NMI JUDICIARY 2012 ANNUAL REPORT

The Northern Mariana Islands

table of contents

2

Message from the Chief Justice

3

Justices and Judges

4

Chief Justice Investiture

5

reports

6

Supreme Court

8

Superior Court

10

Family Court

11

Office of Adult Probation

13

Law Revision Commission

14

Marshal Service Division

15 community outreach

and education

19 transitions 23 in memoriam 25

Professional Development

26

Northern Marianas Judiciary Historical Society

27

Judiciary Staff

28 celebrations

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Messages from Chief Justice

Alexandro C. Castro

Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro delivered a number of speeches in 2012. The following excerpts from his speeches provide a glimpse of what his plans are for the Judiciary in the coming years.

A Well-functioning Independent Judiciary Justices, judges, and court personnel must undergo appropriate training. The courthouses in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota must not continue to fall into disrepair. We must use modern technology to bridge our islands so that judicial services are provided in a timely fashion. In order to accomplish these goals, the Commonwealth Judiciary must be adequately funded. How can we put a price tag on a well-functioning and independent judiciary?

Legal representations for the Poor In the past, the Judiciary has appointed private practitioners to represent indigent parties with compensation provided from the Judiciary’s budget. To improve efficiency and decrease costs, the Court, in coordination with the Bar Association, has recently established a Conflicts Counsel Program that is now responsible for stepping in when the Public Defender’s office has a conflict.

The Conflicts Counsel Program allowed the Court to coordinate primarily with one attorney, as opposed to dozens, for appointment and payment on cases with conflicts. I will continue to monitor and support this program in the years to come.

In the civil context, the Judiciary currently provides assistance to the indigent in the family court division.

This Division has a pro se center which provides user-friendly service for self-represented litigants. The pro se center provides information about filing procedures, case status, hearing dates, and deadlines as well as offering pleading forms and hands on assistance to litigants. I expect to work closely with the Superior Court and the Bar Association to improve pro bono representation of indigent persons, through such means as self-help legal centers, additional pro se clinics, and other related programs.

Continue to Invest in Our Children We must continue to invest in our children throughout their development. For students in grades 1-12, the Judiciary will continue providing an introduction to the role of the courts in maintaining a stable society based upon the rule of law.

As those youths mature and express an interest in law, we will continue to provide our pre-law program to set them on a path toward the successful completion of undergraduate and law school studies.

And when they complete their studies, we will welcome them home with open arms so that they can give back to the Commonwealth as adults.

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Justices and Judges

2

3

4

5 6

7

1

1. Perry B. Inos Associate Judge

September 22, 2008 to Present

2. Robert C. Naraja Presiding Judge March 28, 2003 to Present

Associate Judge November 20, 2001 to March 27, 2003

3. Alexandro C. Castro Chief Justice October 11, 2012 to Present

Acting Chief Justice October 1, 2011 to October 11, 2012

Associate Justice

July 10, 1998 to September 30, 2011

4. John A. Manglona Associate Justice May 9, 2000 to Present

Designated Justice

Guam Supreme Court 1999-2003

Associate Judge July 9, 1998 to May 8, 2000

Presiding Judge, Superior Court February 23, 1993 to July 9, 1998

Associate Judge 5. Kenneth L. Govendo Associate Judge June 20, 2003 to Present

6. David A. Wiseman Associate Judge March 14, 2001 to Present

May 15, 1989 to February 22, 1993

7. Joseph N. Camacho Associate Judge November 10, 2011 to Present

Special Judge

September 22, 1995 to March 13, 2001 annual report 2012

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Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro Investiture On September 13, 2012, Acting Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro was nominated by Governor Benigno R. Fitial to become the Commonwealth’s fourth chief justice. Justice Castro served as the Acting Chief Justice following the retirement of Chief Justice Miguel S. Demapan in September 2011. The Acting Chief Justice appeared before the Senate’s Committee on Executive Appointment and Government Investigation on October 10, 2012. Following the Committee’s recommendation, the full Senate voted unanimously to confirm Justice Castro as the Chief Justice. He was duly commissioned that same day, October 11, 2012, following Governor Fitial’s administration of the oath of office. Before his ascension to the Supreme Court bench on July 9, 1998, Justice Castro served the People of the Commonwealth as Superior Court Presiding Judge (1993-1998); Superior Court Associate Judge (1989-1993); and CNMI Attorney General (1986- 1989).

An investiture ceremony for Chief Justice Castro was held on Friday, October 26, 2012, in the Supreme Court Courtroom. In attendance were the governor, judges and justices from Guam and the Western Pacific, the leadership of the CNMI House and Senate, the Washington representative, family, friends and members of the judiciary’s staff.

Post confirmation congratulations from Senate President Paul A. Manglona.

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Judge Govendo and Guam Superior Court Presiding Judge Alberto C. Lamorena III at the reception.

Judge Inos, Justice Manglona and Chief Justice Castro at the legislative confirmation hearing (Oct. 10, 2012).

Reports

Supreme Court Superior Court Law Revision Commission

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Supreme Court The Supreme Court, the highest court in the Commonwealth, was created in 1989 to hear appeals from final judgments and orders of the Superior Court. All appeals from the NMI Supreme Court go directly to the United States Supreme Court as of 2004.

The Court consists of a chief justice who also serves as the head of the Judiciary and two associate justices appointed for eight (8) year terms. The Court is assisted by the service of active judges of the Superior Court, retired judges, and justices from the neighboring island of Guam who serve as designated Justices Pro Tem to fill vacancies on the Court caused by disqualifications or other absences of the justices.

In addition, to their judicial functions, the justices provide practical information and opportunities for positive interactions between the community and role-players in the legal system by engaging in community outreach programs, such as The Law and the Freshman Legislators, We The People, and Mock Trial. Additionally, the justices visit the islands’ schools to speak to the students as part of the Judges in the Classroom program.

Number of Opinions Issued

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2 0 1 2

21

2011

19

2 0 1 0

21

2009

21

2008

22

CNMI Judiciary Appropriation Reduction Analysis

The Judiciary Budget The Judiciary’s Total Budget Allocation peaked in fiscal year 1999. Its Full Time Employee Equivalent Ceiling (FTE) peaked in 2003. There have since been substantial declines in both the judiciary’s personnel and operations budget allocations.

-53

-45%

-32% Shaded areas represent peaks in expenditures or number

Fiscal Year 2013 Total CNMI Budget Appropriation $104.966 million

Forty-five percent reduction in full-time employee ceiling number 2012 vs. 1999 Thirty- two percent reduction in overall expenditures 2012 vs. 1999.

Total Judiciary Budget Appropriation $4,000,000 (Source: CNMI P.L. 17-55)

“Despite these declines, the judiciary continues its effort to strengthen its ability to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice.”

Alexandro C. Castro Chief Justice

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Superior Court The Office of the Clerk of Court performs a myriad of detailed responsibilities in support of the Superior Court’s constitutional function. It maintains the official records for the entire Superior Court and is the official recorder of documents for filings and appeals. The Office is also responsible for processing traffic clearances, traffic histories, criminal clearances, bench warrants, as well as the copying and distribution of related court documents.

The Office of the Clerk of Court is the largest division of the Superior Court and maintains a staff of fourteen, with one on Rota and one on Tinian. All civil, criminal, family, and small claims cases and agency appeals are initiated, maintained, and disposed of by the Office of the Clerk of Court. It is tasked with the processing of data logs, custodianship, and maintains certification standards of all documents lodged or filed, and provides the personnel to oversee hearings and courtroom management in the Commonwealth’s seven courtrooms.

Dep. Clerk Sabrina Lynn Dela Cruz

Deputy Clerk Kristy N. Diaz

Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja administers the oath of office to Margarita D. Hofschneider, Deputy Clerk, Tinian.

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Dep. Clerk Luis S. Villagomez

Dep. Clerk George M. Lisua

Number of Cases Filed in the Superior Court 2008 – 2012

Superior Court Statistics Year

Civil Criminal Family Small Cases Cases Court Claims Cases Cases

2008 485 2009 531 2010 368 2 0 1 1 352 2012 314 Total 2050

248 776 247 751 230 657 314 647 240 614 1279 3445

Traffic Cases

761 653 976 929 602 3921

http://www.justice.gov.mp

TOTAL

2458 4728 2321 4503 2422 4653 3743 5985 2103 3873 13047 23742 Criminal Cases

Civil Cases 485

600

314

531

350 368

500

352

248

247

300 314

400

239

230

250 200

300

150

200

100

100

50

0 2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

0 2008

2009

976

751 657

800

2011

2012

Small Claims

Family Court 776

2010

647

614

700

929

761

100

653

602

800

600 500

600

400

400

300 200

200

100

0

0 2008

2009

2010

2011

2008

2012

2009

2010

2011

2012

Customer Service Center 3743

Traffic

4000 2458

3500

2321

2422

2103

3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0 2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

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Family Court Division

• Pro Se Center • Child Support • Separating Parents Program • Mediation • Temporary Restraining Orders

The Family Court Division was established within the Superior Court and is responsible for family legal matters, including adoption proceedings, child support, divorce, paternity, domestic violence, child abuse, and juvenile delinquency.

PRO SE SERVICES. User-friendly services for self-represented commonly referred to as “pro se” litigants are an ongoing focus of the Family Court Division. A pro se resource center is available and enhanced by the FCD staff’s proactive approach to assisting clients one-on-one.

Nikita E.M. Cabrera

Correction of Birth Certificate

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Office of Adult Probation

Twelfth Annual Probation, Parole and Community Supervision Week Proclamation Signing July, 2012

Preceding a week of activities, the work and accomplishments of the probation, parole and community corrections personnel were acknowledged during a ceremony on July 12, 2012 in the CNMI Supreme Court Courtroom. Signing the proclamation were Acting Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro and Lieutenant Governor Eloy S. Inos.

Pictured at the proclamation signing ceremony are Representative Edmund Villagomez and Office of Adult Probation Chief Ursula I. Lifoifoi-Aldan

Left to right with Chief Probation Officer Lifoifoi-Aldan are probation officers Jose L. Mafnas, Oscar C. Torres, Shirley Camacho-Ogumoro and Assistant Probation Officer Prisillia S. Cabrera.

Left : Exhibits on display in the Guma’ Hustisia

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Probation Case Management

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Office of Adult Probation 2012 Annual Report http://www.justice.gov.mp

Caseload Management

Commonwealth Law Revision Commission The Commonwealth Law Revision Commission, part of the Judicial Branch, is responsible for compiling, editing and codifying the laws of the Commonwealth into an organized system with the mission of making them available to the public. The Commission carries out its statutory responsibilities by publishing the statutes from the legislature, opinions from the judiciary and regulations from the executive into three major legal publications: the Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Code, the Northern Mariana Islands Reporter series and the Northern Mariana Islands Administrative Code. Certain laws are also available on-line.

The Commission is composed of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; the chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Government and Law; the chair of the House Committee on Judiciary and Governmental Operations; the Attorney General; and a member of the Commonwealth Bar Association. The Chief Justice is the Chairperson of the Commission. The Commission’s day-to-day operations are carried out by its Executive Director and staff.

The Commission also provides free and timely access to the CNMI Constitution, public and local laws, judicial opinions, court rules, and other related general information over its internet website at http://www.cnmilaw.org.

Commission staff from left to right: Janet H. King, Staff Attorney, Heather L. Kennedy, Executive Director, Albert A. Hicking, Website Office Manager

LRC Executive Director Heather Kennedy explains to visitors the purpose and goals of the Law Revision Commission. The Commission conducts several workshops throughout the year.

CNMI Code 2010 annual report 2012

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Marshal Service Division

Marshal Service Division Unit Training • US Marshal Procedures • Court Security • Handguns marksmanship

Handgun Certification Recognition From left to right: Judge Joseph N. Camacho, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Chief Marshal Anthony P. Benavente, Firearm Instructor David M. Hosono, Deputy Commissioner / Range Master Ambrosio T. Ogumoro, Deputy Marshal I Benusto M. Lisua, Deputy Marshal III Jesus S. Santos, Deputy Marshal Cindy D. Serrano, and Deputy Marshal II Juan K Atalig. Not pictured, Rota Deputy Marshal Anthony A. Atalig, who was also handgun certified.

Having been established as a fully recognized law enforcement unit under 1 CMC §§ 3901-3902, the Marshal Service Division (MSD) of the Judiciary relieved the Department of Public Safety of the burden of delivering jury summonses and other court processes.It is also responsible for the protection of justices, judges, court staff and patrons of the judiciary.

The Division’s skill development activities during the year included attendance at a four-day training symposium on US Marshal Procedures and Court Security, sponsored by the Pacific Judicial Council and held under auspices of the US District Court of Guam.

The Division members also completed a handguns marksmanship course conducted by the Department of Public Safety.

Chief Marshal Anthony P. Benavente

Marshals Cindy D Serrano, Joseph M. Ogo Jr., Antoinette Marie B. Pajarillo, and Benusto M. Lisua Marshals Juan K. Atalig and Anthony A. Atalig compare markmanship results.

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In 2012, the Marshal Service Division procured a new vehicle for use in the service of jury summons and other court processes.

Community Outreach & Education

Law Week Law Day Essay & Poster Contest We The People AG’s Cup Competition Judges in the Classroom Mock Trial Competition Judiciary Guests on Radio

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Community Outreach & Education Law Week 2012 “We will reflect upon and celebrate the role that an independent judiciary serves in ensuring justice and protecting our fundamental freedoms.”

Acting Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Law Day 2012

Poster and Essay Contest Winners with family and teachers.

WE the PEOPLE contestants from Saipan Southern High School.

Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja and Law Clerk Sean Smith take the Judges in the Classroom program to Rota.

Judiciary legal staff, including justices and judges, were involved in a broad range of 2012 Law Day activities the theme for which was “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom.” The events included both Junior High and Senior High School Mock Trial competitions, the 2nd Annual Law Day Poster and Essay Contest, preparations for the “We the People” nationals in Washington D.C., and the 28th Annual Attorney Generals’ Cup held in the CNMI Supreme Court Courtroom. Additionally, justices, judges and members of the CNMI Bar Association visited classrooms providing students with an interactive learning opportunity.

The week’s events began when representatives from the Commonwealth Courts, the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, and the NMI Bar Association signed the Law Week Proclamation.

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Community Outreach & Education LAW DAY POSTER AND ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS RECOGNIZED Winners of the Law Day poster and essay contests were recognized and received awards and prizes on May 1, 2012. This year numerous essays and posters on the Law Day theme, written and produced by fifth and sixth grade private and public school students, were exhibited at the CNMI Judiciary.

From left to right: Marcy Ermitanio, winner - best Law Day essay, Supreme Court Clerk of Court Jennifer Dockter, Ma Chrizelle Omotoy, winner - best Law Day poster and Superior Clerk of Court Bernie A. Sablan

WE THE PEOPLE Saipan Southern High School students were the winners of the local “We the People” competition. Supreme Court Justice John Manglona and judiciary law clerks Charlotte Sanders and Deanna Manglona contributed their time and efforts as coaches during the local competition and helped the Commonwealth’s team prepare for the national “We the People” competition, held in Washington, D.C. in May 2012.

AG’s CUP SPEECH COMPETITION On May 3, the annual Attorney Generals’ Cup Speech Competition was held in the CNMI Supreme Court Courtroom. Students gave speeches on law and government in the CNMI. Pictured with trophy is Victoria Camacho.

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Community Outreach & Education JUDGES IN THE CLASSROOM Throughout the course of Law Week and into the month of May justices, judges and members of the CNMI Bar Association visited schools on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. They spoke on the theme of “Courts, Justice and Freedom,” and answered the students’ questions on a wide variety of subjects.

MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION Mount Carmel School (MCS) prevailed over Marianas Baptist Academy in the annual High School Mock Trial Competition.

MCS represented the Northern Marianas at the national competition held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in May 2012.

Judiciary Guests On Your Humanities’ Half—Hour Radio Acting Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro and Justice John A. Manglona, accompanied by former judge Timothy Bellas and “We the People” student coach Carmen Borja, taped an edition of the radio program Your Humanities’ Half-Hour, hosted by Catherine Perry for the Northern Mariana Islands Council for the Humanities. The show was be heard on Power 99 Sunday, April 29th, and available thereafter for replay from the Judiciary’s website.

Former Judge Timothy Bellas, Acting Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro,

Justice John A. Manglona and “We the People” student coach Carmen Borja with host, Catherine Perry.)

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During the program, the group discussed a variety of community outreach and education efforts involving the judiciary and its facilities, including the “We the People” competition, Law Day Poster and Essays Contests for elementary schools, and the Judges in the Classroom program.

Transitions

Clerks of Courts Attorney Admissions Farewells

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Clerks of Courts “I am elated to appoint Deanna Manglona as the Clerk of Court. She has the professionalism and qualifications necessary for the office.“ Chief Justice Castro

Deanna M. Manglona Clerk of the Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro appointed Deanna M. Manglona to the position of Clerk of Court of the Commonwealth Supreme Court effective October 22, 2012. The Clerk of Court is responsible for the receipt of all appellate filings as well as the daily operations of the Clerk of Court’s Office.

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Manglona served as the law clerk for Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo since 2010. Ms. Manglona earned her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan.

Superior Clerk of Court Patrick V. Diaz, Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja and Special Assistant to the Presiding Judge Sonia A. Camacho at Diaz’s oath ceremony.

Patrick V. Diaz Clerk of the Superior Court

On November 18, 2012. presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja appointed Patrick Villagomez Diaz to the position of Clerk of Court of the Commonwealth Superior Court, a position responsible for the management of the trial court’s case flow processes and the daily operations of the Office of the Clerk of Court on Rota, Saipan, and Tinian.

Diaz joined the CNMI Judiciary in 1997 as the Family Court Coordinator for the Family Court Division of the Superior Court. Since November 1994 up to his recent appointment, he served as the Family Court Manager and under his leadership the Family Court Division was honored by the National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) as the recipient of the 2010 National Justice Association Outstanding Justice Program Award for “best practice” evidence based program.

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Attorney Admissions Ceremonies Attorney Admissions May 2012 Ceremony The CNMI Bar Association attorney admissions ceremony followed the proclamation signing in the Supreme Court Courtroom.

Pictured with their admissions certificates are Russell Lorfing and Tiberius Mocanu with Clerk of Court Jennifer Dockter.

October 2012 Ceremony Pictured: in the front row from left to right: Sean E. Frink, President, CNMI Bar Association, James D. Livingstone, Jacinta Matagolai Kaipat, Jennifer Dockter, Fredrick B. Hayes, Jr. Top row from left to right: Ramona V. Manglona, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court, NMI, Associate Judge Kenneth L. Gavendo, Acting Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Associate Justice John A. Manglona, Associate Judge Perry B. Inos, Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho.

The CNMI Judiciary held an Attorney Admissions Ceremony Friday, October 5, 2012, in the Commonwealth Supreme Court at the Guma’ Hustisia – Iimwal Aweewe – House of Justice. The ceremony was opened with remarks by the Honorable Alexandro C. Castro, Acting Chief Justice.

The Honorable Ramona V. Manglona, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court, NMI delivered the keynote speech.

Sean E. Frink, CNMI Bar Association President, presented to the Judiciary the successful applicants who had recently passed the required examinations to practice law in the Commonwealth and were therefore eligible for admission to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island Bar Association. annual report 2012

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Farewells Judiciary bids farewell to Jennifer Dockter, Clerk of the Supreme Court Colleagues of Clerk of the Supreme Court Jennifer Dockter, bid a farewell to Ms. Dockter who had held two positions on the NMI Judiciary staff, with a stint in between those with the Attorney General’s office. Celebrating fond memories of their association over a farewell luncheon, Associate Judge David A. Wiseman reflected back to the time in 2008 when he interviewed Jennifer, fresh out of law school, for a job as his law clerk. Jennifer expressed how sincerely happy she was to have decided to come to Saipan.

Bernadita A. Sablan, Clerk of the Superior Court, Retires On October 12, 2012, Bernadita A. Sablan concluded twenty-five years of service with the CNMI Superior Court. Her career with the Judiciary began in 1986 as a Deputy Clerk II and culminated with nearly seven years in the important leadership position of Clerk of the Superior Court. She served under Presiding Judges Robert Hefner, Pedro Atalig, Alexandro C. Castro, Edward Manibusan and Robert C. Naraja.

Deputy Clerk III Theodora S. Decena Retires from the Judiciary Theodora S. Decena, Deputy Clerk III, CNMI Superior Court retired on March 9th, 2012. Her career with the CNMI Judiciary spanned over nineteen years. Beginning with the judiciary in February of 1993 as a Deputy Clerk 1 in the Superior Court’s Clerk of Court’s office, she worked closely with then Judge John Manglona, Judge Virginia Onerheim, and Judge David Wiseman at a time when Judge Manibusan was the presiding judge.

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In Memoriam

“Former Chief Justice Demapan was a leader who advocated for the independence of the judiciary and who oversaw many positive changes during his tenure as Chief Justice.”

Associate Justice John A. Manglona

Former Chief Justice Miguel S. Demapan passed away on June 30, 2012, and was honored with a memorial service in the CNMI Supreme Court Courtroom on July 6th. Acting Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro said, “Chief Justice Demapan was a compassionate and dedicated public servant who cared very deeply for the community and was committed to the cause of justice in the Commonwealth and throughout our Pacific region. He was not only a colleague but was my kompaire. I am extremely proud to have served with Chief Justice Demapan.”

Former Chief Justice Demapan joined the judiciary in November 1992 and served the Commonwealth for almost two decades, including twelve years as the Chief Justice.

Demapan was born and raised on Saipan in a family of nine children. He graduated from Marianas High School, earned his Bachelor of Science from Seattle University and received his Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University in California in 1985.

The Demapan family: Michael, Soledad, Franny, Michaela, Patrick and Dolores.

Mrs. Frances T. Demapan family and government officials gather in the Supreme Court to honor the memory of Chief Justice Demapan.

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In Memoriam Picture (L-R) Jane Mack of Micronesian Legal Services, Cris Kaipat, Senior Circuit Judge Mary Schroeder of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, Cinta Kaipat (sister of Cris).

Crispin Matagolai Kaipat, who passed away in 2012, had been the Clerk of the Supreme Court for Chief Justices Marty WK Taylor and Miguel S. Demapan from 1996 to 2006. In addition to his dedication and hard work, “Cris” was known for his “signature” smile, laughter, jokes, and Olomwaay voice which brought life to the Court’s functions. At a eulogy for Cris, delivered at Mt. Carmel Church, then Acting Chief Justice Castro spoke out to his special friend, saying: “Cris, thank you so much for the services you have rendered to our People as Clerk of Court of our Supreme Court. Please pray for us as we continue to paddle our canoes into the uncharted waters of tomorrow.”

Chief Marshal Anthony Benavente expressed his own sense of loss of a friend and very valuable co-worker, his “go-to-man in many instances.”

Memorial services were held in the CNMI Supreme Court Courtroom Tuesday, June 26th for Deputy Marshal Manuel Q. Tenorio, who passed away on June 20th of natural causes at the age of thirtyfour. The courtroom was filled with members of his family, his friends, the Justices, Judges and staff of the CNMI Judiciary, Department of Public Safety officers, and the Honorable Judge Ramona V. Manglona, representing the United States District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. The ceremony involved the presentation of Deputy Marshal Tenorio’s uniform and badges to his family for use in the funeral and burial.

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Professional Development Workshops

Director of Courts Tracy M. Guerrero, covers Microsoft Excel during a session of the CNMI Judiciary’s Professional Development Program

The Judiciary embarked on a Professional Development program for its non-judge personnel to enhance computer skills and to provide refresher courses in general court rules, enhanced customer service techniques and stress management.

The Judiciary’s Information and Technology Systems Manager, Michael C. Villacrusis, taught classes on Microsoft Windows 7, Director of Court Tracy Guerrero and Associate Justice John A. Manglona led popular sessions on Excel, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

The skill enhancement classes conducted weekly attracted more members of the staff as word spread about the training’s benefits.

In late November Maisie B. Tenorio, Executive Director of the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence gave a well-received presentation on Sexual Harassment Policy and is expected back again in January 2013 for the second session.

Maisie B. Tenorio, Executive Director, Northern Marianas Coalition against Domestic & Sexual Violence, discusses a point with Director of Courts Tracy M. Guerrero during her lecture on Sexual Harassment before staff of the CNMI Judiciary.

Michael Villacrusis, Information Technology Systems Manager, CNMI Judiciary, presents lecture on Windows 7. annual report 2012

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Northern Marianas Judiciary Historical Society

Deanna M. Manglona, Clerk of the Supreme Court, stands before the expanding collection of Law Day Poster and Essay Competition winning competitions. The display presented by the Northern Marianas Judiciary Historical Society, is available for viewing at the entrance to the court’s administration offices.

Since its inception in 2004 the Northern Marianas Judiciary Historical Society has played an important role in the preservation of the Judiciary’s history and numerous community outreach programs. In 2011 the Society printed the book, The Northern Marianas Islands Judiciary – a Historical Prospective, which its members were instrumental in bringing to fruition. Efforts in 2012 were made to insure the book was widely distributed around the Pacific and back to the forty-eight contiguous states.

To better capture in pictures the events and people of the Judiciary, the Society in 2012 purchased a high quality camera for the court’s exclusive use. The camera’s product has greatly enriched stories sent to the media about the judiciary and was used to take the majority of the pictures for this annual report.

The Northern Marianas Judiciary Historical Society contributed to the Mock Trial Awards Ceremony, the Attorney Generals’ Cup Competition, several ceremonies held within the Guma’ Hustisia and to the Poster and Essay Contest, providing cash incentives to young artists and writers.

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Public Information Officer Jim Stowell ready with the Historical Society’s camera to capture the people and events of the Judiciary.

Judiciary Staff December 31, 2012

SUPREME COURT Deanna M. Manglona Jeffrey B. El-Hajj Sean J. Lowe Jordan C. Sundell Nora V. Borja Irene T. San Nicolas Martha B. Mendiola

Clerk of Court Law Clerk Law Clerk Law Clerk Judicial Assistant Judicial Assistant Judicial Assistant

SUPERIOR COURT Sonia A. Camacho

Sean E. Smith Eden L. Schwartz Cindy A. Nesbit Charity R. Hodson James M. Zarones Rose Lynette M. Camacho Vivian S. Dela Cruz Ignatia C. Aldan Rebecca R. Santos Jolynn A. Deleon Guerrero Evelyn P. Calvo Jason D. Kelley

Special Assistant to the Presiding Judge; Deputy Director of Courts Law Clerk Law Clerk Law Clerk Law Clerk Law Clerk Judicial Assistant Judicial Assistant Judicial Assistant Judicial Assistant Judicial Assistant Accountant II Account Clerk II

Judiciary Administrative Office Tracy M. Guerrero Director of Courts Michael C. Villacrusis Systems Administrator Gene E. Weaver Building Superintendent Michelle V. Guerrero Human Resources Administrator Jim W. Stowell Public Information Officer John J. Demapan Computer Specialist 1 Steven S. Cabrerra Administrative Assistant Raymond C. Babauta Maintenance Anthony P. Benavente Chief Marshal Jesus S. Santos Deputy Marshal III Juan E. K. Atalig Deputy Marshal II Cindy D. Serrano Deputy Marshal I Benusto M. Lisua Deputy Marshal I Anthony A. Atalg Deputy Marshal I Antoinette Marie B. Pajarillo Deputy Marshal I Joseph M. Ogo Jr. Deputy Marshal I

Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court Patrick V. Diaz Clerk of Court Roxanne M. Weaver Deputy Clerk II Kristy N. Diaz Deputy Clerk I Luis S. Villagomez Deputy Clerk I Daisy S. Mendiola Deputy Clerk II George M. Lisua Deputy Clerk I Rosie Jane T. Ada Deputy Clerk I Sabrina Lynn Dela Cruz Deputy Clerk I Delia S. Magofna Deputy Clerk I Glen L. Maratita Deputy Clerk I (Rota) Margarita D. Hofschneider Deputy Clerk I (Tinian) Eva P. Calvo Records Technician Adelpha Lynn N. I. Kapileo Records Technician Family Court Division Nikita E. M. Cabrera

Project Assistant

Commonwealth Recorder’s Office Luise S. Deleon Guerrero Commonwealth Recorder Michelle L. Atalig Administrative Assistant (Rota) Office of Adult Probation Ursula I. Lifoifoi-Aldan Chief Probation Officer Simram D. Simram Probation Officer III Juan R. Aguon Probation Officer II Shirley Camacho-Ogumoro Probation Officer II Oscar C. Torres Probation Officer I Jose L. Mafnas Probation Officer I John Peter D. DelRasario Probation Officer I Prisillia S. Cabrera Assistant Probation Officer Barbara K. Santos Probation Clerk III Law Revision Commission Heather L. Kennedy Executive Director Janet H. King Staff Attorney Albert A. Hicking Executive Assistant

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Capturing Seasonal Celebrations Traditional seasonal celebrations offer the opportunity for team building exchanges, recognition and the enjoyment of shared food and entertainment.

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P.O. Box 502165 Saipan, MP 96950 Tel: (670) 236-9700 Superior Court (670)236-9800 Supreme Court Email: court.info@justice.gov.mp www.justice.gov.mp