Law Officesof David A.Wiseman from 1984 through March 2001.She wascertified on May1,2007asa Trial Court Transcriptionist and waslater sworn in asaSpecial Deputy Clerk on June 1,2007.On March 9,2016,she wasappointed byChief Justice Alexandro C.Castro as the LEPCoordinator.

Judicial Assistant Delia S. Magofna

Chamber Administrator Rose Lynette M. Camacho

Judicial Assistant DaisyS. Mendiola

Judicial Assistant Sabrina Lynn Dela Cruz

Judicial Assistant Vivian S. Dela Cruz

Chamber Administrator and Judicial Assistantsat the Judiciary Professional Development Conference. (November 21,2022)

OfficeOFTHECLERKOFTHESUPERIORCOURT

Front row fromleft: ARPAScanning ClerkMicca B. King,DeputyClerkIII Novelyn A. Wania-Tenorio,DeputyClerkI Delia C. Barcinas,ARPAScanning Clerk

Elvira M. Manglona,Deputy ClerkI Susan B. Borja. Backrowfrom left: Data SystemsAnalyst MarkG. Hidalgo,Deputy ClerkII Eva P. Calvo,DeputyClerkI Pearleen B. Matagolai,DeputyClerkI Brian DLG. Salas,DeputyClerkI Joann A. Pangelinan,Administrative Specialist Michelle A. Mendiola,DeputyClerk II Rosie T. Ada,DeputyClerkI GregorioU. Tudela,Superior Court Clerkof Court PatrickV. Diaz,DeputyClerkII Okalani R. Shiprit, and DeputyClerkI Brandon H. DelosReyes. (November 22,2022)

2022 wasa great year for the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court ("COC").Much hasbeen invested to ensure that COCcontinuesto provide essential court servicesto the general public.Thisincludesrenovationsin the Clerk?sOffice and courtrooms,aswell asthe procurement of state-of-the-art equipment to replace outdated ones. In addition,it includesthe progressmade bythe scanning clerksto meet the monumental goal of the Document Retention Project.In thisreport,we highlight the significant activitiesof COCaswell asthe projectsthat have been completed.

DOCUMENT RETENTION PROJECT

The Document Retention Project progressed steadilythroughout the year with over 16,263 case filesscanned on all three islandscombined.We are now seeing an increase in case filesbeing audited,paving the wayfor the disposition of files.Adisposition method isbeing arranged to burythe scanned and audited case filesat the landfill on Rota and Tinian.The staff on both islandshave communicated with the Department of Public Worksto prepare for thisendeavor.The staff disposed 3,294 filesin 2022.

CALENDAR CALL

In the beginning of the year,noticesof dismissal were prepared and filed pursuant to Rule 16(a) of the Commonwealth Rulesof Practice and Rule 41(b)(2) of the Commonwealth Rulesof Civil Procedure. Approximately102 noticesof pending dismissal were filed and serve on the partiesvia File & ServeXpress. Of that,a total of 92 ordersof dismissal were issued and served on the parties.Thisprocessdisposed of 92 civil casesthat were filed between 2014 to 2017. 25

ARPAScanning ClerksMicca B. King and Elvira M. Manglona scan case filesin Rota Centron Hustisia. (July29,2022)

TABLE13. DOCUMENT RETENTION PROJECT STATISTICS

ARPAScanning ClerkJan Christin S. Cabrera worksat her scanning workstation in Kotten Tinian. (March 2,2022)

TIME STANDARDS AND CASE TRACKING

In an effort to fulfill one of the objectivesin the JudiciaryStrategicPlan Goal No.1: Fast and Fair Case Flow and Time Standards,the Clerk?sOffice implemented a case tracking system to monitor casesfrom filing to disposition. The case tracking tool for criminal,civil,familycourt,and small claimscaseswere sent out to each courtroom clerk to monitor casesfiled in 2022.Shown below isa sample copyof the case tracking system being used bythe clerks to track case activities.

Ascreenshot of the Case Tracking System. (October 12,2022)

14. CRIMINAL MISDEMEANOR

16. CIVIL CASES

15. CRIMINAL FELONY

DeputyClerkIII Novelyn A. Wania-Tenorioand DeputyClerk

I Adeline C. Tereyama attendsthe court formsproject meeting conducted byParalegal MaryBernadette C. Glass. (August 24,2022)

JURY COMMISSION

On June 7,2022,Presiding Judge Roberto C.Naraja issued JuryCommission No.2022-001.Thiscommission instructed COCto retire the 2017jurypanel and begin the drawing of new panelsfrom the most recent voter registration roster for Rota and Tinian.On June 15, 2022,a special session washeld in Courtroom 220A before Associate Judge Joseph N.Camacho to draw the jurypanelsfor Rota and Tinian.Atotal of eight jury panelswere drawn for Tinian,with 150 individualsper panel.For Rota,a total of nine panelswere drawn with 150 individualsper panel.

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

The COCbegan updating Standard Operation Procedures("SOP").The SOPoutlinesthe following: (1) RecordsManagement; (2) Case Management; (3) Reporting; (4) Courtroom Management; and (5) Customer Service,among others.With the changesand implementation of new court rules,the SOPhasgone through a thorough update making it consistent with the Rulesof Civil and Criminal Procedure and Practice.

WITNESS BOX - LAW CLERK STATION

The witnessboxesin Courtrooms202A,217A,220A, and 223Ahave been reconstructed to raise the floor level to a standard seating position.Prior to this reconstruction,all four witnessboxeshad a sitting position that waselevated and wasmuch higher than normal,requiring stool chairs.

SELF-HELP CENTER

Three laptopswere installed at the renovated Self-Help Center.One of the laptopsisdedicated for review and research of case fileswhile the other two are used for electronicfiling.File & ServeXpress("FSX") hasprovided for a PublicAccessTerminal ("PAT") to enable Pro Se usersto e-file.

Courtroom205 WitnessBox. (October 19,2022)

Entrance to Self-help Center. (November 15,2022)

Courtroom205 Law ClerkStation. (October 19,2022)

Self-help Center. (November 15,2022)

KOTTEN TINIAN AND ROTA CENTRON HUSTISIA TECHNOLOGY UPGRADE

The Rota and Tinian Clerk'sOffice and courtroomsreceived Xerox copier machinesand 75-inch TV monitorsand video conferencing camerasto allow for improved virtual hearings.

NATIONAL C

ENTER FOR STATE COURTS COURT STATISTICS PROJECT

2021 TRIAL COURT MATRIX

COCcompleted and submitted a comprehensive statistical reporting matrix.Thisisthe second year the Judiciary participated in the Court StatisticsProject.The project enablesstate courtsto provide caseload statisticsusing a standardized reporting framework.The National Center for State Courtsanalyzesand comparesstate court data to publish national trendsthat can be used bycourt managersand policymakers.

Xerox Versa LinkB405 Copier for all seven courtrooms. (September 30,2022)

75-inch monitor for the Rota Centron Hustisia courtroom. (October 11,2022)

Trial

COURTROOM ENHANCEMENT PROJECTS

STAFF TRAINING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The annual Professional Development Conference washeld on November 21-22,2022 at the Kensington Hotel. Staff with exemplarycommitment and accomplishmentsthroughout the year were recognized,including Deputy Clerk III Novelyn Wania-Tenorio,who wasawarded the Employee of the Year for the Office of the Clerk of Court.

TABLE17. TRAININGS

DATE DESCRIPTION

02/18/2022 ADRand E-Filing Rule Training

CONDUCTED BY

Supreme Court Law Clerk MaryE.Novakovic

Supreme Court Law Clerk Keith H.Ketola 05/13/2022 Supreme Court RulesTraining Supreme Court Clerk of Court JudyT.Aldan 06/10/2022 MunisTraining

ARPAAdministrator Martha M.Standish

Budget and Finance Director John T.Villagomez

All Superior Court courtroomsreceived standardized placards,replacing paper noticesand signsposted at doorways. Data SystemsAnalyst MarkG. Hidalgo and DeputyClerkI Brandon H. DelosReyeslevel a placard before installation. (November 28,2022)

Seven digital recording systemswere installed in all courtrooms,improving sound reinforcement. FTRDigital Audio Recording Systemin Rota Centron Hustisia. (November 11,2022)

CASE FILING

The chartsand graphsbelow provide the data collected from January1,2022,to December 31,2022.

TABLE18. CASEFILINGPER QUARTER

TABLE19. CASESFILED FROM 2018 TO 2022

GRAPH 1. CASESFILED

TABLE20. CASESFILED BY ISLAND

GRAPH 2. CASESFILED BY ISLAND

GRAPH 3. CUSTOMERSERVICECOUNTER

The EthnicityReport detailsthe ethnicityof defendantsand plaintiffsin all civil,criminal,traffic,and small claimscaseswho appeared before the Superior Court between January 1 to December 31,2022.The information wasextracted from the Justware Case Management System which storesall the case information,including ethnicity.Thischart also providesthe information on the FreelyAssociated Statescontact with the court system,ascompared to other ethnic backgrounds.

TABLE21. FAMILY COURT CASESFILED BY TYPEAND ISLAND

22. APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL FOR INDIGENT DEFENDANTS

TABLE23. APPEALED CASESTOTHESUPREMECOURT ASOF DECEMBER 31,2022

TABLE24. CERTIFIED RECORDSON APPEAL

TABLE25. CASESFILED IN FISCAL YEAR2022

*Doesnot identifywith any ethnicity.

*CNMI includesChamorro and Caroliniansonly.

**Othersinclude American Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian or PacificIslander,Bangladesh,Chinese, Caucasian,Japanese,Korean,Thai,and Russian.

GRAPH 4. COMPACT IMPACT CHART

TABLE27. COMPACT IMPACT REPORT BY NUMBEROF DEFENDANTS/PLAINTIFFS

Drug

TheDrugCourt,establishedin2016,providesanappropriateandeffective treatment mechanismtoassist offenderswithsubstanceusedisorders.The programwasimplementedwithguidelinesfromtheNational Associationof DrugCourt Professionals'best practicestandardsandevidence-based strategies.

DRUG COURT GRADUATIONS

In 2022,10 graduatescompleted the treatment program,met all supervision requirements,and either found employment or enrolled in an educational program.Since the inception of Drug Court, there have been 7 graduation ceremonies.In 2022,there wasno graduation ceremonydue to the COVID-19 pandemic.The participantswho successfullycompleted the program had a graduation during court hearings.

MANDATES AND SUSTAINABILITY

Drug Court strivesto meet the mandatesof the Drug Court Act,PublicLaw 19-14,and engagesparticipantsin a 15 to 24-month treatment program.Drug Court continuesto work closelywith membersof the CNMI Drug Court Team to ensure that accountabilityand treatment are provided in accordance with the national drug court model and the 10 keycomponentsof drug court.The Manager and case managersprovide dailysupport and coordinate substance use disorder treatment and community resources/servicesfor participants.Accountability isfacilitated bythe Drug Court Supervision Unit,established on April 18,2018,through PublicLaw 20-54.The first treatment court officers, a CommunitySupervision Officer and Compliance Officer,were hired and trained soon after the passage of the bill. The Supervision Unit ispartnerswith designated law enforcement officers.In collaboration with the Judiciary?s Marshal Service Division,Department of PublicSafety("DPS") - Drug Enforcement and Task Force,and Department of Corrections("DOC"),Drug Court providesintense community supervision and monitoring,including curfew checksand dailycheck-in byphone.

Fromleft: Caseworker I TimothyA. Rabago,Caseworker I DoloresB. Sablan,Compliance Officer Dustin B. Pangelinan,DrugCourt Manager Edward P. Diaz,CommunitySupervision Officer Frankie B. Camacho, and Compliance Officer Kevin T. Royal. Not pictured: Caseworker I Joy KimikoT. Tenorio. (November 22,2022)

Other legislative and funding strategiesto ensure a sustainable and effective program were implemented.Drug Court sought support to expand operationsand increase evidence-based treatment servicesand wasapproved funding through local PublicLaw 20-42 and Saipan Local Law 20-24.Drug Court hasalso been awarded $909,929 in federal grantsfrom the Bureau of Justice Assistance,Drug Court DiscretionaryGrant and $181,342.21 (FY2019, FY2020,FY2021) through the Justice Assistance Grants.

STRATEGIC PLAN

Drug Court workscloselywith partnersto improve performance in keyareaswhile using limited resources. Strategicinitiativesinclude monitoring and evaluating performance and aligning effortsspecifically for Goals1,3, 4,and 6 of the Judiciary?sStrategicPlan.

TABLE

Goal No. 1: Fast and Fair Case Flow and Time Standards

Complete entrance protocol within 14 daysfrom referral from the Office of the AttorneyGeneral.

Ensure proper and timelydata entryof new referralsand current participants

Input data and maintain filesto ensure proper documentation of each case.

Goal No. 3: Develop and Improve Specialty Courts

Implement a data collection system to track co-occurring disorders.

Applyfor technical assistance from federal partners.

Provide training on problem-solving courtsto internal and external stakeholders

Goal No. 4: Improve Technology and Court Data Systems

Digitize new and existing case files

Goal No. 6: Community Engagement

Maintain professional partnerships with communityagencies.

Maintain accessto a case management system to store all data.

Ensure team members have accessto all relevant data.

Increase number of community presentations.

Without breaching confidentiality, encourage the involvement of other agenciesin connecting all participantsto consistent communitytrainingsand

Prioritize referralsto the proper agenciesto ensure participants' immediate needsare met and sustained in each phase of the Court program.

28. DRUGCOURT STRATEGICPLAN

Drug Court Manager Edward P. Diaz giveshisopening remarksat the Drug Court Month Proclamation Ceremony. (April 20,2022)

Drug Court Case Worker I JoyKimiko T. Tenorioassistsa patron at the 2nd Annual Cultural Dayevent. (October 7,2022)

DRUG COURT SERVICES

Drug Court received 18 referralsin 2022.The program averaged 27 active participantsand 4.5 referralsper quarter. There were 9 referralsthat were deemed unsuitable for the program,8 terminated participants,and 10 graduates. Upon completing entrance protocols,active participantsengage in a comprehensive,holisticapproach,which combinesintensive judicial interaction,aggressive community supervision,frequent drug testing,case management,and substance and alcohol treatment servicesthroughout the year.

Drug Court Case Managersare an integral part of each participant?ssuccessin the program.Acomprehensive, integrated,and coordinated community-based approach linksparticipantsto various servicesbased on individual needsand in accordance with the treatment plans.Case Managerswork closelywith providerswhile navigating each participant through each phase of the program.677case management meetingswere completed during the reporting period.There were a total of 259 referralsto various agenciesto complement the needsof each participant. The Drug Court Supervision Unit wasestablished in 2018 with the hiring of a Community Supervision Officer and

Compliance Officer.In 2019, Drug Court Supervision Unit Officerswere officiallyarmed, allowing them to conduct community supervision efforts independently.The objectives of the Supervision Unit are to ensure participant compliance, protect community,and divert participantsfrom involvement in crime.Drug Court Officersare trained to utilize evidence-based drug court standardsand research to provide a holisticapproach in addressing criminal thinking patterns.There are currently three DCLaw Enforcement Officers.During the reporting period,Drug Court maintained intense and frequent accountability measures,as illustrated in Table 29.

TABLE29. NUMBEROF DRUGCOURT PARTICIPANTSBY PHASEAND STATUSPERQUARTER

TABLE31. NUMBEROF DRUGCOURT PARTICIPANTSBY SERVICESPER QUARTER

DrugCourt staff along with membersof partnering agenciesat the 19th Annual Hawai'i International Summit on Preventing,Assessing & Treating Trauma Acrossthe Lifespan. (March 28,2022)

Family COURT

FamilyCourt ServicesSpecialist Arlyn B. Arboleda (left) and FamilyCourt Manager Crystal C. Pangelinan whojoined the FCD on August 29,2022. (November 22,2022)

The FamilyCourt Division ("FCD") providesadministrative support to the FamilyCourt.It assiststhe Clerk of Court in the processing of pleadingsand distributing ordersfor proseclientsappearing before the FamilyCourt judge. Alternative Dispute Resolution servicesare also available to clientswho prefer to resolve their disputesthrough mediation.Currently,there are three certified FamilyCourt mediators,and plansare underwayto increase the number of mediatorsto ensure casesare promptlyresolved.The FCDalso performshome studiesfor cases involving custody,paternity,divorce,adoption,and guardianship.

In addition,the FCDoverseesSeparating ParentsClasses.The FamilyCourt judge mayorder parentsundergoing divorce or separation to enroll in Separating ParentsClasses.These classesare held every three months,with active plansto offer classeseverymonth in 2023.Mediation isalso available for prosedivorcing or separating parentsto addresspending mattersbefore filing a divorce or paternitycase.

PRO SE SERVICES

Assisting pro se clientsremainsa high priority for the FamilyCourt Division Servicesinclude:

- Providing information about filing procedures

- Preparing appropriate court formsand filing fees

- Reviewing petitions,complaints,and other pleadingsprior to filing to ensure compliance with format requirements,

- Searching for case information such ashearing datesand case status

- Distributing court ordersand contacting court litigantsto remind them of hearing date and deadlinesto submit certain documentsand pleadings.

See Table 33 for breakdown of servicesrendered.

TABLE33. BREAKDOWN OF SERVICESRENDERED

ELECTRONIC FORMS

The FCDpro se formsare available in person and downloadable for the publicon the Judiciary'swebsite.FCD plansto reformat all formsto fillable PDFformat and be made available on the Judiciay?swebsite bysummer 2023.

Notably,the FCDexperienced an increase in requestsfor pro se formsbyemail.With guidance from the staff, clientswere able to file electronicallyto limit face-to-face contact during the pandemic.

In 2022,normal operationsresumed,and clientsrequested and submitted pro se formsdirectlyto the FCDoffice.

ALTERNATE DISPUTE RESOLUTION (MEDIATION)

The Alternate Dispute Resolution (?ADR?) Program within the FamilyCourt Division continuesto expand its mediation services.Mediation isa processwherebya neutral and impartial third person actsto encourage and facilitate the resolution of a dispute without prescribing what it should be.It isan informal and non-adversarial processintended to help disputing partiesreach a mutually acceptable agreement without the emotional and financial costsof litigation.Upon reaching a mutually acceptable resolution,a mediation agreement issigned by both partiesand submitted to the FamilyCourt judge for approval.

In 2022,three of the five casesreferred for mediation resulted in successful resolution

DNAPATERNITY TESTING

The FamilyCourt Division overseesgenetictesting between on-island and off-island medical facilities,the parties, and their respective attorneysof record,if any.FCDcoordinatessample collections,notice requirements,reporting of test results,and cost recoverywith all appropriate parties.The cost recovery for the DNAtestsisgoverned by8 CMC§ 1715.Supervision of these essential testsleadsto the speedyresolution of contested paternitycases.

The FCDpartnerswith the Laboratory Corporation of America? Holdings("LabCorp") to ensure prompt processing of samplesfor testing.In 2022,there were four casesreferred for DNApaternitytesting.

HOME STUDY

In 2022,a total of twelve (12) home studieswere ordered and conducted.Ahome studyisa review of the living conditionsof partieswho are involved with custodyor visitation issues.It also includesthe following background information: health status,prior criminal conviction,drug use,and financial status.A home studyaidsthe judge in making a decision by ensuring that the living conditionsare safe and livable for the child or children.Home studyvisitsand reports are conducted bythe FCDstaff.

REFERRAL SERVICES

The FCDassistsclientswith their referral ordersas entered bythe judge.In manycases,when the judge entersan order referring partiesto seek social services, the partiesreport to the FCDfor processing.Once a referral hasbeen made,the social service agency will provide the FCDwith a short report on the statusof the clientsand whether or not theyare in compliance with the court order.Thisreport isthen filed and forwarded to the FamilyCourt judge.

TABLE34. BREAKDOWN OF FAMILY COURT CASETYPES

We continue work with the CommunityGuidance Center ("CGC") on how to best addressreferral servicesto their agency.In 2022,a total of eight clientswere referred to CGCfor intake and assessment.

SEPARATING PARENTS CLASS

Separating Parentsclassesare held everyquarter in the monthsof February,May,August,and November.The classesare usuallyheld in a courtroom to accommodate an increasing number of participants. Classesare facilitated byMr.Joseph Kevin Villagomez, Clinical Supervisor for Treatment and Recoveryat the CommunityGuidance Center,CHCC,and Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio.In 2022,forty-five participants attended Separating ParentsClass.Two participants required a Chinese interpreter.Accommodationswere provided bythe LEPProgram.

FEDERAL GRANTS

In January2022,the FCDreported on eleven grants, awarded bythe Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA), for the fourth quarter of calendar year 2021.Four grantswere extended to 2022.Five grantswere awarded to FCD.All eleven sub-grantswere awarded through the Criminal Justice Planning Agency (CJPA).

In second quarter,the FCDeleven progressreportsfor an internal review.Two grantswere extended to September 30,2023.Five grantswere awarded to FCD. All sub-grantswere awarded through the CJPA.

In the third quarter,the FCDsubmitted eleven progress reportsfor an internal review.Three grantsexpired on August 31,2022,and three expired asof September 30, 2022.Two grantswere extended to September 30,2023. One grant from wasextended to October 1,2023.Five grantswere awarded to FCD.

In the fourth quarter,two progressreportsfor VOCA grantswere submitted to CJPAon December 13,2022. Fourth quarter progressreportsfor FCDgrantsare in early2023.The FCDsubmitted ten progressreportsfor an internal review.Five grantswere awarded to FCD during the previousreporting period.All sub-grants were awarded through the CJPA.

Fromleft: Judicial Assistant Sabrina Lynn Dela Cruz,FamilyCourt Manager Queanna C. Sablan,DeputyClerkI Gregorio U. Tudela,and FamilyCourt ServicesSpecialist Arlyn B. Arboleda.

FamilyCourt ServicesSpecialist Arlyn B. Arboleda receivesher award from the Justicesand Judgesat the JudiciaryProfessional Development Conference. (November 22,2022)

EQReporting Conference on FamilyViolence in Guam,fromleft: Associate Justice PerryB. Inos,Law ClerkPatrick C. Quimby,Mental Health Court Docket Manager Danielle Su,FamilyCourt Manager Crystal C. Pangelinan, and DrugCourt Manager Edward P. Diaz. (December 14,2022)

COMPACT IMPACT DATA

The FamilyCourt Division continuesto collect data of clientsfrom the FreelyAssociated States("FAS").For 2022, the data are asfollows:

and Office of the Clerk of Court met to discussthe e-filing processfor pro se casesand File & Serve

TABLE36. STAFF TRAININGAND CONFERENCESIN 2022

TABLE35. COMPACT IMPACT DATA 2022

Mental HEALTH COURTDOCKET

Since it'sinception in July2021,the Mental Health Court Docket ("MHCD") isnow fullyoperational with many accomplishments.To reach these milestones,policiesand procedureswere developed,necessaryregulatory provisionsfor establishing serviceswere proposed, stakeholderswere identified,all necessarypersonnel were hired,and office space wassecured.

The first referral to the MHCDwasreceived in August 2021 and the first participant wasadmitted to the program in November.In March of 2022,individual counseling wasprovided through the Kagman Health CommunityCenter for the first time.ByMay, five full-time employee "FTE"positionswere filled,with the Manager coming on board the last week of May.The MHCDteam attended national conference training,and upon return to the CNMI,

Fromleft: CommunitySupervision Worker Scottie S. Aguon,Case Worker I Kycel P. Butters,Caseworker I Cornessa M. Dela Cruz,Mental Health Court Docket Manager Youn Jung "Danielle"Su,DeputyClerkII Okalani R. Shiprit,Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja,Community Supervision Worker Jonah B. DelosReyes,and Mental Health Court Clinical Liaison Mia A. Jones. (November 22,2022)

developed Tracksand Phasesto incorporate best practices.In July,MHCDhad itsfirst participant advance to Phase II. Bythe end of September,both Community Supervision Worker positionswere filled.In the fall,group counseling session for all participantsbegan and MHCDheld itsfirst quarterlyworkshop,bringing the stakeholdersand the team in one table,face to face for the first time.

The priorityfor 2022 hasbeen establishing the structure and protocolsfor the new court, updating and creating forms, streamlining internal and external processes,establishing data collection system,and building relationshipswith stakeholdersfor effective court operation.However, with limited Mental Health Court national guidelines,insufficient training,and frequent unforeseen incidentswithin dailyoperations, there are yet more structuresto be developed and updated in the upcoming year.

Another prioritywashelping participantsto begin taking medication and connecting them to treatment quicklybyreducing the wait time for appointments.By prioritizing treatment schedules and activelyengaging with stakeholders,improvementshave been seen with new referrals. Nevertheless,the wait for MHCD participantsto receiving treatment isstill too long.

Another accomplishment for MHCD wasthe development of the docket'sTracksand Phases.The Tracksand Phasesmatchesservices and supervision to participantsat different risk and need levels. Following best practice standard recommendations,there are

currentlyhastwo different tracks for participant at different risk and need levels.Track 1 targets individualswho have mental health and co-occurring substance use disorderswho are at a high risk to re-offend.These individualsare least likelyto succeed without intensive support and supervision. Track 1 isdivided into five phases lasting a minimum of 22 months. Track 2 emphasizestreatment for individualswith mental health disordersand for individualswho do not require high intensity supervision.Track 2 isdivided into four phaseslasting a minimum of 18 months.Each phase consistsof specifictreatment goals,activities, and requirementsthat must be met before participantscan move to the next phase.Moving into the next phase isnot automaticand will be

determined bythe judge and the team according to individual progresswith recommendation from the treatment providers. Recognizing that the mental health court docket isgoal-based and not time-based iscrucial for the successof participants. Furthermore,one phase doesnot fit all.Each track and phase are geared toward each individual's goalsand progress.The MHCDis still in itsinfancystage of development.Continuouseffort is needed through the trial-and-error processto determine the most suitable method to obtain the desired outcome for participants.

RISK/NEED LEVEL TRACKS PHASES

High - Risk

High - Need Track 1: Supervision and Treatment Emphasis

Duration: 22 - 28 months

1.Acute Stabilization

2.Clinical Stabilization

3.Pro-Social Habilitation

4.Adaptive Habilitation

5.Continuing Care

Low - Risk

High - Need Track 2: Treatment Emphasis

Duration: 18-24 months

1.Acute Stabilization

2.Clinical Stabilization

3.Pro-Social Habilitation

4.Adaptive Habilitation

TABLE37. MHCD TRACKSAND PHASES

MHCDDivision

MHCD1st QuarterlyWorkshop

FUNDING

For FY2022, through PL22-22,MHCDreceived $610,402: $417,858 for 7personnel and $192,544 for operations.

MHCDwasalso awarded a CJPAJAGGrant in the amount of $10,000 for training purposes.Partial fundswere expended to attend the 2022 Treatment CourtsSummit in Denver,Colorado in the month of October. Additionally,the Judiciarywasawarded the Byrne DiscretionaryCommunity Project Funding/Byrne Discretionary Grant for technical assistance to determine the viabilityof a mental health treatment court with a specificdocket for veterans.The approved award amount is$303,000 over three yearsuntil September 30,2025.The project's request of Change of Scope hasbeen approved.The project will involve contracting professionalswith experience to conduct research,compile data,seek and determine funding availabilityfor the long-term viabilityof the court, train court staff and stakeholders,establish and develop policiesand procedures,and propose needed regulatory or statutoryprovisionsto set up the court services.Budget modificationshave been reviewed and approved internally bythe Chief Justice.Modificationsare currentlybeing reviewed bythe BJAgrantsmanager.

PERSONNEL AND OFFICE SPACE

Atotal of seven positionswere created for the MHCDdivision.Asplanned,all vacancieswere filled bySeptember 26,2022: Manager,Clinical Liaison,Case Manager I (2),CommunitySupervision Worker (2),and Deputy Clerk II. The Case Managerswere the first personnel hired for the division.The MHCDteam operatesout of the previous Law Revision Commission office in the Guma' Hustisia.

MHCD ORGANIZATION CHART

DATA AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION

For 2022,MHCDreceived a total of three referralsfrom the Office of AttorneyGeneral.One referral did not meet the legal eligibilityrequirementsdue to the defendant being charged with a dangerousoffense.There are no pending referrals.To date,there are a total of five participantsin MHCD; four out of five participantshave a dual diagnosis.Two participantsadvanced to Phase 2,with one being on Track 1 and the other on Track 2.

The program saw an increase in all aspectstowardsthe fourth quarter of the reporting year.Increasesin the frequencyof court hearings,case management,supervision,and drug testing resulted not onlyin the increase in the number of violations,but also provided the opportunityto use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviorsand provide therapeuticadjustmentsasneeded.Furthermore,reduction of new arrestswhile in the program,behavior change,decline in substance use,and noticeable positive effectswithin participants have been observed.The graph below illustratesthe overall MHCD performance for 2022.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Annual Conference on Substance Use DisordersAmong PacificIslanders(Virtual)

Treatment Court Summit

Annual Blue Ribbon Consortium

Adult CPR/AED,PediatricCPRand First Aid

NMI JudiciaryProfessional Development

SafeTalk to connect individualswith suicidal ideation to appropriate agency

GRAPH 5: MHCD PERFORMANCE

Program challengesfall into two areas: operational and administrative.Since the inception of MHCD,progress hasbeen made towardsgaining accessto mental health treatment and services,strengthening partnershipswith the agenciesand treatment providers,and prompting the development of streamlined processesfor servicesprovided to the participants.These servicesare made possible with the committed collaborative team effortsfrom CHCC's psychiatristsand different divisionsfrom CHCC's CommunityGuidance Center,the Kagman Community Health Clinic,and the HOPERecoveryCenter.However,

TOP PRIORITIES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023

asthe agenciesalso serve the community with the limited providers,MHCDparticipantsare not prioritized and wait timesto start treatment are inevitable. Additionally,participantswith a co-occurring substance use disorder require both treatmentsto occur collaboratively.Expecting participantsto maintain sobriety while theyare out in the community without treatment isextremely challenging regardlessof intensive supervision and monitoring.These challenges will continue to be a barrier to the successof the MHCDuntil a residential mental health treatment facility and increased specialtyservicesare available.

1. Law Enforcement Officer - Work to convert CommunitySupervision Worker position to a law enforcement officer position.

2. MHCD Vehicle Purchase - Purchase vehicle for dailyoperationsand supervision tasks.

3. Mental Health Resources Expansion and Development - Expand resourcesbycontracting professional servicesfor mental health treatment,develop sanction matrix,update participant handbook and other related materialsand forms.

4. Professional Development - Identifyand participate in upcoming trainings,workshops,conferences,and other capacitybuilding opportunities,not limited to site visit for practical training with sister jurisdiction courts.

The Office of Adult Probation Supervision ("OAPS") was established in 1998.Under the direction of the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court,the OAPSistasked with supervising all personsreleased on probation and/or on a suspended sentence.Such supervision encompassesa wide range of responsibilitiesincluding:

- Maintaining complete records;

- Investigating and reporting to the court on probation cases;

- Securing and keeping complete identification records;

- Maintaining a written statement of the conditions of all suspended personsand personson probation;

- Obtaining and assembling information on the probationer?sconduct; and

- Bringing defaulting probationersinto court when there?sjustification to revoke suspension of a sentence.

OAPShasan overarching goal to reduce and deter crime and recidivism,also offering treatment services,crime prevention services,and victim restitution.

Probation officershave the authoritysimilar to that of peace officersand also have the right to carrya firearm in the performance of their official duties.

GRAPH 6: ANNUAL ALLOWABLEPROBATION FEEEXPENSES

Fromleft: Probation Officer II Nadia B. Moses,Probation Officer I Priscillia C. Camacho,Probation Officer I Berliann P. Higgins,Chief Probation Officer Matilde H. Bermudes-Rasa Probation Officer I TimothyC. Deleon Guerrero, Assistant Probation Officer Wilson C. Calantog,Probation Officer I TimothyC. Cruz,Assistant Probation Officer Susan G. Cabrera, and Probation Officer II Weena Gwendolyn T. Iguel. (November 22,2022)

TABLE40. PROBATION PERSONNEL AND FUNDINGSOURCE

PRE-TRIAL,

JudiciaryADMINISTRATIVEOFFICE

The Commonwealth JudiciaryAdministrative Office ("JAO") overseesthe policydevelopment and planning, monitorscourt performance,and assistswith the implementation of the Judiciary?sStrategicPlan,Judicial Council initiatives,and justice programs.

The JAOincludesBudget and Finance Office, Commonwealth Recorder?sOffice,Facilities Management Office,GrantsManagement Office,Human ResourcesOffice,Information SystemsOffice,Marshals Service Division,and Office of Procurement.

The JudiciaryAdministrative Office managersand staff with Director of CourtsSonia A. Camacho (front rowthird fromleft) during the 2022 Professional Development Conference at the Kensington Hotel. (November 22,2022)

Director of CourtsSonia A. Camacho

Commonwealth RECORDER'SOFFICE

The primarydutiesof the Commonwealth Recorder are asfollows:

- Promptlyrecording documentspresented for recordation;

- Maintaining,indexing,updating,and retaining electroniccopiesof the official land registration certificates and other real estate,Uniform Commercial Code,and personal propertydocumentsof the Commonwealth;

- Maintaining,indexing,updating,and retaining electroniccopiesof marriage records;

- Converting existing recorded paper documentsinto electronicformat; and

- Providing accessto the search and retrieval of documentsand information byelectronicmeans.

APPLICABLE STATUES/RULES/ORDERS

Public Law 21-39

On January19,2021,Commonwealth Recorder?sAct of 2020 became effective.The statute providesfor electronicrecording of all documentsand placesthe CROunder the Chief Justice?ssupervision.The office is currentlyplaced in the JudiciaryAdministrative Office and isunder the direct supervision of the Director of Courts.

Supreme Court No. 2021-ADM-0007-RUL

On June 15,2021,the NMI JudiciaryRulesof Electronic Recordation became effective,establishing the duties and responsibilitiesof the office aswell asthe process for the recordation of instrumentsinvolving real properties,commercial transactions,marriages,among others.

Administrative Order No. 2022-ADM-0018-MSC

On October 24,2022, the Supreme Court issued the "Order Effectuating ElectronicRecordation with the

Commonwealth Recorder?sOffice," stating that effective October 27,2022, all documentspresented for recordation to the Commonwealth Recorder?sOffice shall be in electronicform; shall be filed through a platform approved or provided bythe Supreme Court; and must comply with the NMI JudiciaryRulesof ElectronicRecordation.Recording feesare assessed pursuant to the JudiciaryFee Schedule,Administrative Order No.2017-ADM-0003-MSC.

Fromleft: Administrative Specialist Holly C. Camacho, Commonwealth Recorder KelseyG. Aldan,and Intern Nicolas Nekai Jr. receive certificatesat the Judiciary'sAnnual Professional Development Conference. (November 23,2022)

Commonwealth Recorder KelseyG. Aldan and Administrative Specialist Holly C. Camacho. (March 10,2022)

STAFF AND OFFICE UPDATE

The Commonwealth Recorder?sOffice (CRO) wasfully staffed during the 2nd,3rd,and 4th quarter of 2022. Administrative Specialist HollyCamacho washired on February16,2022.She wastrained on handling maintenance of CROindexes,recordation processes, document requests,document digitization and maintenance,customer interaction,and service.

ARPAScanning Clerk TracyLimesassisted the CRO throughout the year with scanning,indexing,and auditing land instruments.

The office also provided a workplace experience for NicolasNekai Jr.,an intern from the Northern Marianas College?sCriminal Justice Program.He worked from October 4 to November 22,2022,serving a total of 115 hours.He assisted with scanning and indexing land instruments,attending to customers,and creating an inventoryof microfilms.

The CROhascontinued operationsat two locationsat the Guma?Hustisia and the MarianasBusinessPlaza. Customersare assisted with recordingsand inquiriesat the Guma?Hustisia between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm and with research appointmentsand inquiriesbetween 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm at the MarianasBusinessPlaza.

PROJECTS

The electronicrecording servicesplatform providesthe Commonwealth with an integrated online portal for title companies,banks,attorneys,and membersof the publicto submit documentsfor recording and researching recorded documents,data,and images.The portal assistsin streamlining the recording process,by reducing the need to physicallyvisit the Commonwealth Recorder?sOffice.Usersare able to accessthe Judiciary?selectronicrecording system at their convenience from anyelectronicdevice with internet access.

The transition to an electronicrecording system ispart of a Judiciary-wide strategicplan to modernize court technology and processes,while making accessto judicial serviceseasier for the public.The project isone component of the Judiciary?sdigitization and scanning project which involvesthe scanning of tensof thousandsof documentsdating back to the Trust Territoryera.

Before embarking on the e-recording transition,the Judiciary,led bye-Recording Committee chair Justice PerryB.Inos,met with representativesfrom banks, government agencies,and title companiesto discuss the implementation plans,all expressing support for the project.

CROFILINGS IN 2022 (SAIPAN, TINIAN,ROTA

Justice John A. Manglona (left) and Justice PerryB. Inos(right) witnessChief Justice AlexandroC. Castro(center) sign the ElectronicRecording Services Contract. (April 11,2022)

Judiciary Fee Schedule

TABLE46. UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE("UCC") FILINGS

TABLE43. SINGLESTATUSAFFIDAVIT

44. LAND DOCUMENTS

45. OTHERFILINGS

Budget ANDFINANCEOFFICE

Fromleft: Budget and Finance Director John T. Villagomez,Administrative Assistant Steven S. Cabrera, Accountant II Evelyn P. Calvo,and Administrative Officer Shanna W. Flores. (March 17,2022)

BUDGET PROPOSAL

The Judiciarysubmitted itsFY2023 budget proposal on March 2,2022,with a request for $15,247,312.This includes$8,807,153 in personnel,$5,726,162 in all others(general),and $714,000 for utilities.The request also includes159 full-time employees("FTEs")

In October,PublicLaw 22-22 waspassed,and the Judiciarywasawarded a budget of $6,492,148,well below its request.Thisincludes$5,761,685 for personnel,$430,463 in operational costs,and $300,000 for utilities.This budget also grants127 NOPs.

The Judiciaryexperienced a reduction of $800,000 to itsoperational fundsfor FY2023.The Office of the Secretary of Finance provided assurancesthat operation levelswould return to the previousyear?sallotments.However,asof May2023,thisreduction in funding remainsin effect.

ARPAINVOLVEMENT

The Budget and Finance Office ("BAFO") continued to monitor and certifyfundsfor ARPA.BAFOisresponsible for presenting the weeklyfund status,tracking personnel charges,entering invoices,and disbursing checks.

OFFICE ACTIVITY

The BAFOconsistsof five FTEs: Budget and Finance Director,Accountant II,Accountant I,Administrative Assistant and a new FTEfunded byARPA,the Administrative Officer.In late 2022,the Accountant I position wasvacated by Shanna Mae W.Flores,asshe washired on to fill the new Administrative Officer Position.The Accountant I position wasnot filled bythe end of 2022.

BAFOalso processed the following:

- 806 checksunder the general fund in the amount of $993,826.87;

- 94 EFTpaymentsunder the general fund in the amount of $506,613.29;

- 210 checksunder ARPAin the amount of $1,971,907.63;

- 47 EFTpaymentsunder ARPAin the amount of $158,312.07;

- Collected $925,867.11 in revenue,$594,921.86 from court servicesand $330,945.25 from trafficcitations at itscashier station;

- Disbursed 1,538 checkstotaling $542,910.39 in child support payment; and

- Paid 141 Court Appointed Counsel billingsof $184,358.

MUNIS

The Enterprise Asset Management Program launched in FY2022.In collaboration with the Office of Procurement,the BAFOparticipated in training sessionsheld throughout the year.

With the launch of Human Capital Management ("HCM") toward the end of FY 2022,the Judiciaryentered into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Finance for the Budget and Finance Director to certify fundson notice of personnel actions.In FY2023,MUNIShasbeen utilized for timekeeping and monitoring bi-weeklypayroll.

Administrative Officer Shanna Mae W. Flores and Administrative Assistant Steven S. Cabrera at the Internal EAM Training. (October 25,2022)

Graph 9: TOTALFIDUCIARYCOLLECTIONS. The total amount collected in 2022 is$748,273.

Graph 7. REVENUE COLLECTIONS. Total revenue collectionsin 2022 is $925,867.

Graph 8: FY2022 BUDGET TREND

MANAGEMENTOFFICE Facilities

Volunteersfromthe Rota Mayor'sOffice water blasting at the Rota Centron Hustisia.

The FacilitiesManagement Office continued to prioritize budget preparationsand preventative maintenance.Some projectsand requeststhat did not meet the prioritycriteria were not entertained, resulting in a backlog of projectsand reporting. Supervision of probationersand drug court participantsconsumed the majorityof the maintenance personnel'stime.

The newlyhired Building and GroundsMaintenance Worker,Manuel VillagomezJr.,received training in variousareas,including awalkthrough of Guma? Hustisia,ATS(automatictransfer switch) generator to CUC,CW(Communityworker) Supervising and communication,Delta Controls/ User name & Password (AHUUnits) how to view and adjust A/C,fire extinguisher (maintenance & inspections) monthly routine,electrical (panel boxeslocations),live wire (replacement of outlets) safety,water valves (locations),PR/PO(purchase requisition & purchase order),where to pick up and drop off invoices,and evaluation matrix of contractors(how to review and determine the right contractor for the right project).

Aroutine monthlypreventative maintenance and inspection coversfire extinguishers,standby generators,landscaping,drains,water supply,and exterior heating,ventilation,and air-conditioning, and plumbing.Variousprojectshave been undertaken alongside the monthlypreventive maintenance,which included painting the loading dock and bulb and ballast replacement throughout the Guma?Hustisia.

Ateamof contractorsrepainting the atriumwalls. The refreshing newlookof the atriumservestocreate a more welcoming and pleasant atmosphere. (August 25,2022)

New air-conditioning unitsbeing installed at Centron Hustisia ensuresa more efficient and environmentallyfriendly solution for the building's cooling needs,while also reducing energycosts. (May5,2022)

Left photo: Building Superintendent Gerald E. Weaver repairsa light fixture in Guma' Hustisia. (October 26,2022)

Right photo: Building and GroundsMaintenance Worker Manuel S. Villagomez install Christmaslightsin the Commonwealth Recorder's Office. (December 14,2022)

Grants MANAGEMENT OFFICE

Managing grantsisa crucial aspect of ensuring the successof any organization.The grantsmanagement office isresponsible for the administration of grants,including the submission,tracking,and monitoring of grant applications.

The grantsmanagement office hasseveral functionsthat contribute to itssuccess.One of itsprimaryresponsibilitiesisto identify potential funding opportunitiesand assist the Judiciaryin developing and submitting grant applications.The office also providesguidance on how to manage the fundseffectivelyand ensure compliance with the grant requirements.

The grantsmanagement office must confront several challenges.One of these isthe complexity of managing multiple grants,each with unique requirementsand reporting deadlines.Thisrequiresa dedicated team to ensure that all grantsare managed effectively and efficiently.

Another challenge isensuring that the grant recipient complieswith the grant'srequirements.Thisrequiresregular communication and monitoring of the project'sprogressto ensure that it meetsthe grant's objectivesand timelines.

In 2022,the Judiciaryreceived fundsfrom five grant sourcesincluding the Criminal Justice Planning Agency, Department of Justice,USDA,FEMA,aswell asthe federal government'sARPAprogram.

Significant progresswasmade on several of the outstanding FEMAprojectsfor Guma' Hustisia,including tile repair,sallyport roof repair,the repair of three elevators,and a perimeter fence restoration.Additionally, the work to be completed on Tinian wasthoroughly assessed and estimated for application asa FEMA "Improved Project".

The total reimbursable Typhoon Yutu expendituresrose to $1,024,459.59 bythe end of the year.However,the Judiciaryhasreceived FEMAreimbursementsfor 90.2%of the amount expended,and thispercentage figure is expected to grow asthe few remaining reimbursement requestsare processed.

Agrant from the USDAfor $207,500 wasprocured for a publicelevator,which isexpected to be in service bythe end of the third quarter of 2023.Active sub-grantsfrom the Criminal Justice Planning Agency,CJPA,had available fundsat year?send of $341,158 in.MUNISaccounting transition issuesare lessfrequent,and grantsfor Guma? Hustisia have their new businessaccount numbersand spending allotmentsdetermined so that spending per plan can take place.Local or SNILD grantssaw expendituresfrom their balancesfor building expansion at the Office of Adult Probation office and for a vehicle for Drug Court.

Atriumelevator to be modernized

Extension and new employee entrance for the Office of Adult Probation.

Newvehicle for the DrugCourt Division.

The Drug Court?sfour-year grant wassuccessfullyextended with a goal of spending $800,000+in 2023.Additionally,the CNMI'sUSCongressional Representative Kilili Sablan secured $303,000 to be directed in the areaof a veterans?metal health court.

The Northern MarianasJudiciaryHistorical Society ("Historical Society") had a verysuccessful year in 20212 despite the challengesposed bythe COVID-19 pandemic. One of the keyachievementswasthe sponsorship of the Summer Pre-Law Program and Lecture Series,which had its biggest classever,with manystudentsshowing great interest in the program.The Historical Societyalso secured major funding for future projects,totaling $149,500,which was made possible through a combination of ARPAand Northern MarianasHumanitiesCouncil grants.Thisfunding will be crucial for the society'scontinued growth and success,and will enable it to undertake new initiatives.Overall,the Northern MarianasJudiciaryHistorical Societyispoised to continue itsimportant work in preserving and promoting the rich historyand culture of the Northern Mariana Islands,and looksforward to a bright future ahead.

Grant Sources

- Criminal Justice Planning Agency;

- United StatesDepartment of Justice;

- United StatesDepartment of Agriculture;

- Federal EmergencyManagement Agency; and

- American Rescue Plan Act.

Nineteen Summer Pre-Law Programgraduates. In the backfrowfromleft,District Court Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona,Justice PerryB. Inos,Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro,Justice John A. Manglona,and District Court Magistrate Judge Heather L. Kennedy. (July12,2022)

Summer Pre-LawProgramGraduation Ceremony: Chief Justice Castro presentscertificate toparticipant Victoria S. Bellaswith professors pictured on the far right,Eun Hee Han of Georgetown Lawand Rose Cuison-Villasor of RutgersLawSchool. (July12,2022)

James"Jim"W. Stowell GrantsAdministrator

HumanRESOURCESOFFICE

The Human Resources(HR) Office'sprimary responsibilityismanaging and assisting with all employee-related matters,including such functions asrecruitment,issuance of policies,providing information about employment & labor lawsand benefits,conducting new employee orientation,coordinating professional development,maintaining personnel records,assisting employeeswith obtaining recordsand other information asrequested,and employee consultations. Staff training and professional development workshopsare also coordinated by HR throughout the year.

HRworkscloselywith each division of the court and supportsand respondsto their needs.In addition to performing the normal daily functions,Human Resourceswasinvolved in the following activities:

- Tyler Tech MunisTraining;

- Co-op Education & Training Program; and

- Relocation of HRfilesto MarianasBusinessPlaza.

RECRUITMENT

When a vacancyoccurs,the applicable department reviewsthe position description and makeschangesasneeded.HR preparesa request for announcement for the Chief Justice or Presiding Judge?sapproval.The minimum of 5-day internal announcement occurs,followed by the 10-daypublicannouncement if there isno internal hire.

Individualsinterested in employment mayobtain the employment application form at www.NMIjudiciary.gov, Judiciary

Administrative Office at the Guma' Hustisia in Susupe,Clerk of Court at Kotten Tinian and at the Centron Hustisia in Rota.

Applicationsfor employment require an applicant to submit a complete application,provide certified copyof anysupporting document(s) to validate anycredentialsthe applicant may be claiming in order to meet the minimum qualificationsand three references.The Judiciaryfollowsthe Office of Personnel Management?shiring processes.

PROCESSING OF NOTIFICATION OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

The HROffice completed and processed the following personnel actions:

- 37 new hires

- 4 appointed positions

- 44 contract renewals

- 8 Contract completions

- 14 Resignations

- 33 Filled positions

Administrative/HRSpecialist Rebecca Santosand Human Resource/Administrative Officer Michelle Guerrero.

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FULFILLMENT

In 2022,HRannounced 46 vacant positions,of which 33 positionswere filled.There were 13 positionsvacant at the end of 2022.The department received and processed 155 applications.

PERSONNEL RECORD RETENTION

The HROffice with help of the ARPAScanning Clerk began itsscanning processduring the 4th quarter.HR maintainsboth employee record information and Judiciarypolicies.Each personnel document isclassified,index and archived in LaserFiche.The following are the number of filesscanned:

Graph 9. HRSCANNINGSTATISTICS

STAFF TRAINING/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

Professional development and staff training workshops,initiated bythe Supreme Court and the HROffice to provide educational opportunitiesfor personnel have been ongoing,covering such topicsasinformation and technology,court rules and procedures,customer service,and health and wellness.

MunisHuman Capital Management,Payroll,and Employee Self Service(ESS) Meeting. (August 29,2022)

With the help of ARPA,the MSD received CPR/AED/First Aid training conducted byWestern PacificTraining Solutions. (November 18,2022)

TABLE48. STAFF TRAINING/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

TRAINING| Emotional Quotient (aka Emotional Intelligence)

Through effortswith the PacificJudicial Council,the Judiciaryhosted two professional development sessionson February18,2022 and March 4,2022 on Emotional Quotient (aka Emotional Intelligence)

Carmen Ulloa-Kasperbauer,MPA,conducted the sessionsvia MSTeamswith in-person seating at the Guma' Hustisia Assembly Hall.The United States District Court for the Northern Mariana Islandsstaff also participated in the sessions.

Session 1 focused on introducing the concept of Emotional Quotient ("EQ") which isthe abilityto understand,use,and manage your own emotionsin positive waysto relieve stress,communicate effectively,empathize with others,overcome challengesand defuse conflict.EQhelpsone build stronger relationships,succeed at school and work, and achieve career and personal goalsbyhelping one to connect with their feelings,turn their intention into action,and make informed decisions about what mattersmost to them.The key skillsfor building EQare: self-management,self-awareness, social awareness,and relationship management.

Session 2 focused on cognitivedistortionswhich are unhelpful thoughtsor negative pattern thinking, which can take a serioustoll on one'smental health, leading to increased stress,depression,and anxiety. If left unchecked,these automaticthought patterns can become entrenched and maynegatively influence the rational,logical wayone makes decisions.Examplesof cognitive distortionsinclude: disqualifyingthepositive,labelingandmislabeling, magnificationandminimization,mental filter,mind reading,fortuneteller error,personalization,emotional reasoning,all or nothingthinking,and over-generalization.

In addition to the two EQsessions,the Judiciary hosted a professional development EQforum on March 11,2022,with the PublicSchool System and the CommunityGuidance Center to discuss communityoutreach efforts.Through the continued effortswith the PacificJudicial Council,the Judiciary wasable to conduct the EQforum at the Guma' Hustisia AssemblyHall.

Professional Development Session II: Cognitive Distortions. (March 4,2022)

EQForummoderated byJustice John A. Manglona. (March 11,2022)

EQForumattendees. (March 11,2022)

Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona (center) participated in the Emotional Quotient - Session I. Carmen Ulloa-Kasperbauer,MPA(second from top left) conducted the presentation fromGuamvia MSTeams. (February 18,2022)

TRAINING| Equal Employment OpportunityPolicy

On August 30,2022,the Office of General Counsel conducted a mandatory training on the Judiciary's Equal Employment Opportunity(EEO) Policyin the AssemblyHall,Guma' Hustisia for employees.

The training wasalso available virtuallyvia MS Teamsfor Kotten Tinian, Centron Hustisia,and those who were unable to attend in-person.It covered a varietyof learning points, including EEO,applicable laws(Title VII of Civil Rightsof 1964,Equal Pay Act of 1964,Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, AmericansDisabilitiesAct, Age Discrimination Act of 1975,and the Genetic Information ), and EEO policies.

Session one attendeeswith presenter General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee after the Equal Employment OpportunityPolicy training. (August 30,2022)

Session twoattendeeswith presenter DeputyGeneral Counsel/EEOOfficer Matthew J. Brown after the presentation on Equal Employment OpportunityPolicy training. (August 30,2022)

InformationSYSTEMSOFFICE

Fromleft: ARPAInformation SystemsSupport Specialist Rogelio "Vhoie"N. Francia, ARPAInformation SystemsAssistant Vincent P. Camacho, SystemsAdministrator Michael C. Villacrusis,Computer Specialist Jorale A. Mendoza,ARPAInformation SystemsAssistant Kristine D. Laurio. (November 22,2022)

PERSONNEL

STAFFING

In 2022,the Information SystemsOffice ("ISO") expanded itsfour-person team byobtaining one additional FTE.Through ARPA,the office hired Frank Eli Vincent ?Vince?P.Camacho asthe ARPA Information SystemsAssistant.Vince assistswith daily technical support tasks.

ARPA PROJECTS

BROADBAND BACKBONE PROJECT

PHASE 1 - BROADBAND REDUNDANCY

The goal of the first phase of the Broadband Backbone Project isto have a second internet service installed in Guma?Hustisia.If an internet outage were to occur with the primaryinternet connection,the second connection would be used to avoid disruptionsin Guma?Hustisia?sservices.The fiber opticinternet service was installed on May 18 to May 19,2022 and service wasactivated on May20,2022.Transfer of the fiber optic connection asthe primary connection ispart of the second phase of thisproject: Network Firewall.

PHASE 2 - NETWORK FIREWALL

The second phase,Network Firewall,accomplishesfour goals:

1. An updated firewall that can handle two ISPs.

2. Full utilization of internet speeds(two ISPsand higher internet speedswere accomplished in Phase 1).

3. Virtual private network (VPN) capabilityrather than remote desktops,site-to-site VPNsrequired for eCourt and e-recording.

4. Cutting costsbypurchasing just one device with these capabilitiesinstead of multiple devices.

Initial installation on the firewall wason July2 to July3 and wascompleted on July6.

Fromleft: ARPAInformation SystemsSupport Specialist Rogelio"Vhoie" N. Francia, ARPAInformation SystemsAssistant Vincent P. Camacho,Director of CourtsSonia A. Camacho, SystemsAdministrator Michael C. Villacrusis,Computer Specialist Jorale A. Mendoza,ARPAInformation SystemsAssistant Kristine D. Laurio. (November 23,2022)

Docomoperformingline workin preparation of fiber cable installation. (July3,2022)

COURT CALENDAR VIDEO WALL AND SIGNAGE

The first and second phasesof thisproject were completed with the installation of the video wall and digital signage.Amain video wall in the atrium of the Guma?

Hustisia and digital signage outside each courtroom were installed for quick dissemination of information to the public. The main video wall,which went live in the first quarter,displaysnoticesand court calendars.Each courtroom hasa dedicated digital signage to displaythe calendar and language accessinformation.Thissignage went live in the second quarter.

Superior Court eBulletin at Guma' Hustisia'satriumdisplaying PublicNotices. (July5,2022)

Supreme Court displayposting the winnersof the NMI Judiciary'sAnnual Poster Contest. (May11,2022)

VideoWall in the atriumof Guma' Hustisia displayscourt calendar hearingsand announcementsdaily. (February 15,2022)

COURT TECHNOLOGY

The purpose of thisproject isto create an advanced hybrid courtroom that isable to accommodate conventional and virtual hearings.An overview of the planned project for the standardization of courtroom technologywaspresented at the March Bench Businessmeeting. SystemsAdministrator Michael Villacrusisgathered commentsand requestsfrom the Judgesin the daysfollowing the presentation for finalization of the project specifications.The Court Technologyproject iscurrently going through the procurement processso certain detailscannot be disclosed.

ECOURT

ARPAHALL AND DATA CENTER

On March 18,2022,the ISO presented their proposal for the construction of a Data Center with the concept of a box-within-a-box to the membersof the Bench.The purpose of the Data Center isto house serversand network systems. It will also increase office space, work space,and storage space of the Information SystemsOffice.

The Kickoff Meeting with the vendor,GUMAArchitects,washeld on September 23.Geotesting of the planned ground site of the Data Center wasconducted on October 4th.Thisproject iscurrentlyin the project design phase and will continue in 2023.

E-RECORDING

The E-Recording Project allowsthe recording of documentswith the Commonwealth Recorder?sOffice and accessto these documents online.Thisproject continued to undergo the procurement process throughout three quartersof the year.On May3,2022,the Kickoff Meeting with the vendor TriMin Systemswasheld.TriMin and the Judiciarymet on a weekly basis regarding the transition from Laserfiche to the new system. Configuration and testing of the system wasconducted in the third quarter.The soft launch occurred on October 27,2022 and the public launch on November 3,2022.

The eCourt project?sgoal isto update the Judiciary?scase management system to a web based system.Thisupdate enhancesthe securityand online capabilitieslacking in the current system.The kickoff meeting with the vendor washeld on December 9.Weekly internal meetingswere held on Tuesdaysin December.

SystemsAdministrator Michael C. Villacrusis(standing) presenting on the CourtroomTechnologyProject at the Bench BusinessMeeting. (March 18,2022)

Fromleft: SystemsAdministrator Villacrusis,Procurement Officer Juan D. Cruz, Justice John A. Manglona,GUMAArchitectsPrincipal Architect Samuel M. McPhetres,and GHDCivil Engineer Andre A. Tenorioat the On-Call A&EKickoff Meeting. (September 23,2022)

LAPTOPS AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT

LAPTOPS

Funding under ARPAallowed for the purchase of 50 laptopsand 10 detachable laptops.These laptopsreplaced the aging laptopsthat were used byJudiciarypersonnel.Theywere also issued to new employeesand personnel who did not previouslyhave a laptop.Thisproject isstill ongoing due to pending assignments.

The processto procure additional laptopsto replace the aging laptopsof remaining personnel wasstarted in the fourth quarter.Procurement and distribution will continue in 2023.

COPIERS

Fourteen copierswere purchased for the various sectorsof the Judiciary: the Administrative Office, MarshalsService Division,Budget & Finance Office,Drug Court Division,Kotten Tinian,Rota Centron Hustisia and the Superior Court Clerk of Court office.

Aproduction level printer wasalso acquired for the Supreme Court and wasinstalled in the last quarter.Thiswill allow the Judiciaryto print pamphlets,reports,brochures,and other graphic work in-house.

DIGITAL RECORDING EQUIPMENT

Additional FTRrecording equipment was purchased for courtroomswithout or with an outdated recorder.These FTRswere installed at the Supreme Court and Courtroom 217 in Guma? Hustisia byISO.FTRswere sent to Centron Hustisia and Kotten Tinian.With remote assistance from ISO,the equipment wasinstalled byRota Judiciarystaff.

CTSI Logisticsinstalling the Xerox multifunction printer and copier in Courtroom220. (July8,2022)

CTSI Logisticsinstalling the Xerox multifunction printer and copier in the Supreme Court Copyroom. (July8,2022)

Information SystemsSupport Specialist Vhoie Francia and Information SystemsAssistant Kristine Laurio programming laptops. (January19,2022)

JUDICIARY WEBSITE DEVELOPMENT

The website's .GOV domain waslaunched on March 4,2022.Thisproject hasreached completion,and the Website Committee continuesto meet regularly regarding updatesand changes.

.GOVEMAIL DOMAIN TRANSITION

The goal of thisproject wasto transition all email addressesfrom NMIJudiciary.com to NMIJudiciary.gov.In the second quarter,the ISOteam conducted testsusing .GOVastheir primary email.The purpose of the testing wasto foresee anyissueswith the transition and with communicationsto vendorsand other agencies.Effective October 1,2022,all NMI Judiciarypersonnel emailswere transitioned to .GOVasthe primaryemail.

ROTA SETUP PROJECT

Under the Rota Setup Project,a three-person team traveled to the island from October 11 to 13.SystemsAdministrator Michael Villacrusis,Information SystemsSupport Specialist Rogelio ?Vhoie?Francia,and Information SystemsAssistant Kristine Laurio brought equipment for activation.The copier machine wasinstalled at the Clerk of Court?soffice,TVcarts were assembled at the conference room,courtroom,and the atrium,and advanced securitycameraswere connected throughout the building.

Screenshot of the home page of the NMI Judiciary'swebsite. (April 19,2022)

TV cart installed in the atriumof Centron Hustisia. (October 13,2022)

TINIAN SETUP PROJECT

The Tinian Setup Project consists of setting up a copier machine, TVcarts, and security cameras at Kotten Tinian. Computer Specialist Jorale Mendoza and Information Systems Assistant Vincent Camacho traveled to Tinian on September 30. A copier machine was installed and TVcarts were assembled. They conducted a review of the building as part of the planning process for the security camera aspect of this project. Another trip will be scheduled for the installation of the security cameras at Kotten Tinian.

SECURITY CAMERA PROJECT

The security camera project?s aim is the installation of a system that utilizes networking technology?in line with federal government standards?at Guma? Hustisia, Kotten Tinian, and Centron Hustisia. Throughout the third and fourth quarters, several cameras were installed at exterior locations of Guma? Hustisia. This project continues to face challenges in procurement due to vendor availability and equipment supplies.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

ISO is also requested to assist in equipment set up for other activities. Equipment requested for varies based on the activity, but ranges from audio, video, display, recording, and laptops. During this period ISO in activities such as:

- Judicial Council Meetings

- Bench BusinessMeetings

- Judiciaryand PSSEQPilot Project Forum

- Law Month and Drug Court Month Proclamation

- Summer Pre-Law Program

- Law in the CommunityLecture Series

- Law in the CommunityLecture Series

- NMC-JSACivicsInstitute of Micronesia

- CJPAMeetings

- Equal Employment OpportunityTraining

- MunisEmployee Self Service Training

- E-Recording Trainings

- Supreme Court Oral Arguments

- Professional Development Conference

Information SystemsAssistant Vincent Camacho drillssecuritycamera to exterior wall of Guma' Hustisia. (December 13,2022)

Marshals SERVICEDIVISION

MISSION & GOAL STATEMENT

The mission of the MarshalsServicesDivision isto provide a safe and secure environment for the Judiciary; to ensure that the judicial processcan function freely,without threats,intimidation,or violence; to diligently execute all writs,processes, warrants,and ordersof the Court; and to assist and serve the people of the Commonwealth.

OBJECTIVES

- To implement the 12 Court Security Standardsand Best Practices.

- To provide adequate security,protection, and law enforcement servicesin and around courthouse facilities.

- To gather,maintain,and generate statistics.

- To provide adequate training to all staff and meet the 40 hour mandatory training hours.

VISION

We strive to maintain a safe and secure environment for the Judicial Branch and its? patrons.We uphold a high standard of moralsand ethicsappropriate for a law enforcement agency. Through compassion,courtesy,and patience,we act without inflicting fear or prejudice to the rightsof others.We remain diligent to discharging our dutiesconsistent with our Oath of Office and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.

-

To addresscritical securityareas,needs, and funding.

- To coordinate with law enforcement respondersin organizing the evacuation drill once to thrice annually

- To establish and facilitate a court securitycommittee.

- To work on legislation to establish overtime pay.

Fromleft: DeputyMarshal III JesusS. Santos,DeputyMarshal I Maria M. Tudela,DeputyMarshal I Jonathan B. Limes,Chief Marshal Jason T. Tarkong, DeputyMarshal I MatthewO. Iguel,Chief Justice AlexandroC. Castro,Deputy Marshal I Jesse Sablan,DeputyMarshal III Roemar M. Segotier,and Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho.

LEGAL OBLIGATION: PUBLICLAW 17-41

TABLE50. MSD PERSONNEL LISTING

DeputyMarshal III Roemar M. Segotier at the Screening and SecurityZone. (November 12,2022)

STAFF TRAINING

ONLINE-ONSITE TRAINING CLASSES CONDUCTED ANNUALLY

- EmergencyPreparedness

- Escorting and Transporting Inmates

- Workplace Harassment

- Workplace Violence

- FirearmsRe-certification

- Homeland Security(Terrorist Deterrence and prevention,hazardous,etc.)

- Officer Survival

- Combat Defense

- Smith Detection HITRAXDual View Operator Training

- Court Security

MarshalsService Division,Office of Adult Probation,and DrugCourt Division staff attended the PacificJudicial Council Court Security training held on Guam. (December,13,2022)

Judiciarylaw enforcement attended the CPR/AED/First Aid training conducted byWestern PacificTraining Solution. (November 18,2022)

DeputyMarshalsRoemar Segotier and Maria Tudela attended the Surveillance Detection,Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device Detection, ImprovisedExplosive Device Search Procedure training conducted byFEMA CISA/CNMI HSEM. (April 8,2022)

Judiciarylaw enforcement annual firearmsre-qualification. (July6,2022)

MSDCOLLABORATESWITH AGENCIES

HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (HSEM)

Provideslaw enforcement training to MSDofficers.In timesof natural disasters,HSEM activatesMSD for EOCoperations.

GUAM/USMARSHALS

Providesbench protection and Defensive Tactics(DT) training to MSD.

DRUG COURT DIVISION

AssistsDrug Court officerswith drug testing observation,provide securityfor after-hoursevent and transport of remanded participantsto DOC.

Drug Court OfficersassistsMSDon evacuation drillsand court security.

OFFICE OF ADULT PROBATION

AssistsProbation officerswith drug testing observation.

Probation officershave assisted MSDon evacuation drillsand court security.

MENTAL HEALTH COURT DOCKET

AssistsMental Health Community Supervision Worker in serving court order and transportation of remanded participantsto DOC.

Mental Health Court CommunitySupervision Worker have assisted MSD on evacuation drills.

MarshalsService Division collaborated with Drug Court and Office of Adult Probation Supervision in providing bench protection tothe visiting delegation fromthe Supreme Court of Papua NewGuinea. (September 18,2022)

OfficeOFPROCUREMENT

The Office of Procurement remained active processing and overseeing variousprocurement activitiesrelated to ARPAfunding in particular.It assistswith multiple small-and-large-scale procurement for both day-to-day and pandemic-related projects. The successful implementation of the eRecording ServicesPlatform for the Commonwealth Recorder'sOffice and eCourt Case Management System were made possible through the dedication of thisoffice,engaging in negotiation effortsand providing timely responsesto vendors.To maintain fair and open competition,the Judiciarypublishesall proposal requestsand bidding invitationson the Vendor Self Service portal and Judiciarywebsite.In almost all procurement,including below threshold amount purchases,three price quotationsare sought to ensure competition.

In 2022,the office provided the following procurement services: issued 931 purchase orders,published 24 procurement publications, and executed 21 contractsincluding change orders.

Acting Procurement Officer Martha M.Standish conducted three internal training on Munis- focusing on Purchasing (Requisition Entry).

The team attended Enterprise Asset Management trainings conducted byTyler Technologiesand Governful.

TABLE51. PROCUREMENT SERVICES

Procurement Officer Fermin B. Dela Cruz (November 15,2021 toMay27,2022)

Procurement Officer Juan D. Cruz (August 8,2022 topresent)

Acting Procurement Officer Martha M. Standish (May25,2022 toNovember 7,2022)

MUNIS

Munisisa new integrated financial system software used bythe CNMI government.It providesa comprehensive ERPsuite encompassing financials,human resources,asset management, and revenue,which isdesigned to meet the variouspublicsector organizations.Thissoftware isfunctionallyrich and leverages the latest technologiesto integrate data and increase efficiency and productivityacrossan organization.

For 2022,the Judiciaryconducted the following internal MUNIS trainingsfor Judiciarypersonnel which were facilitated byJohn T.Villagomez,Budget and Finance Office Director,and Martha M. Standish,ARPAAdministrator and Acting Procurement Officer, with the assistance of ARPAAdministrative OfficersRoy V.Salas and KimberlyD.Magno.

- March 28,2022 - Conducted at the Screening and Security Zone conference room,thistraining incorporated a step-by-step discussion of logging into Munis,inputting requisition entries,purchase orders,purchase order change orders,processing invoices,and all other inquiriesbrought up bythe trainees.

- May6,2022 - Conducted at the AssemblyHall,thistraining covered the Judiciary'sEstablished Accounts,User Access, Requisition Entry and Requisition Rejection,and also provided a brief overview on the basicARPArequirements necessaryto processa proper requisition.Training materials were provided to the participants.

- June 10,2022 - Conducted at the Training Room,thistraining wassimilar to the May6th training,but wasconducted on a smaller scale for the Superior and Supreme Court Chamber Administratorsand Judicial Assistants.

- July12,2022 - Conducted at the Training Room,thistraining wassimilar to the May6th and June 10th trainings,but was conducted on a smaller scale for the Court Administration staff and Mental Health Court Docket.

Budget and Finance Director John T. Villagomez (standing) providesan overview of the Judiciary'sEstablished Accountson Munis. (May6,2022)

ARPAAdministrator/Acting Procurement Officer Martha M. Standish (pointing) coversdocument requirementsat a Munis training held at the SSZConference Room. (March 28,2022)

MUNIStraining attendeescrowd for a photobehind facilitatorsARPAAdministrator/ActingProcurement Officer Standish and Budget and Finance Director Villagomez (front and center). (May6,2022)

Budget and Finance Director Villagomez givesan overview of the Judiciary'sestablished accounts on Munis. (June 10,2022)

ARPAAdministrator/Acting Procurement Officer Standish (standing) conductsa Munistraining with Judiciary personnel. (June 10,2022)

ARPAAdministrator/Acting Procurement Officer Standish (right) assistsGrants Administrator JimW. Stowell asthey go through the Requisition Entryprocessduring the Munistraining. (July12,2022)

Munistraining participantscrowd for a group photowith training facilitator ARPA Administrator/Acting Procurement Officer Standish (fourth fromright). (July12,2022)

ENTERPRISEASSETMANAGEMENT

What is EAM?

*Enterprise Asset Management ("EAM") is an enterprise solution from Tyler Technologies designed to help public sector organizations achieve both tactical, short-term and strategic, long-term goals by leveraging connections to financial, planning, incident management, and customer-based data to streamline work processes and quantify the asset value.

*Source: Enterprise Asset Management for the Public Sector Judiciarypersonnel worked closelywith Tyler TechnologiesConsultant Kimberly Murdock to set-up and configure the EAM program.Beginning in January, strategicmeetingswere held to develop a plan for migrating the Judiciary'sassetsinto the EAM system. After monthsof configuration,the Judiciarysubmitted a list of the assetsMs.Murdock to import.On September 23,2022,the Judiciarywasauthorized to proceed with EAM'sGo-Live.

Before proceeding with EAM,personnel participated in internal trainingsto better familiarize themselveswith the program and how to migrate assetsonto the platform.

52: ENTERPRISEASSET MANAGEMENT MEETINGS

JudiciaryAsset Import Reviewwith Implementation Consultant Kimberly Murdockand Governful CybersecurityProject Manager Duane Benson. (May2,2022)

EAM ProcessRefinement WorkSession at the Horiguchi building. (July15,2022)

JudiciaryEAM Go-Live Training at the TrainingRoom. (September 23,2022)

Internal EAM Training. (December 20,2022)

LimitedENGLISH PROFICIENCYOFFICE(LEP)

Title VI of the Civil RightsAct of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basisof race,color,or national origin in anyprogram or activity that receivesfederal fundsor other federal financial assistance.Asa recipient of federal assistance,the Northern Mariana IslandsJudiciaryisrequired to take reasonable stepsto provide meaningful accessto programs,services,and information to Limited English Proficiency (?LEP?) and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (?DHH?).In response to this mandate,in November 2015,the Judiciaryadopted itsLanguage AccessPolicy and Plan through Supreme Court Administrative Order 2015-ADM-0023-RUL.

The Language AccessPolicy and Plan wasadopted to provide timely,meaningful,and equal accessto Judiciaryprograms,services,and information to LEPand DHH individualsand isconsistent with Title VI of the Civil RightsAct of 1964.When

creating the Language AccessPolicyand Plan,the Judiciaryfollowed the United StatesDepartment of Justice Civil RightsDivision?recommended four-factor analysisto determine reasonable steps in implementing a policyfor LEPand DHH individuals.The factorsinclude the number or proportion of LEP/DHH personsserved or encountered in the eligible service population; the frequency with which LEP/DHH personscome in contact with the program; the nature and importance of the program,activity,or service provided bythe program; and the resources available to the recipient.

Thisyear the Judiciarywasable to conduct a number of important training sessionswith court staff and certifyadditional court interpreters. Additionally,General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee traveled to Hawaii to observe multiple sessionsof specialtycourtsand court interpreting services.

The Judiciaryconducted a court interpreter training program,initiated bythe LAPPCommittee and facilitated byDirector of Courts/LAPPCoordinator Sonia A. Camacho(left) and General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee (8th fromright). The full daytraining focused on language accesslaw,the role of court interpreters,methodsof interpretation,and the makeup of the court system. (December 20,2022)

MEMBERS

Associate Justice PerryB.Inos,Chairman

Clerk of Court for the Supreme Court JudyT.Aldan,Esq.

Clerk of Court for the Superior Court Patrick V.Diaz

AttorneyGeneral Edward Manibusan

Chief PublicDefender DouglasHartig

AttorneyCristopher A.Heeb,Esq.

TABLE55. INTERPRETERSFOR CALENDAR YEAR2022

TABLE54. LAPPTRAINING

TABLE53. LAPPCOMMITTEEMEMBERS

Former LEPCoordinator Vivian S. Dela Cruz and current LEPCoordinator Lana Jean C. Togawa. (December 30,2022)

LawREVISION COMMISSION

The Law Revision Commission ("LRC") providescomprehensive,organized,and reliable accessof Commonwealth lawsto all membersof the public.LRCpersonnel continuouslyreview administrative regulations,publicand local laws,and judicial opinionsto update and revise the LRCdatabase and website. Each addition to the LRCwebsite directly correspondswith the publicand local lawspassed bythe Legislative Branch,administrative law promulgated bythe Executive Branch,and case law bythe Judicial Branch.

PUBLICLAWS,LOCAL LAWS,& COMMONWEALTH CODE

In 2022,LRCuploaded 13 publiclawsand 22 local lawsfrom Saipan, Tinian,and Rota to itswebsite.Each of these lawswere processed into searchable PDFdocumentsand made available online.In addition to the lawsenacted in 2022,the LRCwebsite also servesasan unofficial central repositoryfor the public and local lawsfrom each Commonwealth Legislature.

Fromleft: Website/Office Manager Albert A. Hicking,Executive Director Dean M. Palacios, Executive Assistant Erica Cabrera,and Staff AttorneyMoin Ghadimi.

Meeting,background from left: Chief Justice AlexandroC. Castro,Bar Representative Bruce L. Mailman,Attorney General Edward E. Manibusan,and Representative Celina R. Babauta. (April 14,2022)

STAFFING

For the first three quartersof 2022,LRChad three employees,Executive Assistant Erica Cabrera,Website/Office Manager Albert A.Hicking,and Executive Director Dean M.Palacios.In December 2022,Yusuf Moin Ghadimi joined LRCasStaff Attorney.

TRAINING,OUTREACH, AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

LRCattended three conferences: the National Association of Secretariesof Summer Conference-Administrative Code and RegistersSection ("NASS"), the Association of Reportersof Judicial DecisionsAnnual Meeting ("ARJD"), and Summer School Lex: LegalXMLStandards,Legal Analytics,and AI.LRC attended the NASSand ARJD conferencesin person.Summer School Lex, which took place in Ravenna,Italy,wasattended remotely via videoconferencing.

Staff AttorneyMoin Ghadimi and Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro. (December 2022)

Above left: Website/Office Manager Albert A. Hicking discussesideaswith membersof the ACRsection. (July2022)

Above right: Professor EricGoldman from Santa Clara UniversitySchool of Law, Executive Assistant Erica Cabrera,and Executive Director Dean M. Palacios. (August 2022)

Right: LRCstaff in attendance virtuallyat the Summer School LEX Program. (September 2022)

KottenTINIAN

Located in San Jose,Kotten Tinian providesaccessto judicial servicesfor residentsof the island.Since opening in 1999,the Judiciary monitors the building facilities to ensure that it is well-equipped with the necessaryresourcesand modern technology.

The Superior Court holds hearings hearings on Tinian twice a month. Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja presidesover criminal,traffic,and juvenile cases.Judge Kenneth L.Govendo presides over civil, familycourt,and small claimscases.

Kotten Tinian (February9,2022)

RotaCENTRON HUSTISIA

Rota Centron Hustisia wascompleted in 2005, ensuring residentsof the island efficient accessto justice.It islocated in Sinapalo and housesthe Supreme Court,Superior Court,Office of Adult Probation Supervision,Office of the AttorneyGeneral, Office of the PublicDefender, the Department of PublicSafety,and Micronesian Legal Services Corporation.Superior Court hearingsare held on Rota twice a month,and the Supreme Court periodicallyholdsoral arguments.

2022 wasfilled with numerousaccomplishments. Centron Hustisia completed manyprojects,including the painting of the courthouse and parking lot, landscaping of the exterior facility,installation of the light and electrical fixturesfor both the interior and exterior of the courthouse,flag pole,detention holding cell,and secured gate restoration.In addition,there were some technology upgradesto our courthouse.Securitycameraswere installed, and three TVmonitors,one printer,E-Recording system, and For the Record Player were set up.

Rota Centron Hustisia beautification project. (May 13,2022)

Top tobottomfromleft: Administrative Specialist/Special Deputy Clerk Michelle A. Mendiola,ARPAScanningClerkMicca B. King,ARPA Scanning ClerkElvira M. Manglona,DeputyMarshal I Sherla M. Sablan, DeputyClerkI Delia C. Barcinas,Chief Justice AlexandroC. Castro,and Presiding Judge RobertoC. Naraja. (November 22,2022)

Rota Centron Hustisia's flagpolesunderwent complete base restoration and now have new flagswaving at passersby.

(August 12,2022) 86

Fromleft: ARPAAdministrator/Acting Procurement Officer Martha M. Standish,Director of CourtsSonia A. Camacho,ARPAScanning Clerk Elvira M. Manglona,ARPAScanning ClerkMicca B. King,Deputy Marshal I Sherla M. Sablan,and Administrative Specialist/Special DeputyClerkMichelle M. Mendiola. (August 12,2022)

Dept. of Landsand Natural Resources' Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle assisted with Centron Hustisia'sbeautification project. (April 4,2022)

ARPAInformation SystemsSupport Specialist RogelioN. Francia and SystemsAdministrator Michael C. Villacrusisinstallssecurity camera at Centron Hustisia. (October 11,2022)

Second Quarter Oral Argument. (May18,2022)

ARPAInformation SystemsSupport Specialist RogelioN. Francia setsup the E-Recording workstation in the Centron Hustisia lobby. (October 28,2022)

ISOteamsetsup the three TVmonitorsfor Centron Hustisia which will be mainlyutilized for virtual hearingsand meetings. (October 11,2022)

A r p a

On May17,2021,the United StatesDepartment of the Treasuryreleased $481,876,521.00 of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fundsto the CNMI Executive Branch.On June 4,2021,the Office of the Governor awarded $13,160,703.00 to the Judiciary,and,subsequently,on October 19,2022,an additional $873,485.30 wasawarded to the Judiciaryto procure a new case management system.

Consistent with U.S.Department of the TreasuryGuidelinesand the CoronavirusState and Local Fiscal Recovery FundsFinal Rule which became effective on April 1,2022,the overall objectivesof the Judiciary?sARPAspending focuseson:

- Sustaining judicial serviceson Saipan,Tinian,and Rota;

- Retrofitting and improving facilitiesand infrastructure;

- Preventing the spread of COVID-19;

- Allowing for social distancing;

- Enhancing technologyfor remote hearingsand services; and

- Reducing court backlogs.

Formed in early2021,an internal ARPACommittee hasbeen meeting regularlyto oversee projects,including the implementation of safety measures,procurement of sanitization supplies,and the modification of court operationsto ensure a safe environment for staff and patrons.Beginning in the latter half of 2022,the Judiciary transitioned to holding biweeklyARPACommittee meetingsand ARPACapital ImprovementsProjects subcommittee meetings,while continuing to hold weeklyARPALeadership Committee meetings.

Since the receipt of ARPAfunds,the Judiciaryhassubmitted itsspending plansto the Department of Finance on a regular basis,with itsmost recent being Spending Plan No.4 which wassubmitted on September 12,2022,and estimatesexpendituresof $5.1 million in Personnel and $8 million in All Others.

Fromleft: ARPAAdministrator Martha M. Standish and ARPA Administrative OfficersRoy V. Salas& KimberlyMae D. Magno. (April 8,2022)

In addition,the Committee also createsand compilesmonthlyreports with ledgers,associated receipts,and supporting documentsin compliance with audit guidelines.

ARPAAdministrator Martha M.Standish continuesto work on related and/or assigned duties,including:

1. Serving asthe Acting Procurement Officer for most of 2022;

2. Conducting,attending,and/or participating in numerous meetingsand trainings;

3. Assisting in the compilation of the Judiciary?sannual budget submission;

4. Compiling and presenting ARPAreport during the Judicial Council meeting;

5. Overseeing the following non-ARPAfunded projects/activities:

a. Editorial Board for the Judiciary?s2022 Annual Report;

b. Guma?Hustisia Roof Tile Removal Project; and

c. Elevator Modernization Project (FEMAand USDA).

Furthermore,throughout 2022,the Judiciaryembarked on accomplishing several large-scale projectswith itsARPAfunds; a few of these accomplishmentsto note include:

1. Launching of the Commonwealth Recorder?sOffice?selectronic recording system and implementation of eCourt Case Management System,which will also include eCitation and eProbation;

2. Continued progressin the ongoing digitization project,an effort to scan filesdating back to Trust Territorytimes.In 2022, the scanning team:

- Scanned 20,633 filesconsisting of 436,845 pages;

- Audited 27,924 filesconsisting of 541,179 pages; and

- Digitization of over 312 cassette tapesof court proceedings.

3. Restoration of Guma?Hustisia publicand staff restroomswhich includesthe installation of touchlessfaucetsand toilets;

4. Initiated planning and design with the On-Call A&Econsultant for the ARPAHall/Data Center project,which will house the Judiciary?sserver room and protect the investmentsthat have been made in upgrading the technological infrastructure of the court.

Fullyrenovate the publicand staff restroomsat Guma'

3 year subscription of Lexis+Law Libraryfor legal research.

Renovate the Drug Court Restroom so that it may be utilized asa sample collection site for drug testing.

2 year subscription to Fiber Internet, which includesall glassfiber solution, symmetricspeeds,and 200 Mbps download and upload speed; fixed businessstaticIP; and fiber optic cabling installation and equipment configuration.

Provide the following A&Eservices: 1) Pre-design Phase; 2) Preliminaryor Concept Design Phase; 3) Construction Document and Bid Assistance Phase; 4) Construction Administration Phase; and 5) Additional Requirements.

ThisJudicial Task Order isassigned to GUMAfor the design and construction of the ARPAHall/Data Center,a two-story building which will house the new ARPAHall and Data Center,as well asoffer covered parking for four car spacesand the option for future expansion.

Provide a fullyintegrated E-Recording System that isalreadydeveloped and deployable; on-site training,software set-up,and phone/email support during businesshours.

Provide janitorial services,and all equipment and productsnecessary to complete itsgiven tasksin a timely manner.

Clean and paint the designated exterior concrete wallsand trimsand designated interior areas; remove rust and paint,then repaint secured parking and sallyport gates.

Provide three yearsof HVACsystem maintenance serviceson a quarterly, semi-annual,and annual basisat the Guma' Hustisia.

following table summarizes the Judiciary's ARPA on-going and completed projects for 2022.

CONTINUATION OF TABLE59

one elevator at the Guma' Hustisia; provide the Judiciarynecessary information and best project approach in modernizing the elevator.

Initiate the migration of the CNMI Judiciaryto the eCourt system; provide the needed professional services,maintenance and support,and the Software License and Hosting services.

ARPAAdministrator Martha M. Standish (top pic) conductsan ARPACommittee meeting at the AssemblyHall (bottompic). (October 27,2022)

ARPAAdministrative teamphotoat the Judiciary'sannual professional development at the Kensington Hall. Fromleft: ARPAAdministrative Officer RoyV. Salas,ARPAAdministrator Martha M. Standish,and Special Project and Infrastructure Coordinator Bryan S. Bocago. (November 21,2022)

ARPALeadership meeting at the SSZConference Room. (November 30,2022)

On March 8,2022,International Women?s Daywascelebrated by recognizing the social,economic,cultural,and political achievementsof women. The dayalso marked a call toaction for accelerating women'sequality. Thishasbeen observed annuallyin the United Statessince 1987.

Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorioand General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee,twofemale ARPA committee members,share their experience asWomen?sHistoryMonth is being observed.

Briefly tell us a little bit about yourself.

"First and foremost,I ama wife,a proudmother of three servicemen and a student-athlete in college, andrecentlya grandmother.Professionally,I amthe solefemalebench member in theCNMI Judiciary. I have served in thiscapacityfor over 8 years. I preside over Drug Court (the CNMI?sfirst treatment court) aswell asour FamilyCourt. These specialtycourtshave given me the abilityto provide better wrap-aroundserviceswhenpartieshavemattersincriminal court andfamilycourt."

What progress have you seen on gender equality in your life and work?

"Mymother instilled in me at a veryyoung age that I can be assuccessful asanyone,including men. Having thismindset and strong will put me in a position to excel. I accept that biasagainst women still exists in many organizations. However, once you have proven your competency, this applies to both men and women, your gender tends to be overlooked. So in answer to this question, I would definitelysaythat therehasbeenmuchprogress."

Why do we need more women in leadership?

"In anyprofession,leadership or not,it?simportant todiversifysothat we mayembrace and appreciate different perspectives,needs, challenges. One way to diversify is to have women in businesses and organizations to contribute their unique viewpoints and experiencestoadvancethemissionandgoalsoftheorganization/business."

Have you faced any barriers in your career due to being a woman? If so, how did you overcome them?

"Yes, I have. Not just for being a woman but also in part because of my ethnicity. Fortunately, I had (and still have) a very strong support systemthrough myfamilyandfriends.Additionally,I believethat havinga strongwill andmindisthekeytoovercomingthe barriersinyour life.I don?t let peoples?biasesdiscourageme."

Briefly tell us a little bit about yourself.

"OriginallyfromSouth Korea,I grewuponSaipanandconsider it myhome.I havebeenservingas General Counsel for the NMI Judiciary for almost four years. Working for the court has been an extremelyrewardingexperience asI get toplaya part in upholdingthe rule of lawandworkwith an amazing team. I am also a wife, mom,and a daughter. I highlyvalue mytime with familyand friendsandfindmeaningandpurposeconnectingwithpeople."

Why is Women's History Month important this year, and how has that changed since last year?

"Women'sHistoryMonth isan important period of reflection everyyear because it isa time to acknowledge and celebrate women's contributions to history, politics, the economy, culture, and society. It is also a time to renew our commitment in bringing inclusivity and independencetowomenall aroundtheworldtoensuretheir rightsareprotected.

This year is particularly important to recognize women leaders and frontliners who served during and made significant strides and sacrifices in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though women make up one-half of all workers, they account for nearly two-thirds of frontliners."

Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio

General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee

Law Month & Drug Court Month

PROCLAMATION SIGNING

On April 20, 2022, the Judiciary held its annual Law Month and Drug Court Month Proclamation Signing Ceremony at the Guma' Hustisia, which was also streamed on Facebook Live.

This year's theme is "Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change." Law Month is held yearly in May to celebrate the role of law in our society and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the legal profession. In celebration of Law Month, the Judiciary hosts an essay contest for middle school students and poster contest for elementary school students. A recognition ceremony was held after the proclamation signing with Associate Justice Perry B. Inos and Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja announcing the winners. National Drug Court Month is also celebrated every May. It is an opportunity to celebrate the work of recovery happening through treatment courts nationwide and inspire communities.

Associate Justice PerryB. Inospreparestoannounce the winnersof the Essayand Poster contest. (April 20,2022)

Law Month Essayand Poster Contest winnersproudlydisplay their work. (April 20,2022)

Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castrosignsthe Proclamation for Law Month 2022. (April 20,2022)

Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja signsthe Proclamation for Drug Court Month 2022. (April 20,2022)

In celebration of Drug Court Month, the CNMI Drug Court held multiple events throughout the month of May, including Candy Gram Giveaway, Walk to Recovery, School Outreach to the Da'ok Academy and ChaCha Ocean View Middle School, Volleyball Tournament, and Softball Tournament.

LAW MONTH

In celebration of Law Month, the Judiciary hosts an essay contest for middle school students and poster contest for elementary school students. A recognition ceremony was held after the proclamation signing with Justice Perry B. Inos and Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja announcing the winners.

On May 18, 2022, the NMI Supreme Court heard appellate arguments at the Rota Centron Hustisia in Commonwealth vs. Kenneth Thomas Blas Kaipat and Joseph A. Crisostomo v. Commonwealth Department of Corrections. Over fifty students from Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr-Sr High School attended the arguments and had the opportunity to speak with the three Supreme Court justices after the hearing. J. Robert Glass, Jr., the NMI Chief Solicitor, represented the Commonwealth in both arguments, while Brien Sers Nicholas, Esq. argued on behalf of Kenneth Kaipat and Cong Nie, Esq. represented Joseph A. Crisostomo.

On May 20, 2022, the CNMI Bar Association members packed the Assembly Hall at the Guma?Hustisia Friday to participate in the Professionalism Forum. The panelists--Justice Perry B. Inos, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, attorney Sean E. Frink, Esq. and Chief Public Defender Douglas Hartig--presented their views on Ethics, Professionalism in the Courtroom and Beyond the Courtroom, Civility, and Professionalism in the World of Virtual Hearings. Justice John A. Manglona moderated the Forum, a Law Month event sponsored by the Judiciary and the bar association.

Chief Justice AlexandroC. Castrosignsthe Proclamation for Drug Court Month 2022. (April 20,2022)

Fromleft: Chief PublicDefender DouglasHartig, Justice PerryB. Inos,Sean E. Frink,Esq. and Judge Teresa K Kim-Tenoriolisten asJustice John A. Manglona speakstothe audience during the Professionalism Forum. (May20,2022)

DrugCourt Month RecoveryWalk,fromleft: Compliance OfficersKevin T. Royal and Dustin B. Pangelinan,Community Supervision Officer Frankie B. Camacho,Caseworker I TimothyA. Rabago,Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds,and Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio. (May6,2022)

Fromleft: Justice John A. Manglona,Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro,and Justice PerryB. Inosat the 2nd Quarter Oral Argumentsheld at Rota Centron Hustisia. (May18,2022)

On Friday, May 20, 2022, Bar members filled the Assembly Hall for the Professionalism Forum. Topics and conversations covered:

1. Ethics & Professionalism

2. The Nature of Professionalism

3. Professionalism in the Courtroom

4. Professionalism in Other InteractionsOpposing Counsel, Parties, Court Staff, Legal Assistants, etc.

5. Professionalism Outside the Courtroom and Workplace

Oath of Admission for incoming attorneys:

?I do solemnly swear that...I will conduct myself with dignity and civility and show respect toward justices, judges, court staff, clients, fellow professionals, and other persons, to the best of my ability...."

FEATUREI House Budget Session

On June 7,2022,the House Waysand MeansCommittee held a publichearing at the House Chamber of the Honorable JesusP. MafnasMemorial Building,Capitol Hill regarding the Judiciary's Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Request.

The hearing wasled byCommittee Chair Representative Donald M.Manglona and Vice Chair Representative Corina L.Magofna. The Judiciaryrequested a $15.24 million budget for FY2023. The topicsdiscussed were ARPAallocationsand expenditures, personnel,and ongoing projectsat the Judiciary.With ARPA funding,the Judiciarywasable to retain all current Judiciary personnel and hire new staff on all three islands.In addition, fundshave been utilized for new technology,enhanced surveillance,janitorial services,and treatment court training,to name a few.

The Judiciaryaimsto utilize a substantial amount of the FY2023 fundsto construct a new courthouse on Tinian to provide adequate space for court patronsand additional judicial services.

Chief Justice Alexandro C.Castro

Associate Justice John A.Mangloña

Associate Justice Perry B.Inos

Presiding Judge Roberto C.Naraja

Associate Judge Teresa K.Kim-Tenorio

Director of CourtsSonia A.Camacho

ARPAAdministrator/Acting Procurement Officer Martha M.Standish

General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee,Esq.

Judicial Assistant Josephine N.Estrada

Special Assistant to Presiding Judge Rochelle L.Vazquez,Esq.

SpecialtyCourtsCoordinator Bryan S.Bocago

ARPAParalegal MaryBernadette "Mabby"C.Glass

Program Specialist Jennalyd S.Babauta

Clinical Liaison Mia A.Jones

Clerk of the Superior Court Patrick V.Diaz

Drug Court Manager Edward P.Diaz

FamilyCourt Manager Queanna C.Sablan

Mental Health Court Docket Manager Youn Jung "Danielle"Su

Chief Probation Officer Matilde H.Bermudes-Rasa

Chief Marshal Jason T.Tarkong

Commonwealth Recorder KelseyO.George

Human Resources/Administrative Officer Michelle V.Guerrero

Budget and Finance Director John T.Villagomez

Executive Director Dean M.Palacios

Website/Office Manager Albert A.Hicking

GrantsAdministrator Jim W.Stowell

CNMI Bar Associate Representative Sean E.Frink,Esq.

TABLE60. BUDGET HEARINGATTENDEES- JUDICIAL BRANCH AND CNMI BARASSOCIATION

House Budget Session held at the Honorable JesusP. MafnasMemorial Building,Capitol Hill. (Photo from House - Northern MarianasCommonwealth Legislature YouTube stream,June 7,2022)

ARPAAdministrator/Acting Procurement Officer Martha M. Standish presentson the ARPASpending Plan No. 3 (FY2021-2024). (PhotofromHouse - Northern MarianasCommonwealth Legislature YouTube stream,June 7,2022)

Director of CourtsSonia A. Camachopresentson the Judiciary's StrategicPlan. (Photofrom House - Northern MarianasCommonwealth Legislature YouTube stream,June 7, 2022)

House Budget Session held at the Honorable JesusP. Mafnas Memorial Building,Capitol Hill. (PhotosfromCommonwealth Legislature YouTube stream,June 7,2022)

FEATUREI Summer Pre-LawProgram

The 9th Summer Pre-Law Program wasconducted thisyear from June 27,2022 to July13,2022.This three-week program,which started 31 yearsago in 1991,provided participantswith an opportunityto experience first-year law school coursestaught byseasoned law school professors.Thisprogram also offered a Law School Admission Test preparation workshop,aswell asassistance in preparing law school admission applications.

On July12,2022,nineteen participantssuccessfully completed the Judiciary Summer Pre-Law Program.The graduation ceremonywasheld at the Guma' Hustisia Atrium.In attendance were dozensof guests, including:

- Governor Ralph DLG.Torres;

- Speaker of the House Edmund S.Villagomez;

- United StatesDistrict Court Chief Judge Ramona V.Manglona; and

- United StatesDistrict Court Magistrate Judge Heather L.Kennedy.

ARPAsupported thisprogram byensuring sanitation suppliessuch asface masksand hand sanitizerswere readilyavailable for use.The Information SystemsOffice ("ISO") ensured that sufficient equipment and technical needswere provided for the successof the program.ISOset up equipment purchased under ARPAincluding the television monitors,camera,carts, and laptopswhich were temporarilyassigned to the instructors.Other ARPApersonnel contributed hoursbyproviding administrative support.

Summer Pre-Law ProgramMeet & Greet Session. (June 24,2022)

Summer Pre-Law ProgramGraduation Ceremony at the Guma' Hustisia Atrium. (July12,2022)

Summer Pre-Law Programgraduatestaking a group photoopportunity. (July12,2022)

Pre-Law graduatesare joined byChief Judge Ramona V. Manglona,Associate Justice PerryB. Inos,Chief Justice AlexandroC. Castro,Associate Justice John A. Manglona,and Magistrate Judge Heather L. Kennedy in the Supreme Court Courtroom. (July12,2022)

Law in the CommunityLecture Series

In addition to teaching introductorylaw classesaspart of the Judiciary Summer Pre-Law Program,Interim Dean Rose Cuison-Villazor of Rutgers Law School and Associate Professor Eun Hee Han of Georgetown Law School,who were both raised in the CNMI,also conducted two public presentationseach in the Law in the CommunityLecture Series.The lectureswere about topical legal issuesand the professorsalso took questionsfrom the audience.

In preparation for the lecture series,ARPAadministration provided sanitation supplieswhile ISOpersonnel,also funded under ARPA,spent approximatelythree hoursto ensure a smooth and successful lecture series. These effortsincluded setting up equipment purchased under ARPAsuch as television monitors,camera,carts,and laptopsfor use bythe lecturers.Other ARPApersonnel provided administrative support to the lecture series. The Law in the Community Lecture Serieswasfree and livestreamed on the Judiciary?sFacebook page,and wasmade possible in part bya major grant from the Northern MarianasHumanitiesCouncil and National Endowment for the Humanities.Anyviews,findings,conclusions,or recommendations expressed in the lecturesdo not necessarilyrepresent those of the Northern MarianasHumanitiesCouncil,National Endowment for the Humanities,NMI Judiciary,or JudiciaryHistorical Society.

The lecturestook place asfollows:

1. ?Critical Race Theory,PacificIslands,and Cultural Rights"- The lecture outlined critical race theoryand examined how it appliesto lawssuch asthe CNMI?sArticle XII,which restrictsownership of land to indigenouspeople.

a. Lecturer/Presenter: Dean Rose Cuison-Villazor

b. Tuesday,June 28,2022,at 12:00 p.m.at the Guma?Hustisia AssemblyHall in Susupe.

2. ?Critical Race Stories?- The lecture discussed a groundbreaking article byscholar Mari J.Matsuda which analyzesdiscrimination against people because of their accents.

a. Lecturer/Presenter: Associate Professor Eun Hee Han

b. Thursday,June 30,2022,at 6:00 p.m.at the American Memorial Park Auditorium.

3. ?The Insular Casesand Citizenship?- The Insular Casesare U.S.Supreme Court decisionsfrom over 100 yearsago which discussthe statusof U.S.territories.The lecture discussed those casesand more recent casesinvolving American Samoa in which the Insular Casesplayed a major role.

a. Lecturer/Presenter: Dean Rose Cuison-Villazor

b. Tuesday,July5,2022,at 6:00 p.m.at the American Memorial Park Auditorium.

4. ?Cross-Cultural Competency and Law?- The lecture discussed a new standard of the American Bar Association that requireslaw schoolsto educate their studentson cross-cultural competency,bias, and racism.

a. Lecturer/Presenter: Associate Professor Eun Hee Han

b. ThursdayJuly 7,2022,at 12:00 p.m.at the Guma?Hustisia AssemblyHall in Susupe.

InterimDean Rose Cuison-Villazor RutgersLawSchool

Associate Professor Eun Hee Han Georgetown LawSchool

InterimDean Rose Cuison-Villazor conducting her lecture at the Guma' Hustisia AssemblyHall. (June 28,2022)

Audience memberslistening to InterimDean Rose Cuison-Villazor's lecture at the Guma' Hustisia Assembly Hall. (June 28,2022)

FEATUREI Northern MarianasPacificMini Games

PERSONNELPARTICIPATION

Saipan made itsmark in historyhosting the Northern Marianas PacificMini Games("NMPMG") 2022 for the first time.The NMPMG began on June 17 and ended on June 25,2022.One of the Judiciary's ARPA-funded personnel,Chief Marshal Jason T.Tarkong ("J"),competed in the games. ARPAinterviewed Chief Marshal shortly after the commencement of the games.

- What sport didyoucompetein?

J: "Va'a (Outrigger Canoe)."

- What aretheeventsyoucompetedin?Andpleaselist theposition for eachevent youcompetedin?

J: "I competed in the V-12 Event. I steered and also sat on seat 5 (power seat)."

- Howdidyoupreparefor thecompetition?

J: "10 months of training, sometimes 2 training a day: from 5 a.m. for 1 hour and a half and 2 hours in the evening."

- What isoneimportant lessonyou'velearnedfromyour timeasanathleterepresentingtheCNMI inthePacificMini Games?

J: "The more I learn the more I realize how much I don't know."

- Whowereyoumost excitedtocompeteagainst?

J: "TAHITI,WORLD CHAMPIONS. It was like our local Basketball Team competing against the Golden State Warriors (NBA), or our CNMI Baseball Team going up against the New York Yankees (MLB)."

Pretrial,Probation,and Parole Proclamation

On July18,2022,the Judiciaryheld itsPretrial,Probation,and Parole Supervision Week Proclamation Signing at the American Memorial Park indoor theater.

Chief Probation Officer Matilde H.Bermudes-Rasa stated,"The Pretrial,Probation and Parole Supervision Week isa Nationwide celebration in everyone of the 50 Statesand Region 18 which includesthe CNMI,Guam,American Samoa,Federated Statesof Micronesia,Palau,Marshall and the Philippines.It wasfirst held in 1999 bythe American Probation and Parole Association.Membersof the association lobbied acrossthe Countryto make a proclamation for one week in JulyasPretrial,Probation and Parole Supervision Week and to recognize the 100,000+Probation & Parole Professionalsalso known as'Agentsof Change.' The week-long celebration isto recognize these Probation & Parole Agentsof Change for their hard work and dedication in helping the communitybyimproving the livesof the offenderswho are placed on Probation or Parole supervision."The Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision

Week acknowledges the dedication of probation and parole agents who improve the lives of offenders through rehabilitation. These professionals help communities by providing support to offenders to reintegrate into society, reduce recidivism rates, and ensure that justice is served.

Chief Marshal Jason T. Tarkong at the NMPMGopening ceremony. (June 17,2022)

Office of Adult Probation Supervision with Governor Ralph DLG. Torres,Chief Justice AlexandroC. Castro, Associate Justice PerryB. Inos,Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho,and membersfromthe Department of Communityand Cultural Affairsand CNMI Board of Parole. (July18,2022)

Junior State of America CivicsInstitute Micronesia Site Visit

On July18,2022,high school studentsfrom the Federated Statesof Micronesia,Palau, Guam,and the Northern Mariana Islandsvisited the Guma' Hustisia for a conversation with the justicesand judges.The studentsparticipated in the week-long CivicsInstitute Micronesia,sponsored byJunior State of America and the Northern Marianas College.

Judiciary5KRun/Walk

The Judiciaryorganized a 5k run/walk event on August 5,2022 to promote health and wellnessamong itsemployees.The course,coordinated byKeith H.Ketola,Law Clerk to Justice John A.Manglona,started on the Beach Road pathway near Guma' Hustisia and continued for 2.5 km before reversing and finishing at Guma' Hustisia. The course highlighted the island'sscenic beautyand encouraged participantsto stayactive.Judiciaryemployeeswere encouraged to participate in a 5k run/walk and were granted an hour of administrative leave.The event wassuccessful,with 25 staff members,2 bench members,and familymembersparticipating.The event encouraged Judiciaryemployeesto bond and engage in friendlycompetition while showing support for the Judiciary'scommitment to promoting health and wellness. Three deputymarshalsprovided securitydetail for the event,ensuring that the event ran smoothlyand safely.The Judiciaryiscommitted to hosting more events like thisin the future,aspart of itsongoing effortsto promote health and wellness among itsemployeesand to strengthen the bondsbetween Judiciaryemployees and the community.

Supreme Court justicesexplained the role of the appellate court. (July18,2022)

JSAstudentswith Director of CourtsSonia A. Camacho,Chief Justice AlexandroC. Castro,Associate Justice John A. Manglona,Associate Justice PerryB. Inosand Judiciary staff in the Supreme Court Courtroom. (July18,2022)

Judiciaryemployeesand their familiesacrossGuma' Hustisia.

Judiciary staff and managerswalkthrough Beach Road during the Judiciary 5KRun/Walk. (August 5,2022)

FEATUREI Court FormsRedesigned Project

JudiciaryParalegal MaryBernadette "Mabby"Glass takesthe lead on the Court FormsRedesign Project under the supervision of Justice John A.Manglona, the overall project leader.

From Julyto August 2022,Mabbyattended the National Center for State Courts' (NCSC) Summer FormsCamp training,a free webinar seriesthat providesguidance from national expertsand interactive working sessionswhere attendeeswill review real formsand discusswaysto improve them.

On August 24,2022,Mabbyprepared a presentation on the keyelementsshe learned from the NCSC'sSummer FormsCamp to Acting Family Court Manager DoloresB.Sablan,Judge Joseph N. Camacho,Presiding Judge Roberto C.Naraja, DeputyGeneral Counsel Matthew J.Brown,Justice John A.Manglona,DeputyClerk I Adeline C. Tereyama,DeputyClerk I Novelyn W.Tenorio,and Law Clerk GregoryP.Cenac.

Aspart of thisproject,Mabbysubmitted the Judiciary'sapplication for NCSC?sWinter Forms Camp.On December 24,2022,NCSCselected the Judiciaryalong with other 5 state courtsout of 40

to participate in the Winter FormsCamp.The Camp givesan opportunity for NCSCstaff to provide intensive training and technical assistant to help courtsrevise one form or a small set of formsto improve plain language and readability.At the end of the camp,the formswill be redesigned, translated into plain language,and user tested.

Court FormsRedesigned Project Meeting. (August 24,2022)

NMI JudiciaryWinter FormsCampCommittee isrepresented byParalegal Mabby Glass,DeputyClerkIII Novelyn A. Wania-Tenorio,LawClerkKeith H. Ketola,and DeputyClerkI Brandon H. DelosSantos. (December 28,2022)

JudiciaryEmployee Initiative (BirthdayCelebrations)

The Judiciaryheld itsfirst monthlybirthday celebration on September 13,2022.Aspart of the Employee Initiative program,employeesgather together to recognize the monthlybirthdaycelebrantsat the Assembly Hall.

September Birthday flyer.

October Birthday flyer.

December Birthdayflyer.

Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro (far left) and Justice PerryB. Inos (far right) with the October birthdaycelebrants. (October 28,2022)

The November birthdaycelebrantson the monitor at the Superior Court reception area. (November 18,2022)

Staff assemble to greet the September birthdaycelebrants.

FEATUREI 2nd Annual Cultural Day

The 2nd Annual Cultural Day event in the Guma?Hustisia Atrium showcased variousculturesand cuisines:

-

Chamorro/Carolinian wasrepresented byBudget and Finance Office,Supreme Clerk of Court,Office of General Counsel,Superior Court Chambersand GrantsManagement

- Palau wasrepresented bythe Commonwealth Recorder'sOffice,Office of Procurement,ARPA,Facilities Management Office,FamilyCourt,and the Office of Adult Probation

- Asia wasrepresented bythe MarshalsService Division,Mental Health Court,and Information Systems

Federated Statesof Micronesia wasrepresented bythe Drug Court Division and Supreme Chambers

- American/European wasrepresented bythe JudiciaryAdministrative Office,Law Revision Commission,and Superior Clerk of Court

The event featured performancesfrom Te'ivi Maori and Poksai Dance Group,aswell asartsand craftsfrom Arts Council that provided basket weaving,bead and mwarmwar making.

Chamorro/Carolinian Booth American Booth European Booth

Palau Booth

Asia Booth Federated Statesof Micronesia Booth

Te'ivi Maori Dance Group

Poksai Dance Group

Judicial Assistant Josephine N. Estrada

ArtsCouncil ArtsCouncil LawClerkKara L. Woods

The Great CNMI Shakeout Drill

On October 20,2022, at 10:20 a.m.,Chamorro Standard Time, the Judiciary staff participated in the Great CNMI Shakeout Earthquake Drill. Because natural disasters may occur at any time, the Judiciary wanted to ensure that staff is well aware and prepared when such unexpected eventshappen.

During the drill, all the phone lines rang and an automated intercom would instruct a specific procedure to follow:

1.Drop and cover under a desk or table

2. Proceed to the nearest exit until an all clear has been announced

The Marshals Service Division, Drug Court Division, and Office of Adult Probation worked together to secure the building before staff can go back to their designated office.

ARPAAdministrator Martha M. Standish dropsand cover during the shakeout drill in the Guma' Hustisia. (October 20,2022)

Participantsevacuating the building during the shakeout drill. (October 20,2022)

Staff wait at the front parking to receive the all clear sign before proceeding backintothe building during the shakeout drill. (October 20,2022)

Staff wait at the front parking to receive the all clear sign before proceeding backinto the building duringthe shakeout drill.

(October 20,2022)

FEATUREI JudiciaryProfessional Development Conference

Conference Planning Committee

On July25,2022,the Judiciaryheld itsfirst committee meeting to plan for the Judiciary Professional Development Conference.Justice PerryB.Inoschaired the committee. The committee met biweekly to discussevent logistics,budgeting and agenda.SeeTable61 for meetinglisting.The Kensington Hotel wasselected asthe conference venue.

Participantsof the Professional Development Conference held at the Kensington Hotel. (November 21,2022)

Committee meeting held at the SSZ Conference Room. (November 14,2022)

Fromleft: Scanning ClerkTracyD. Limes, LEPCoordinator Lana C. Togawa and Scanning ClerkLeonora T. Vergara assemble the giveaway bagsfor the Conference. (November 10,2022)

TABLE61. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEEMEMBERS

Chief Justice Alexandro C.Castro

Associate Justice John A.Mangloña

Associate Justice Perry B.Inos,Chairman

Director of CourtsSonia A.Camacho

Law Clerk Patrick C.Quimby

Law Clerk Keith H.Ketola

Law Clerk Benjamin S.Schwartz

Chamber Administrator Irene T.San Nicolas

Judicial Assistant IgnatiaC.Aldan

Judicial Assistant Josephine N.Estrada

Supreme Court Clerk of Court JudyT.Aldan

DeputyClerk of Court Nora V.Borja

Budget and Finance Director John T.Villagomez

Chamber Administrator Rose Lynette M.Camacho

Human Resources/Administrative Officer Michelle V.Guerrero

Chief Marshal Jason T.Tarkong

Clerk of Court Superior Court Patrick V.Diaz

Drug Court Manager Edward P.Diaz

Chief Probation Officer Matilde H.Bermudes-Rasa

Mental Health Court Docket Manager Danielle Su

Family Court Manager Crystal C.Pangelinan

SystemsAdministrator Michael C.Villacrusis

Mental Health Court Docket Clinical Liaison Mia A.Jones

Data SystemsAnalyst Mark G.Hidalgo

ARPAInformation SystemsSupport Specialist Rogelio N.Francia

ARPAAdministrative Officer RoyV.Salas

TABLE62. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEEMEETINGS

Professional Development Committee membersdiscussplansfor the conference during a site visit at the Kensington Hotel. (November 17,2022)

JudiciaryProfessional Development Conference

On November 21-22,2022,the Judiciaryheld its Professional Development Conference at the Kensington Hotel in Saipan.The Mental Health Court Docket ("MHCD") team kicked off the conference with an introduction and overview of their docket and an explanation of communitybased treatment programs. Afterwards,MHCDled the team building exercise. The conference consisted of a full-daybreakout session with the topicsof the Strategic Plan: Accessto Justice,Capital Improvements,CommunityOutreach Programs,Court Technologyand Data Systems,Human Resourcesand Professional Workplace,Maintaining Fair and Efficient Case Flow and Time Standards,and Treatment Courts.On the second day,the conference began with four breakout sessionsin the morning.The categorieswere PublicSpeaking,Mindfulness,Court Branding and Self-Defense.After the breakout sessions ended,the Judiciarystaff assembled in the main hall for the first of two plenarysessionsof the day.

Carmen Ulloa-Kasperbauer,MPA,and Suki Lau Santos, Mental Health Counselor,gave presentationson Emotional Quotient ("EQ"). The Judiciaryhaspartnered with the PacificJudicial Council in its"Focuson Emotional Quotient"program.Developing EQhelps individualsunderstand,use,and manage emotionsin a positive way.There are five basiccomponentsof EQ: (1) Self-Awareness,(2) Self-Control,(3) Empathy,(4) Social Intelligence,(5) and Motivation.

Shawn Quimby,former Chief Information Officer ("CIO") of Cimarex Energy,delivered the next plenarysession on Cybersecurity.Cybersecurityinvolvesprotecting computer systems,networksand data against cyber criminals.There are numerouswaysto protect personal and important information,such ascreating strong passwords,using antivirussoftware,data back up,keeping your software up to date,etc.

Chief Probation Officer Matilde H. Bermudes-Rasa led one of the Strategic Planning breakout session. (November 21,2022)

Shawn Quimby,former CIOof Cimarex presenting on Cybersecurity. (November 22,2022)

Suki Lau Santos,Mental Health Counselor (left) and Emotional Quotient speaker Carmen Ulloa-Kasperbauer,PhD (right) were presented a certificate bythe Bench Members. (November 22,2022)

DrugCourt Case Worker TimothyA. Rabagoled one of the Strategic Planning breakout session. (November 21,2022)

JudiciaryAwards(presentedat theConference)

Judy T. Aldan, Clerk of Court,Supreme Court Chief Justice Award

Rogelio N. Francia,ARPAInformation SystemsSupport Specialist Associate JusticesAward & Information SystemsOffice Award

Michelle A. Mendiola, Admin Specialist & Special DeputyClerk Supreme Court Award

Rose Lynette M. Camacho,Chamber Administrator,Superior Court Presiding Judge Award

Delia S. Magofna, Judicial Assistant Associate JudgesAward

Daisy S. Mendiola,Judicial Assistant Associate JudgesAward

Sabrina L. Dela Cruz,Judicial Assistant Associate JudgesAward

Vivian S. Dela Cruz,Judicial Assistant Associate JudgesAward

Matilde H. Bermudes-Rasa,Chief Probation Officer Superior Court Award

Weena Gwendolyn T. Iguel,Probation Officer II Superior Court Award

Kelsey G. Aldan,Commonwealth Recorder Administrative Award

Mary Bernadette C. Glass,Paralegal Office of General Counsel Award

Irene T. San Nicolas,Chamber Administrator,Supreme Court

Office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court Award

Novelyn A. Wania-Tenorio,DeputyClerk III

Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court Award

Arlyn B. Arboleda,FamilyCourt ServicesSpecialist FamilyCourt Division Award

Benjie G. Piteg,Probation Officer I

Office of Adult Probation Supervision Award

Dustin Jon B. Pangelinan,Compliance Officer Drug Court Division Award

Okalani R. Shiprit,DeputyClerk Mental Health Court Docket Award

Maria M. Tudela,DeputyMarshal I MarshalsService Division Award

Tracy D. Limes,ARPAScanning Clerk JAO Commonwealth Recorder'sOffice Award

Michelle V. Guerrero,Human Resource Officer Human ResourcesOffice Award

Shanna Mae W. Flores,Administrative Officer Budget and Finance Office Award

Matthew J. Brown,DeputyGeneral Counsel GrantsManagement Office Award

Martha M. Standish,ARPAAdministrator Office of Procurement Award

Gerald E. Weaver,Building Superintendent FacilitiesManagement Office Award

Erica M. Cabrera,Executive Assistant Law Revision Commission Award

Roy V. Salas, ARPAAdministrative Officer ARPAProgram Award

Awardeeswith the Justicesand Judges. (November 22,2022)

Talent Show

DeputyMarshal I,Sherla M. Sablan

"Skittrix"Date Analyst,MarkH. Hidalgoand Computer Specialist, Jorale JamesA. Mendoza

Judicial Assistant, Josephine N. Estrada

Law ClerkTina Ngo

Judicial Talent Show Winners: 1st Place - Deputy Marshal I, Sherla Sablan; 2nd Place - "Skittrix"Data Analyst,MarkH. Hidalgoand Computer Specialist,Jorale JamesA. Mendoza; and 3rdPlace - Judicial Assistant,Josephine N. Estrada

Judicial Assistant Delia S. Magofna,Judicial Assistant DaisyS. Mendiola,Judicial Assistant Vivian S. Dela Cruz, ARPAAdministrator Martha M. Standish,Deputy ClerkII Lana Jean C. Togawa and Chamber Administrative Rose Lynette M. Camacho

Dedinitive Yorp

JudiciaryInternsZachery Manaloand Philip Becina Yumi Francia

Judge WesleyM. Bodgan and SpecialtyCourtsCoordinator Bryan S. Bocago

FEATUREI HolidayTreatsDay

In the true spirit of the holidayseason,the Judiciarycontinued with itsannual HolidayTreatsDay.It wascelebrated on December 2,2022,and December 16,2022.Each division gathered and hosted a station filled with a varietyof delicioussweet and savorytreatsto share among the staff.

Chief Justice AlexandroC. Castroand the staff of the Office of Adult Probation Supervision. (December 2,2022)

Director of CourtsSonia A. Camacho andstaff at the Judiciary Administrative Office,Supreme Court Chambers,Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court,and Office of General Counsel station. (December 16,2022)

Information SystemsOffice station. (December 2,2022)

Drug Court Division station. (December 2,2022)

LawRevision Commission station. (December 2,2022)

Commonwealth Recorder'sOffice,ARPA Program,FacilitiesManagement Office,and GrantsManagement Office station. (December 16,2022)

Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja,ARPAAdministrator Martha M. Standish,Deputy ClerksRosie Jane T. Ada and Novelyn A. Wania-Tenorio. (December 16,2022)

Clerk of Court of the Superior Court,Marshals Service Division and Budget and Finance Office station. (December 2,2022)

Limited English Proficiencyoffice and ARPAscanning clerksoffice station. (December 2,2022)

FamilyCourt Division office. (December 2,2022)