NMI JUDICIARY 2024 ANNUAL REPORT

ANNUAL REPORT BOARD

advisors

JUSTICE JOHN A. MANGLOÑA Chief Advisor

SONIA A. CAMACHO Director of Courts

MARTHA M. STANDISH Program Administrator

HYUN JAE LEE General Counsel

MATTHEW J. BROWN Deputy General Counsel

PAIGE LEHMAN Supreme Court Law Clerk

ROGELIO N. FRANCIA Information Systems Support Specialist

associate editors

BRYAN S. BOCAGO Special Projects and Infrastructure Coordinator

MARIA G. TERLAJE Administrative Officer

contributing staff

MARY C. GLASS Chamber Administrator

TRACY D. LIMES Judicial Assistant

GREGORIO U. TUDELA Program Specialist

VINCENT P. CAMACHO Information Systems Support Specialist

MICCA B. KING Scanning Clerk

ELVIRA M. QUITUGUA Scanning Clerk graphics

2765 Tekking Street Guma’ Hustisia Iimwal Aweewe House of Justice PO Box 502165, Saipan, MP 96950 (670) 236-9800

www.NMIJudiciary.gov

Facilities

Grants

Investiture of Associate Judge Lillian A. Tenorio Site Visit by Palau Judiciary Delegation

MESSAGEFROMTHECHIEFJUSTICE

Hafa Adai yan Tirow,

As we reflect on the past year, we acknowledge that 2024 brought unprecedented economic challenges that tested the Judiciary. Yet, through stewardship and dedication, we remained steadfast in our mission to uphold justice and the rule of law.

Despite financial constraints, we maximized the resources entrusted to us—ensuring that courts remained accessible and cases progressed efficiently. This was not an easy task, but through careful planning and a deep commitment to service, we excelled.

At the heart of this achievement are the court staff whose dedication and hard work sustained our Judiciary through difficult times. Your commitment to justice and our tireless efforts have been the foundation of our success. For this, I extend my deepest gratitude.

As we move forward, let us do so with hope. The challenges of this year have only strengthened our resolve, and with the lessons learned, we stand prepared to build a more efficient, accessible, and trusted Judiciary. Together, we will continue to serve with integrity, ensuring that justice remains not just a principle, but a reality for all.

Si Yu’us Ma’ase yan Olomwaay,

Alexandro C. Castro Chief Justice

... we stand prepared to build a more efficient, accessible, and trusted Judiciary.

SUPREMECOURT

Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, the fourth Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, was appointed by Governor Benigno R. Fitial on September 13, 2012 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on October 11, 2012. He currently serves as justice pro tempore of the Supreme Court of Guam and a non-resident Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Palau. Chief Justice Castro served as an 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 indigenous Attorney General in 1986 after serving as the Chief Prosecutor (1983-1986). He is the founding father of the Attorney General’s Cup Speech Competition, an annual event in which high school students from Rota, Tinian, and Saipan debate current legal issues. He is admitted to practice law in the U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit; U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands; CNMI Courts, and the Courts of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (as a paralegal). Chief Justice Castro graduated from the Faculty of Law, University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) in 1989, a Britishoriented law school. While in law school, he represented UPNG in the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Washington, D.C. He is married to Carmen Moses of Anguar, Palau, and they are blessed with six children, seven grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Justice John A. Manglona, initially appointed by Governor Pedro P. Tenorio in 2000 and unanimously confirmed by the Senate, has served as a justice for nearly 25 years. Justice Manglona has been successfully retained in three elections, each carrying an eight-year term. He served as an Associate Judge in the Superior Court from 1998 to 2000. While serving as a judge, he was also nominated by Guam Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez to serve as a Designated Justice of the Guam Supreme Court for a term of four years. The Guam Legislature unanimously confirmed the nomination. He continues to assist the Guam Supreme Court as justice pro tempore. Justice Manglona, born on Rota, attended Guam Catholic schools and graduated from Father Duenas Memorial School. He received his B.A. in Political Economy from the University of California, Berkeley, J.D. from Creighton University School of Law, and LL.M. in Taxation from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Justice Manglona was in private practice focusing on probate, corporations, tax, and real property transactions. Justice Manglona led many of the Judiciary’s technology and capital improvement projects. He actively participates in outreach programs, such as the Law and the Freshman Legislator, High School Mock Trial and Moot Court, Justices in the Classroom, and Law Week. He volunteered for many years with the National Forensics League, National Speech and Debate, and We the People programs as a competition coach and judge. Justice Manglona is married to U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, and they are blessed with two children and a granddaughter.

Justice Perry B. Inos ascended to the Supreme Court in 2013 after serving as an Associate Judge on the Superior Court since 2008. Governor Benigno R. Fitial appointed him to both courts. Justice Inos successfully underwent retention elections in 2012 and 2020. Born on Saipan, Justice Inos went to Rota High School and graduated from the University of Guam with a B.B.A. in Management. He received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Before joining the bench, he worked for the Office of the Attorney General, Law Office of John A. Manglona, and as a solo practitioner. Justice Inos participates in the Judiciary’s various outreach programs and the Pacific Judicial Council education committee and assists the Guam Supreme Court as justice pro tempore when designated. He volunteers in the community as a member of the Rotary Club of Saipan. Justice Inos is married to Debra A. Inos, and they are blessed with three children and three grandchildren.

From left: Justice Perry B. Inos, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, and Justice John A. Manglona share a moment of reflection as they gather for a photo during the Judiciary’s 35th Anniversary video shoot. (April 08, 2024)

JUDICIALASSISTANTS&LAWCLERKS

Mary Bernadette C. Glass, Chamber Administrator to Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, has served this position from March 2024 to present. She started her career in the Judiciary in August 2021 as the Publications Clerk for the Commonwealth Law Revision Commission. She then moved to the Office of the General Counsel as a paralegal under ARPA for two and half years. Prior to working for the Judiciary, Mrs. Glass worked at King Law Office as a legal assistant for five years. She is happily married and has two fur pets.

Josephine N. Estrada, held the position of Judicial Assistant to Justice John A. Manglona from April 2021 to November 2024. Ms. Estrada started at the Office of Adult Probation as an office clerk while she was working towards her associate degree in Criminal Justice from the Northern Marianas College. She then received her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in May 2021 from both the University of Guam and Northern Marianas College through the NMC-UOG 3+1 Program. Ms. Estrada is currently a first-year law student at Syracuse University College of Law in New York, where she is pursuing a Juris Doctor.

Tracy D. Limes, Judicial Assistant to Justice John A. Manglona, began her career in the Judiciary as an ARPA Scanning Clerk in October 2021 under the Judiciary Administrative Office. In July 2024, she transitioned to the position of Client Services Navigator, and in December 2024, she was appointed to her current role in the Supreme Court. Prior to her service in the Judiciary, Tracy worked as a Client Advisor at Louis Vuitton Saipan, Inc. for over four years. She loves unwinding at the beach with her family during her free time.

Ignatia C. Aldan, Judicial Assistant to Justice Perry B. Inos, graduated from Mount Carmel School and began her career with the Judiciary on December 19, 2011, as then-Associate Judge Perry B. Inos’ Judicial Assistant. On March 8, 2013, when Justice Inos ascended to the Supreme Court, she remained his Judicial Assistant. Ignatia worked for 5 and 1/2 years before resigning to care for her uncle. She then returned to her position as Judicial Assistant to Justice Inos on February 14, 2021. Ignatia is happily married and blessed with four children, one stepson, and four grandchildren. Her hobbies include listening to music and playing with her grandchildren.

Patrick C. Quimby clerked for Chief Justice Castro from September 2022 to June 2024. He has lived all throughout the southeastern United States but calls Houston, Texas his home. Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in international

studies from Texas A&M University and a law degree from Washington and Lee University. He received the 2023 Supreme Court award for exemplary service. Patrick is currently an associate attorney with a boutique trusts and estates law firm in Washington, DC.

Isabele M. Castle began clerking for Chief Justice Castro in September 2024. She received her bachelor’s degree from Temple University in 2019. Following graduation, Isabele served in the United States Peace Corps as a Youth Development Facilitator in Peru. Thereafter, she attended law school at the University of Dayton where she externed for the Supreme Court of Ohio and the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. In her spare time, Isabele enjoys snorkeling, hiking, and playing musical instruments.

Paige Lehman, Law Clerk to Justice Manglona, received a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State University before teaching English in Madrid, Spain. She attended law school at Washington University in St. Louis and graduated with her Juris Doctor and a certificate in Public Interest law before moving to Saipan in August 2023. She is licensed to practice law in Missouri. Paige most enjoys reading, diving, golfing, and traveling across the region.

Originally from New York, Nathan M. Ford began clerking for Justice Inos in August 2023. He received his B.A. in Applied Linguistics from Grinnell College in 2017. Before attending law school, Nathan worked as a paralegal and Spanish language interpreter. Nathan received his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law in 2023. During law school, Nathan interned at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and later at a New York firm focused on labor and employment law. When he is not working, Nathan enjoys running, cooking, gardening, and spending time with his parents, seven siblings, and nine nieces and nephews.

From left: Former Judicial Assistant Josephine N. Estrada, Law Clerk Patrick C. Quimby, Law Clerk Paige Lehman, Law Clerk Nathan M. Ford, and Law Clerk Isabele M. Castle.

From left: Chamber Administrator Mary Bernadette C. Glass, Judicial Assistant to Justice Perry B. Inos Ignatia C. Aldan, and Judicial Assistant to Justice John A. Manglona Tracy D. Limes.

OFFICEOFTHECLERKOFTHESUPREMECOURT

Judy T. Aldan assumed her role as Clerk of Court for the NMI Supreme Court in November 2020. Prior to joining the Judiciary, she was a staff attorney with the CNMI Law Revision Commission and an attorney with Torres Brothers, LLC. For several years, she served as the Criminal Justice Program Coordinator and as an Instructor at Northern Marianas College. She also taught leadership at Keystone Leadership Training Center in BundangGu, South Korea. Mrs. Aldan received her Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and her undergraduate degree from Boise State University. She returned home after completing her studies and was admitted to the CNMI Bar in 2008.

The Deputy Clerk of the Supreme Court is Nora V. Borja, who has been with the Judiciary for almost 30 years. Mrs. Borja served the former Chief Justice, Miguel Demapan, as his Judicial Assistant before joining the Office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court in 2012. She is also the Bar Administrator.

TABLE 1: PUBLISHED OPINIONS

Commonwealth v. Kaipat

Triple J Saipan, Inc. v. Pelisamen

Eun Soo Han v. Sun Ha Park

Estate of Rita Rogolifoi v. Estate of Silvestre Rogolifoi

Pangelinan v. Pangelinan

Commonwealth v. Onopey

Appleby v. Villagomez

Reyes v. Commonwealth

Estate of Concepcion Faisao Tudela

Maratita v. CHCC; Pangelinan v. Taro-Atalig

2024 MP 1 02/26/24

2024 MP 2 06/21/24

2024 MP 3 06/24/24

2024 MP 4 06/28/24

2024 MP 5 09/23/24

2024 MP 6 10/11/24

2024 MP 7 10/18/24

2024 MP 8 11/13/24

2024 MP 9 12/12/24

2024-MP 10 12/30/24

Won Bae Shon v. He Jong Cho, et al.

Joseph N. Taisakan v. Wally V. Villagomez

In re Estate of Anunciacion Mendiola Camacho Magofna

Commonwealth v. Anthony Peter Rios

Anaks Ocean View Hill Saipan Homeowners’ Association v. Perry Inos, Jr., et al.

Island Star International, Inc. v. Feng Yu

2024-SCC-0005-CRM

2024-SCC-0007-CIV

2024-SCC-0008-CIV

2024-SCC-0010-CRM

2024-SCC-0011-CIV

2024-SCC-0012-CIV

Qiao Qiao Chen, et. al. v. Xiadong Tang, et al. 2024-SCC-0013-CIV

Nao O. Macaranas v. Guy R. Macaranas

Commonwealth v. Chulian Fu

2024-SCC-0014-FAM

2024-SCC-0015-CRM

Commonwealth v. Sergio M. Rangamar 2024-SCC-0016-CRM

Commonwealth v. Ralph Dlg. Torres 2024-SCC-0017-CRM

Commonwealth v. Ralph Dlg. Torres 2024-SCC-0018-CRM

Northern Marianas College v. Zaji Zajradhara 2024-SCC-0019-CIV

Barbara P. Cabrera v. Emanuel Pamintuan and Noreta Pamintuan 2024-SCC-0020-CIV

Telesource CNMI, Inc. v. SSFM International, Inc., et al. 2024-SCC-0021-CIV

In re Estate of Francisco Omar Kapileo 2024-SCC-0022-CIV

Conrad M. Sablan v. Commonwealth Utilities Corp. 2024-SCC-0023-CIV

Rosa A. Camacho,

Commonwealth v. Onopey Oral Argument, held at Kotten Tinian. (January

From left: Deputy Clerk of the Supreme Court Nora V. Borja, Justice Pro Tempore and Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Sabrina S. McKenna, and Clerk of Court Judy T. Aldan. (October 22, 2024)

HIGHSCHOOLSUMMEREXTERNSHIP

Over the summer, the Supreme Court hosted seven high school externs. The students collectively dedicated over 1,000 hours to the NMI Judiciary by working with and shadowing various divisions and offices.

I am a junior at Mount Carmel School, where I've had the honor of serving as the student body president during my Sophomore and Junior years. My deep interest in criminal psychology led me to participate in the CNMI judiciary externship, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience. As I look towards college, I'm considering majoring in either criminal psychology or psychology, driven by my passion for understanding the complexities of human behavior and the justice system.

I am a senior at Marianas High School. To be completely honest, my interest in law started when I watched Legally Blonde (the movie and the musical), and I was immediately impressed that it showcased a strong woman studying law despite the many set-backs she faced, including her gender and background. As a Filipina from a low-income household, Elle Woods's story resonated with me. I thought, "I might as well put my reading and writing skills to use" and I chose to pursue law, more specifically, criminal justice at Northern Marianas College after I graduate. My interest in law has led me to many opportunities, such as competing as an expert witness in the National Mock Trial Competition in Delaware and this amazing externship at Guma' Hustisia. Some of my other hobbies include dancing, listening to musicals, and watching and analyzing movies. I look forward to gaining more insight from this externship and hopefully inspire more girls to get interested in law like how Elle Woods inspired me. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!

I am a senior, part of the Class of 2025 at MHS. I enjoy hiking, swimming, and spending my entire summer in the Judiciary from 8 AM to 2 PM. Competing in Mock Trial and taking civics courses led me to an interest in government and this internship. During my time in the NMI Judiciary, I had the opportunity to meet various judges, attorneys, law clerks, janitors, and administrative workers, and to work with different divisions such as the Law Revision Commission and Drug Court. This internship has shown me the immense amount of underlying effort that goes into everything that happens in the Judiciary and serves as a valuable experience for my future. A year from now, I hope to be studying Constitutional Law as a Political Science/Government major at my dream college, somewhere in the States, and to be happy with what I pursue!

Mary Grace Legaspi

Hannah Lim

From left: Clerk of Court Judy T. Aldan, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Mary Grace Legaspi, Trixia Singca, Vinnie Sablan, Sunny Jeon, Jia Nicdao, Justice Perry B. Inos, Hannah Lim, and Julia Taitano. (August 15, 2024)

I am a senior at Marianas High School. I have been interested in law, government, and public policy since my freshman year, and since I wanted to learn more about it, I decided to become part of my school’s Mock Trial team. That simple choice to join a club transformed my life more than I could have ever anticipated as it opened a door for me to gain a better understanding of my community through the legal system. Now after high school, I want to become a practicing attorney and ultimately become an associate judge for our courts right here in the CNMI, because I believe in the change that can be achieved within the judiciary. This externship paired with my experience in other national civic engagement programs like Close-Up and Junior State of America affirmed my dreams as I got to observe judges during different types of hearings, learn about the specialized courts like court and mental health court, and meet people who rebuilt their lives through the court’s work. Through it all, I want to immerse myself in my future aspirations and maintain my value of service!

I am a junior at Kagman High School, and currently serve as the Speaker of the 19th CNMI Youth Congress and the student Council Vice President. I focus on demonstrating exceptional leadership and I continue to strive to serve as a role model, setting strong examples within my community. Dedicated to collaboration and volunteerism, I have worked closely with community partners such as the Northern Marianas Coalition against Domestic and Sexual Violence, the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa, and various government agencies. Beyond my leadership roles, I am also an avid artist, va’a paddler, and ukulele player, to showcase my diverse talents and passions. As an extern at the CNMI Judiciary, I aimed to gain valuable insights into legal processes and learn from many other parts of the judicial system to prepare for college.

I am a junior at Marianas High School this school year. I became interested in law after watching movies centered around it. I loved watching how lawyers carried themselves in court and helped so many people get a second chance at their lives. I come from immigrant parents who have worked tirelessly to provide a better life for me. Seeing these people who made it their career to give back inspired me to be one of those people, as well. In my sophomore year, I participated in the Marianas High School Mock Trial Club and competed in the National Mock Trial Competition. Now, I had this amazing opportunity to be an extern at the CNMI Judiciary and I am so thankful for the chance to be able to further my knowledge in legal proceedings and trials.

I am a senior at Marianas High School. Last year, I was a participant of the first CNMI Moot Court competition. The experience was enlightening as I've learned a lot about the justice system, legal advocacy, and my personal interests. After participating in the national competition, I decided to broaden my knowledge and applied for an internship here. While working as an extern, I learned a lot about laws and court proceedings. I hope for more students to participate in the many opportunities provided by t

Vinnie Juan Quitugua

Trixie Singca

Jia Nicdao

Extern Vinnie Q. Sablan assists Deputy Marshal I Jonathan Limes in ensuring that all visitors to the courthouse are screened in the Screening and Security Zone. (June 20, 2024)

Externs Julia L. Taitano and Mary Grace V. Legaspi share their efforts on digitizing cassette tapes as part of their externship project with the Supreme Court Clerk of Court. (July 08, 2024)

The Supreme Court held the following Oral Arguments in 2024, some of which are pictured below:

2024 Justices Pro Tempore

Judge Dana A. Gutierrez, Superior Court of Guam

Judge Elyze M. Iriarte,Superior Court of Guam

Justice F. Philip Carbullido, Supreme Court of Guam

Justice Katherine Maraman, Supreme Court of Guam

Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, Supreme Court of Guam

Justice Sabrina S. McKenna, Hawai’i Supreme Court

Justice John A. Manglona (center) asks a question during a Supreme Court oral argument, with panelists Justice Perry B. Inos (left) and Justice Pro Tempore F. Philip Carbullido (right). (January 18, 2024)

Attorney Mark Scoggins presents his response to, from left, Justice Perry B. Inos, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, and Justice Pro Tempore Sabrina S. McKenna. (October 23, 2024)

After 3rd Quarter Supreme Court Oral Argument, the externs were given the opportunity to interact with the Justices and Attorney Michael White. (July 15, 2024)

POLICIES,PROCEDURES,RULES,&ADMINISTRATIVEORDERS

TABLE 4: POLICIES & PROCEDURES

In re the NMI Judiciary Language Access Policy and Plan: Order Adopting Revised Judiciary’s Language Access Policy and Plan

In re Adoption of the Revised Drug Court Policies and Procedures: Order Adopting Amended Drug Court Policies and

5:

In re Reporting Period for Judiciary Community Outreach Programs (Rules of Admission)

In re the NMI Supreme Court Rules; Errata Order for Supreme Court Rules

In re Adoption of the NMI Rules of Probate Procedure: Order Adopting Rules of the Probate

TABLE 6: ADMINISTRATIVE ORDERS

In re Appointment of Judge Pro Tempore Elyze M. Iriarte to Sit on the Commonwealth Superior Court: Order Appointing Judge Pro Tempore Bank of Guam v. Pacific Pancakes (CNMI) LLC, et. al

In re Appointment of Judge Pro Tempore Elyze M. Iriarte to Sit on the Commonwealth Superior Court: Order Appointing Judge Pro Tempore Bank of Guam v. Pacific Foods (CNMI) LLC, et al.

In re Judiciary’s Limited Hours of Operation (Easter Holiday Closure on April 1, 2024)

In re Guma’ Hustisia’s Limited Hours of Operation: Order

In re the Appointment of Judge Pro Tempore Dana A. Gutierrez to Sit on the Commonwealth Superior Court: Order Appointing Judge Pro Tempore

In re Appointment of Judge Pro Tempore Elyze M. Iriarte to Sit on the Commonwealth Superior Court: Order Appointing Judge Pro Tempore

In re Decision of the Civil Service Commission on the Appeal of Termination

Court No. 21-0079

03/31/24

Court No. 24-0112

In re Opinion Certification: Notice of Opinion Certification (2021) 2024-ADM-0011-MSC 08/09/24

In re Opinion Certification: Notice of Opinion Certification (2021)

In re Judiciary’s Limited Hours of Operation: Notice of Temporary Closure of Kotten Tinian

In re the Matter of Courtroom Attire: Courtroom and Work Attire Policy of 2024

2025 Appellate Oral Argument Sessions; Order

2024-ADM-0015-MSC 09/24/24

In re Adoption of the Next Generation Bar Examination: Notice of Intent to Adopt the Next Generation Bar Examination in 2026. 2024-ADM-0017-MSC 10/25/24

In re Judiciary’s Limited Hours of Operation November 2024 2024-ADM-0018-MSC 11/01/24

In re Closure of the Rota Centron Hustisia Due to Tropical Storm Man-Yi

2024-ADM-0019-MSC 11/13/24

In re Judiciary’s Limited Hours of Operation 2024-ADM-0021-MSC 12/17/24

BARMATTERS

TABLE 7: BAR RESIGNATIONS

Glenn A. Jewell

Alan L. Lane

Larry J. Gallagher

Lecia M. Eason

Ian M. Catlett

Clyde Lemons, Jr.

Richard W. Pierce

James E. Hollman

Cizo S. Aloot

Thomas E. Clifford

Nancy J. Gottfried

Jesus C. Borja

Kearney Lee Hammar

James W. Hofman II

Thomas C. Sterlina

Marcia R. Bell

Mun Su Park

TABLE 8: BAR ADMISSIONS

Emily H. Thomsen

01/10/24

01/10/24

01/10/24

02/06/24

02/06/24

03/01/24

03/01/24

03/28/24

04/02/24

04/02/24

04/02/24

04/11/24

04/18/24

05/20/24

05/22/24

05/30/24

07/09/24

Limited Admission Extension on March 26, 2024

Alison M. Nelson Admitted on May 1, 2024

Julia K. Johnson Admitted on May 7, 2024

Bao-Ngan Vy Ngo

Matthew J. Brown

Daniel B. Johnson

Kassandra L. Knoff

Rachel Blue

BAREXAMINATIONS

2024-ADM-0001-BAR

2024-ADM-0002-BAR

2024-ADM-0003-BAR

2024-ADM-0004-BAR

2024-ADM-0005-BAR

2024-ADM-0006-BAR

2024-ADM-0007-BAR

2024-ADM-0008-BAR

2024-ADM-0009-BAR

2024-ADM-0010-BAR

2024-ADM-0011-BAR

2024-ADM-0013-BAR

2024-ADM-0014-BAR

2024-ADM-0015-BAR

2024-ADM-0016-BAR

2024-ADM-0017-BAR

2024-ADM-0018-BAR

February 2024 2 applicants; 100% passed.

July 2024 1 applicant; 100% passed.

2024-BAR-0001-GOV

2024-BAR-0002-ATTY

2024-BAR-0003-ATTY

Limited Admission on June 7, 2024 2024-BAR-0005-GOV

Limited Admission Extension on August 6, 2024

Admitted on September 9, 2024

Limited Admission on October 18, 2024

Limited Admission on November 21, 2024

TABLE 9: PRO HAC VICE ADMISSIONS

Wilhem Dingler

David C. Veis

2024-BAR-0007-GOV

2024-BAR-0008-ATTY

2024-BAR-0009-GOV

2024-BAR-0011-GOV

Newly admitted attorney Julia K. Johnson with her proud father and Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro. (May 07, 2024)

Chief Justice Castro administers the oath of office to Kassandra L. Knoff, supported by attorneys from the Office of the Attorney General Civil Division. (October 18, 2024)

Newly sworn-in attorney Alison M. Nelson (second from left) with members of the bench during the annual Law Week celebration. (May 01, 2024)

OFFICEOFTHEGENERALCOUNSEL

In 2024, the Office of the General Counsel (OGC) continued to provide a broad spectrum of advisory legal functions and oversaw various legal issues affecting the court system and its administration on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. OGC was particularly instrumental in providing guidance, assistance, and support in drafting and compiling the Judiciary’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2025 and in all ARPA expenditures, including eCourt Case Management System, which launched at the end of 2024. As December 31, 2024 was the deadline to obligate ARPA funds, OGC worked to ensure that all contracts and encumbrances complied with U.S. Department of the Treasury guidelines to meet the obligation deadline and that they are expended by December 31, 2026.

OGC also assisted in obtaining a Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grant in the amount of $850,000. This grant will be used to address courthouse security for employees and patrons. This project will fund door hardening and upgrading the key card system, installing security cameras, and the modernizing one of Guma’ Hustisia’s holding cell elevators. Besides this grant, OGC reviewed and

edited multiple BJA grant applications for legal sufficiency. Unfortunately, the Judiciary was not awarded these grants, but applications will be submitted again in future solicitations. Importantly, OGC plays a critical role in authoring and reviewing procurement documents such as ITBs, RFPS, RFQs, NTPs, Contracts, and reviewing HR documents, including NOPAs and employee contracts. OGC’s guidance assists these divisions in complying with applicable rules and regulations.

In 2024, OGC assisted the Law Revision Commission with bringing NMIAC and CMC codification up to date, which consisted of a backlog dating back to 2021. Beyond its advisory functions, the OGC conducts training to Judiciary managers and staff on various court policies and also serves as the court’s Language Access Plan and

Policy interpreter trainer and EEO Officer. This year, OGC conducted three EEO sensitivity trainings with individual divisions, confidentiality training for the Office of the Clerk of Court, and a training on the Judiciary’s Anti-Texting Policy, Whistleblower Policy, and Breach or Unauthorized Release of Personally Identifiable Information Policy. OGC continued to review sensitive and confidential legal issues for the Supreme Court and Superior Court, and served as Acting Director of Courts. Finally, outside of traditional

duties, OGC actively contributed to several community outreach programs, including speaking to students in Justices and Judges in the Classroom initiative, serving as judges for High School Moot Court and leading court tours.

General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee and Deputy General Counsel

Matthew J. Brown

General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee attends the 2024 Asia-Pacific Annual Meeting in Singapore with other in-house counsels. (May 09, 2024)

Deputy General Counsel Matthew J. Brown and General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee listen attentively as judges for the 2024 High School Moot Court Competition. (December 06, 2024)

SUPERIORCOURT

Article IV of the NMI Constitution established the Superior Court as a trial court with original jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and other specialized matters. The court consists of five judges appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to serve an initial six-year term. After the initial term, a judge may undergo a retention election for another term. While most trials are held at Guma’ Hustisia on Saipan, the court also conducts proceedings at Kotten Tinian and Rota Centron Hustisia. The court oversees the Superior Court Clerk's Office, Family Court Division, Drug Court Division, Mental Health Court Docket, and Office of Adult Probation Supervision. The court is committed to provide accessible justice to all. It ensures that indigent criminal defendants have attorneys, litigants with limited English proficiency have interpreters, and parties have an accurate record for appeal to the Supreme Court.

Staff of the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court attend a training session on File&ServeXpress, led by Deputy Clerk III Novelyn Tenorio. (August 28, 2024)

JUDGES

Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja was born on Saipan on July 17, 1955. He has devoted his legal career to public service and the pursuit of justice in the CNMI. After graduating from George Washington Senior High School in Guam in 1975, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the California Lutheran College in Thousand Oaks, California in 1979, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from Gonzaga School of Law in Spokane, Washington in 1982. Presiding Judge Naraja remains an active leader in judicial reform and policy. Since 2003, he has been a member of the Pacific Judicial Council, and he served as Chairman of both the Child Support Guidelines Committee and the Juvenile Rules Committee in 2002-03, leading the successful enactment of the Juvenile Justice Act of 2008. His leadership extended to the Juvenile Justice Task Force, where he served as Chairman in 2002-03. He has been a member of the Judicial Council since 2007. Presiding Judge Naraja has also been a key figure in the Judiciary’s reform initiatives. From 2022-24, he presided over the newly established Mental Health Court Docket.

Presiding Judge Naraja is married to Carmen Francesca V. Deleon Guerrero Naraja, and they have five children and eight grandchildren.

From left: Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, Associate Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho, and Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio. (April 25, 2024)

Judge Kenneth L. Govendo was born in Syracuse, New York on January 28, 1945. In 1966, he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Alfred University in New York. In 1969, he obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo College of Law in Ohio. After law school, Judge Govendo became a general practitioner in Redondo Beach, California, and worked part-time as a senior staff attorney for the Legal Aid Foundation of the South Bar Association. He served as District Attorney in Palau and as Assistant Attorney General on Saipan during the Trust Territory period. He also served as Assistant Legislative Counsel for the Fifth Northern Marianas District Legislature and was legal counsel for the Department of Natural Resources, Board of Elections, and Civil Service Commission.

Judge Joseph N. Camacho graduated from the Northern Marianas College, where he received his Associate of Arts. He went to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in History from San Jose State University, a Master of Public Administration from Seattle University, and a Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law. Judge Camacho served as a prosecutor for the CNMI Office of Attorney General before establishing his own law firm with his wife, who is also an attorney. He has been admitted to practice law before the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the 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 Arts in English from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In May of 2001, she graduated from New England School of Law with her Juris Doctor degree and is licensed to practice law in Michigan, the Northern Mariana Islands, the District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit.

In 2015, Judge Kim-Tenorio actively participated alongside other justice professionals in the implementation of the first ever treatment court in the CNMI, Drug Court. She oversees the program as the initial Drug Court judge. Using this experience, she assisted in the formation of the Commonwealth’s Mental Health Court in 2021. Additionally, on March 8, 2016, at the recommendation of Chief Judge Ramona Manglona of the NMI District Court, Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Sidney R. Thomas appointed Judge Kim-Tenorio to serve as a designated judge in the District Court, a role she continues to perform today. In September 2017, Judge Kim-Tenorio was appointed to preside over the Family Court docket. Upon noticing the difficulty community members faced in attending hearings during working hours, Judge Kim-Tenorio spearheaded planning and implementation of the Commonwealth’s first night court docket. In November 2023, she began offering night sessions in child support matters, improving access to justice for working parents.

Judge Lillian Ada Tenorio became the fourth woman to serve as Associate Judge after taki February 20, 2024. She is assigned to the Juvenile Court, the Mental Health Court Docket program, the Small Claims docket, and presides over other criminal and civil matters. Before her appointment to the Superior Court, Judge Tenorio was the Deputy Attorney General for the Northern Mariana Island from January 31, 2015 to February 19, 2024, serving under Attorney General Edward Manibusan. Prior to joining the Office of the Attorney General, Judge Tenorio was in private practice as a solo practitioner from July 2004 to January 30, 2015. She has served as Legal Counsel for the House of Representatives, Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature, and as the law clerk to Justice John A. Manglona of the Supreme Court.

Judge Tenorio received her B.A. from the University of California, Davis in 1984. She earned her J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1999, where she received the Julia Raymond McCulloch Memorial Award for Constitutional Law and the CALI Excellence for the Future Award for the Study of Constitutional Law. Judge Tenorio is licensed to practice in the Northern Marianas and the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. She is an inactive member of the State of New Mexico Bar.

Judge Lillian A. Tenorio at her public investiture ceremony. (May 08, 2024)

SPECIALASSISTANT&LAWCLERKS

Janina Maratita has served as Special Assistant to Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja since January 2023. She graduated from Saipan Southern High School in 2009 and earned a BA in English and a BS in Criminal Justice/Criminology from Chaminade University of Honolulu before obtaining her JD from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College. Prior to joining the Judiciary, Janina served as a Policy Analyst under the CNMI Office of the Governor for over five years. She has also taught at Northern Marianas College as an Adjunct Instructor in the Criminal Justice Department for over six years. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, creative writing, exploring Pacific Island literature, and spending quality time with loved ones.

Chanho Roh, Law Clerk to the Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, earned his law degree from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, where he gained diverse professional experience in judicial chambers and prosecutorial offices, including the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois, the Indiana Attorney General's Office, and the St. Louis County Prosecutor's Office. Having lived in Korea, Canada, and the United States, Chanho completed his bachelor's degree in Economics, East Asian Studies, and International Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After graduation, he moved to Mongolia and China, working at the Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and the United Nations while completing a master's degree in International Relations at Peking University before pursuing his legal studies. He is fluent in Korean and proficient in Chinese. In his free time, Chanho is an avid swimmer, snowboarder, and climber with a passion for travel and discovering new horizons.

Emilia McManus, Law Clerk to Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, is from Bethesda, Maryland and earned her JD from George Washington University Law School and her BA in Political Science from Dickinson College. Prior to

joining the CNMI Judiciary, Emilia was a judicial extern with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Maryland. She is currently licensed to practice law in Washington, DC and is clerking for Magistrate Judge Regina Cannon of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

(April 26, 2024)

Superior Court Law Clerks Emilia McManus, James Hallisey, Daniel Johnson, and Supreme Court Law Clerks Nathan Ford, Patrick Quimby, and Paige Lehman at the 35th Anniversary Proclamation Signing.

Special Assistant to the Presiding Judge Janina Maratita during Judge Lillian A. Tenorio’s Investiture. (May 08, 2024)

Daniel Johnson, Law Clerk to Judge Kenneth L. Govendo from September 2023 to September 2024, is from Virginia, but grew up living all over the world, including Germany, Russia, Belgium, and Japan. Before becoming a lawyer, he taught middle and high school English. He swam breaststroke competitively during college. He graduated from the Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law in Washington, DC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, French, and History from King University; a Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction from King University; and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Sewanee, The University of the South. Daniel is licensed to practice law in Washington, DC and the CNMI, and is an Assistant Attorney General with the Office of the Attorney General Criminal Division.

Abigail Akyiaw, Law Clerk to Judge Joseph N. Camacho, has worked at the Judiciary since February 2023. She earned her JD from California Western School of Law and her BA in Sociology from the University of California, Riverside. She interned with the California Innocence Project and New Media Rights during law school. Abigail spends her downtime writing poetry and fiction and enjoying trips to the beach.

James Hallisey, Law Clerk to Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio since August 2023, grew up in New Jersey and came to Saipan after graduating from Boston University School of Law. James enjoys reading, travel, and birdwatching. He is grateful to the people of the CNMI for their hospitality and good humor during his time on-island.

Brian Li, Law Clerk to Judge Lillian A. Tenorio and Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, is a May 2024 graduate of the Seattle University School of Law. Previously having worked in market research, Brian entered law school to specialize in legal issues surrounding cryptocurrency, but then realized his true calling was that of a government attorney. When not in Guma’ Hustisia, Brian can be found at Latte Built Fitness, the Saipan International Shooting Range, one of the island's various diving sites, or a resort lunch buffet. While living in Saipan, Brian found the time to visit Japan and South Korea, but he hopes to see other Pacific islands and Southeast Asian destinations next. Brian plans to apply for a role in the JAG Corps after completing his clerkship.

From left: Law Clerks Chanho Roh, Abigail Akyiaw, James Hallisey, Brian Li, Emilia McManus and Daniel Johnson.

JUDICIALASSISTANTS

Rose Lynette M. Camacho, Chamber Administrator to Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, began her career as a Publications Clerk for the Law Revision Commission in June 1996. Through the years, she worked for both the private sector and other government agencies before returning back to the Judiciary in 2009. She has been the Chamber Administrator since 2012. Lynette’s hobbies include cooking, decorating, and spending time with family and friends.

Daisy S. Mendiola, Judicial Assistant to Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, joined the Superior Court in 2004 as an Administrative Clerk for the Superior Court Office of the Adult Probation Supervision. Ms. Mendiola also worked at the Superior Court Office of the Clerk of Court as a Deputy Clerk II from June 2010 before being appointed as Judicial Assistant to Judge Govendo in January 2022. During her tenure with the Superior Court, she was awarded the Associate Judges Awards in 2021 and 2022.

Delia S. Magofna, Judicial Assistant to Judge Joseph N. Camacho, worked as a Deputy Clerk I for 2 years. Prior to working at the CNMI Superior Court, Delia worked as a legal secretary/legal assistant for Calvo, Fisher & Jacob LLP for 13 years, culminating in over 24 years of experience in the legal field. She also currently serves as the primary timekeeper for the Superior Court.

Sabrina Lynn Dela Cruz, Judicial Assistant to Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, graduated from Kagman High School in 2006. She began her career in the Judiciary in September 2009. She was hired as a scanning clerk under the ARRA Grant for 3 years. Then, she moved on as a Deputy Clerk I and held that position for 8 years. She was assigned as courtroom clerk for Judge Kenneth L. Govendo as a Family Court clerk up, until the Family Court Docket was transferred over to Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio. Not long after that, Sabrina was reassigned to clerk for Judge KimTenorio as a Family Court clerk. She then was hired as a Deputy Clerk II for the Drug Court Division in 2020. Finally, after only three months of experience as a Deputy Clerk II for the Drug Court Division, she was hired as a Judicial Assistant to Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio. Sabrina has five wonderful children. She enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Vivian S. Dela Cruz, Judicial Assistant to Associate Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, has served in her position since Judge Tenorio joined the bench in February 2024. She was a Judicial Assistant for Retired Judge David A. Wiseman from March 2001 through May 2016 and Retired Judge Wesley M. Bogdan from August 2017 through December 2023. Prior to working for the Judiciary, she worked at the Law Offices of David A. Wiseman from 1984 through March 2001. She was certified on May 1, 2007 as a Trial Court Transcriptionist and was later sworn in as a Special Deputy Clerk on June 1, 2007.

From left: Judicial Assistant Daisy S. Mendiola, Chamber Administrator

Rose Lynette M. Camacho, and Judicial Assistants Sabrina Lynn Dela Cruz, Vivian S. Dela Cruz , and Delia S. Magofna. (December 24, 2024)

OFFICEOFTHECLERKOFTHE SUPERIORCOURT

The year 2024 was an exciting and busy year for the Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court (“COC”). The year started off with the issuance of a new General Calendar to reflect the changes on the Bench. While there was no major shift in case assignment, the new incoming Judge was assigned to handle the Juvenile and Mental Health Docket. Implementing the Journal Technologies’ eCourt case management system in this reporting year is a huge undertaking. This project kept the staff busy with product development, data migration, system integration, testing, and training. COC staff worked alongside the Judiciary eCourt Planning Committee and Journal Technologies Consultant to monitor the project development over the last 26 months leading up to the go-live date of December 10, 2024.

In addition, COC staff participated in several on- and off-island trainings, including the long-awaited Clerks Training conducted in August and the annual Judiciary Professional Development Summit conducted in November. COC continued another year with the hosting of judiciary staff from the Federated States of Micronesia for a weeklong on-site training. The visiting team participated in various activities including courtroom shadowing and one-on-one meetings to discuss topics such as the general court calendar, case flow process, customer services, archives, and requests for documents.

Top row, from left: Deputy Clerk II Okalani R. Shiprit, Deputy Clerk I Jandra C. Rideb, Deputy Clerk I Susan Borja, Data Systems Analyst Mark G. Hidalgo, Deputy Clerk II EvaSophia P. Calvo, Deputy Clerk I Ezriel F. Granada, Deputy Clerk I Raige

Bottom row, from left: Deputy Clerk II Pearleen B. Matagolai, Deputy Clerk of the Supreme Court Nora V. Borja, Deputy Clerk II Rosie Jane T. Ada, Clerk of the Superior Court Patrick V. Diaz, and Deputy Clerk III Novelyn A. Wania-Tenorio.

Sablan, Deputy Clerk I Jan Christin Cabrera, student intern Hayoung “Joseph” Seo, and Deputy Clerk I Brandon H. Delos Reyes. (August 28, 2024)

DOCUMENTRETENTIONPROJECT

The documents retention project progressed steadily throughout the year with over 1,799 case files scanned and 827 case files disposed of on all three islands. Case files are still being audited, paving the way for their disposal. Rota Centron Hustisia and Kotten Tinian staff obtained assistance from their respective Department of Public Works to dispose of case files.

STAFFTRAINING&PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT

The COC conducted a Deputy Clerk Training on August 28–30, 2024, with Special Assistant Janina Maratita serving as coordinator. She was assisted by Superior Court Chamber Administrator Rose Lynette M. Camacho, and Judicial Assistants Delia S. Magofna, Vivian S. Dela Cruz, and Deputy Clerk Novelyn A. Wania-Tenorio. The training topics included Writing and Grammar Structure, Confidentiality, Appeals: Appellate Level and Administrative Appeals, Judiciary History, Jury Trial Management, Civil Procedure and Criminal Rules of Procedure. There were also self-care sessions on Stress Management, Brainstorming activities, Mwaarmwaar Making, and tutorials.

In August 2024, the COC hosted several staff from the Palau Judiciary who were on the island for a site visit. The visiting team had sessions on general court calendar, case flow process, customer services, archives, and requests for documents. They also participated in the Justware and eFile demonstrations and meetings.

The Judiciary selected a team to participate in the National Center for State Courts Cyber Security and Recovery Workshop-Western Region. The team comprised of Justice John A. Manglona, Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho, Deputy General Counsel Matthew J. Brown, and Systems Administrator Michael C. Villacrusis. The NCSCsponsored workshop began with a 2-day webinar online scheduled meeting followed by an in-person meeting in Sun Valley, Idaho. The online webinar was held on July 29, 2024 and August 1, 2024, while the in-person meeting in Sun Valley was held on September 4–6, 2024.

The Judiciary’s Annual Professional Development was held November 25–26, 2024 at the Guma’ Hustisia Assembly Hall. Staff with exemplary commitment and accomplishments throughout the year were awarded during this function. ARPA Scanning Clerks Micca Atalig and Elvira Quituqua from Rota were awarded the Employee of the Year for the Office of the Clerk of Court, and Deputy Clerk Delia Calvo from Rota was awarded the Presiding Judge Award. Data Analyst Mark Hidalgo was awarded both the Superior Court and the Supreme Court Awards. In addition to the awards, COC staff attended a series of training and workshops throughout the two-day event.

Deputy Clerk III Novelyn A. Wania-Tenorio, Data Systems Analyst Mark G. Hidalgo, and Deputy Clerk I Brandon H. Delos Reyes at the Clerks Training in the Assembly Hall. (August 28, 2024)

eCOURTGO-LIVE

Robustsuitecasemanagementcapabilities

The eCourt virtual user training for COC staff took place on November 8, 12, and 15, 2024. Led by Journal Technology personnel, the sessions covered topics such as logging in, basic navigation, searching, and data entry. This virtual training was followed by in-person sessions, also conducted by Journal Technology.

eCourt Virtual User Training in the Assembly Hall. (November 08, 2024)

COC staff and David Bates (center) and Eric Ciminski (right). (December 13, 2024)

CASEFILINGS

The charts and graphs below provide the data collected from January 1 to December 31, 2024.

TABLE 11. CASE FILINGS PER QUARTER

TABLE 12. CASES FILED FROM 2020 TO 2024

TABLE 13. CASES FILED BY ISLAND

Graph 1. 2024 Case Filings

TABLE 14. CASES APPEALED

TABLE 17. CERTIFIED RECORDS

TABLE 18. CUSTOMER SERVICE COUNTER

Graph 3. Customer Service Counter

DRUGCOURTDIVISION

Established in 2016, the CNMI Drug Court Division (DCD) has since provided an appropriate and effective mechanism for offenders with substance use disorders. The DCD program was implemented with guidelines from the National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP) best practice standards and evidence-based strategies, and continues to strive to meet the mandates of the Drug Court Act, Public Law 19-14. Its guiding principles are based on the 10 Key Components of Drug Courts, national drug courts best practice standards and evidence-based strategies, and program goals and objectives. In addition, it continues to engage in strategies that achieve the goals of the Judiciary’s Strategic Plan.

An average of 30 participants per quarter engaged in a 15–24 month treatment program. Upon completion of entrance protocols, they undergo a comprehensive, holistic approach, combining intensive judicial interaction, aggressive community supervision, frequent drug testing, case management, and substance and alcohol treatment services. This comprehensive, integrated, and coordinated community-based approach links participants to various services and resources based on individual needs and in accordance with the treatment plans. For 2024, the DCD received a quarterly average of 3.5 referrals; 3 referrals were deemed unsuitable for the program, 4 participants were terminated from the program, while 10 participants completed and graduated from the program, met all supervision requirements, and were either gainfully employed or enrolled in a higher educational program. Since the start of the DCD program, there have been 5 graduation ceremonies celebrated during DCD hearings, producing a total of 95 graduates.

Throughout 2024, the DCD continued to provide daily support and coordinated substance use disorder treatment and community resources/services for participants by working closely with providers, while guiding each participant through each phase of the program. For 2024, the DCD Caseworkers completed a total of 651 case management meetings and conducted a total of 264 participant referrals to various community agencies to complement the needs of each participant.

The DCD Supervision Unit coordinated intense community supervision and monitoring activities, such as curfew checks, home inspections, and daily phone check-ins to ensure participants are engaged in a comprehensive accountability track. The DCD Supervision Unit also utilized evidence-based drug court standards and research to provide a holistic approach in addressing criminal thinking patterns, while maintaining intense and frequent accountability measures. For 2024, the DCD Supervision Unit received a combined total of 2,583 call-ins, conducted a total of 37 home assessments and 233 curfew checks, supervised 705 community work hours, and administered a total of 3,063 alcohol and drug tests

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

TheDCDstaffparticipatedinthefollowing professionaldevelopmentandcommunity engagementactivities:

TreatmentandRecoveryServicesand Resources

NationalCouncilofJuvenileandFamily CourtJudgesonChildAbuseandNeglect EndViolenceAgainstWomenInternational onSexualAssault,DomesticViolence,and theCycleofJustice

BlueRibbonInitiativeConsortiumQuarterly Meeting

CognitiveBehavioralTrainingandRelapse Prevention

PacificJudicialCouncilProbationOfficer Training

NADCPRISE24Conference

ChildProtectiveServicesOutreach

EEOCTraining

LS/CMITraining

HarmReductionPracticesinTreatment Courts

NARCANTraining:TraintheTrainer

CBTandRelapsePreventionTraining 2024JudiciaryProfessionalDevelopment

Members from the DCD and MHCD staff, court personnel, and Community Partners from the Office of Attorney General, Public Defender’s Office, Community Guidance Center, and treatment providers, attending the NADCP RISE24 Conference in Anaheim, California. (May 22, 2024)

DCD Manager Edward P. Diaz and Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio competing in the 2nd Annual Judiciary Firearms Competition held at the San Juan shooting range. (November 23, 2024)

From left: Caseworkers Timothy A. Rabago, Kimiko Tenorio-Roppul, and Dolores B. Sablan, Drug Court Manager Edward P. Diaz, Drug Court Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Community Supervision Officer Frankie B. Camacho, and Compliance Officers Dustin B. Pangelinan and Kevin T. Royal.

(November 26, 2024)

Participants have undergone random and frequent testing—at least 3 tests per week—and of the total alcohol and drug tests administered, 93% had negative results, which reflects the effectiveness and efficiency of the DCD program. See Table 19 for additional data breakdown.

The DCD continued to provide services that were individualized to meet the needs of each participant, in addition to incorporating evidence-based strategies. This holistic approach considered services that were genderresponsive and culturally appropriate and that effectively addressed substance use and co-occurring disorders. As such, the DCD continued to collaborate with various agencies while continuing to expand partnerships based on the needs of participants. Services provided by various agencies include, but are not limited to, housing support, employment opportunities, mentoring services, volunteer opportunities, health services, daycare services, and job readiness training.

Drug Court Graduation Ceremony. From left: a participant, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Senator Edith Deleon Guerrero, Bishop Ryan Jimenez, and Lt. Governor David M. Apatang. (July 11, 2024)

Drug Court Graduation Ceremony. From left: a participant, DCD Manager Edward P. Diaz, and Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio. (October 10, 2024)

Judiciary staff and participants, family members, and friends attend the Walk for Recovery during Treatment Court Month. (May 03, 2024)

Judiciary staff and participants, family members, and friends participate in a softball tournament held during Treatment Court Month. (May 11, 2024)

FAMILYCOURTDIVISION

For 2024, the Judiciary’s Family Court Docket continued to strive to meet the mandates of the Family Court Act of 1995, by allowing clients easy access to court services with the assistance of its Family Court Division (FCD). The FCD provided administrative support to the Family Court Docket, as well as assisted the Clerk of Court in processing pleadings and distributing orders for pro se clients before the Family Court Judge. The FCD also offered client services to families and individuals who sought access to the court system, which required the FCD to be proactive in assisting clients with preparing and filing complaints and pleadings in a timely manner.

Pro Se Services: Throughout the year, the FCD continued to focus on improving services for selfrepresented or pro se clients who accessed their office via walk-in, call, or email. Services have included: providing information about filing procedures, preparing appropriate court forms and filing fees, reviewing petitions, complaints, and other pleadings prior to filing to ensure compliance with format requirements, and searching for case information, such as hearing dates and case statuses. In addition, the FCD distributed court orders, contacted court litigants for upcoming hearing dates, and deadlines to submit certain documents and pleadings.

FCD Electronic Forms: Pro se forms continued to be available for the public on-hand at the FCD office, as well as on the Judiciary’s website in Microsoft Word format; although, plans to reformat all FCD forms to PDF-fillable forms on the Judiciary’s website is tasked to be completed by the third quarter of 2025. Several clients used the Pro Se Center computers to complete temporary restraining order petitions.

Alternative Dispute Resolution – Mediation: The FCD continued to expand a key component of its office which is the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program. Mediation, being the main form of ADR, is offered to clients preferring to address their matters and issues through mediation, as it may address a dispute without lengthy court hearings. For this year, most of the other mediation referrals came from private attorneys, rather than the court. Moreover, pro se divorcing or separating parents also sought mediation to address pending matters before filing a divorce or paternity case. In 2024, there were 3 cases referred for mediation.

DNA Paternity Testing: The FCD continued to coordinate and oversee genetic testing between on- and off-island medical facilities, parties, and attorneys of record; this includes sample collections, notice requirements, results reporting, and cost recovery (as governed by 8 CMC §1715) with all appropriate parties. Supervision of these essential tests lead to the speedy resolution of contested paternity cases. In 2024, there were 5 cases referred for DNA paternity testing.

Home Studies: The FCD continued to conduct home studies which are visits, reviews, and reports of the living conditions of parties who are involved with custody or visitation issues such as paternity, divorce, adoption, or guardianship; this also includes gathering background information—health status, prior criminal conviction, drug use, and financial status. In 2024, a total of 12 home studies were ordered and completed.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The FCD staff participated in the following professional development and community engagement activities:

01/31–02/04: Juvenile Drug Treatment Court Tune-Up/Training

02/15–16: FCD Training at Rota Centron Hustisia

03/12: IdentiLink Training with LabCorp for the online portal 03/17–20: National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges on

Juvenile Justice 2024

03/21–22: Blue Ribbon Initiative Consortium

03/21: Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Quarterly Meeting

03/27: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Relapse Prevention

04/01–04: End Violence Against Women International Conference

04/05: Emotional Quotient (EQ) aka Emotional Intelligence

05/10: DYS-CPS Presentation: Child Neglect & Mandated Reporting

05/29–30: CNMI Introduction to Procurement Training

06/10: DYS-CPS Invitation to Stakeholders Session on the CNMI Child

Abuse Registry

06/26: Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual

SSSSSSViolence, SART Quarterly Meeting

07/01–05: Summer 2024 Intern Issa Teigita with the FCD

07/08: FY 2025 Budget Proposal Hearing

07/10: Family Court Division Presentation to Summer 2024 Externs

07/18: SHRM Annual Leadership Forum: A New Way to Lead

07/19: Pretrial, Probation, & Parole Supervision Week Proclamation Signing

07/21–24: 87th NCJFCJ Annual Conference

08/11-15: 36th Crimes Against Children Conference 2024

08/24: U.S. District Court for the NMI Annual District Conference

08/25–28: 29th International Summit on Violence, Abuse and Trauma SSSSSSSSSAcross the Lifespan (IVAT)

08/29: Clerk of Court Training

09/04: Suicide Prevention & Recovery Month; 2nd Quarter Blue Ribbon Initiative Consortium

09/23: FCD Presentation to Department of Public Safety (DPS)

09/25: SART Quarterly Meeting

10/22: Women’s Leadership Forum with Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Sabrina S. McKenna

12/18: 2024 Advocacy Academy

Lorielyn D. Lacay

Family Court Manager Roxanne C. Torres

Family Court Services

Adeline C. Tereyama

Referral Services: The FCD continued one of its primary tasks to assist clients with referral orders as entered by the Family Court Judge. In many cases, the FCD processed referrals for parties ordered to seek social services. Reports from social service agencies on client status and compliance with court orders are provided to the FCD for filing and forwarding to the Family Court Judge. In 2024, a total of 26 clients were referred to partnering agencies for assessments and services.

Separating Parents Class: In the past, parents who are either going through a divorce or separation were ordered to attend Separating Parents Class, which was held once a month. In recent years, the FCD saw a growing number of participants who were referred to attend the class by private counsels prior to filing a case. In 2024, the FCD held 3 classes; a total of 13 court-ordered parties attended, with a total of 20 participants, including family members who joined voluntarily.

Compact Impact Data: The FCD continued to collect data of clients from the Freely Associated States (FAS), which includes the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. In 2024, the FCD served a total of 29 clients from the FAS.

See Table 20 for additional data breakdown.

From left: Associate Judge Teresa KimTenorio, Family Court Manager Roxanne C. Torres, and Family Court Services Specialist Adeline C. Tereyama receiving the FCD Award, presented by Director of Courts, Sonia A. Camacho, at the Judiciary’s Professional Development Summit. (November 26, 2024)

Graph 10. Percentage of FCD Cases Filed

Family Court Manager Roxanne C. Torres at her workstation. (February 26, 2024)

Family Court Manager Roxanne C. Torres attending a managers meeting at Guma’ Hustisia Assembly Hall. (October 7, 2024)

MENTALHEALTHCOURTDOCKET

Established in 2021 through Administrative Order 2021-ADM0010-RUL, the Mental Health Court Docket (MHCD) continues its efforts to provide a holistic evidence-based approach in bringing together criminal justice agencies and mental health professionals to identify and treat participants with serious mental illness (SMI). Throughout 2024, the MHCD maintained its commitment to promoting a holistic approach to justice and addressing the dynamic needs of its participants, despite the limited availability of treatment services on island.

Participants under the MHCD program suffer from SMI which may include, but are not limited to, anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. Currently, the MHCD serves participants with both SMI and a substance use disorder (SUD). The reason for the co-occurring disorders can be from common risk factors such as genetics, SMI contributing to SUD, or SUD contributing to SMI.

Unfortunately, due to the unavailability of certain resources, finding individualized treatment options has been a major challenge for the MHCD. Activities and achievements over the past year, include key initiatives and outcomes in areas such as structuring, staffing adjustments, professional development, and exploring solutions for treatment services. The MHCD continued to explore other options for care and is looking forward to having another service provider provide counseling services for MHCD participants in the year 2025.

MHCD VISION

Our vision is to focus on offender rehabilitation including teaching accountability and promoting healthy and positive behaviors facilitated by a dedicated and committed mental health court team comprised of court judges and staff, executive branch agencies, and private organizations that provide services and resources for individuals with mental illness.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

03/21–22: Motivational Interviewing

03/27: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Relapse Prevention (CHCC)

04/05: Emotional Quotient

05/10: Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training

05/15: Transitional Living Center: First Episode Psychosis Workshop

05/22–25: RISE24 Conference

05/30: Meet the New Criminal Justice-Mental Health Learning Sites

06/21: Language Access Program Training

06/26: Standard IV: Incentives, Sanctions, and Therapeutic AAAA.Adjustments

06/27: Data and Evaluation Community of Practice with Dr. Faye S. AAAA.Taxman Session 2: Nuts and Bolts of Data Collection and Data AAAA.Sharing

06/28: Trauma-Informed and Healing-Centered Support for Youth and AAAA.Families

06/28: Standard IV: Incentives, Sanctions, and Therapeutic Adjustments

07/09: The Power of Workplace Wellbeing: Strategies to Prevent Burnout AAAA.and Build a More Human Workplace

07/11: Grant Seeking Essentials

07/15: Financial Management

07/18: safeTALK

07/25: Treatment Provider Training

07/26: Leveraging the VA in Identifying Veterans in the Justice System AAAA.through VRSS and SQUARES

07/27: Criminal Justice Responding to Addiction

08/16: Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program and Connect and AAA.AProtect Grantee Virtual Symposium

08/23: Guiding Principles and Recommendations for Trauma-Responsive AAA....Treatment Courts

08/29: Digging into the BioPsychoSocial: Addressing the Holistic, AA.AAMultifaceted Needs of Individuals in Treatment and Recovery

09/04: Blue Ribbon Initiative Consortium

09/05: Naloxone Training of Trainers

09/12: Recovery Management Checkups: An Innovative Approach to AAA,ALong-Term Substance Use Care Management

09/13: Repurposing Drugs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

09/20: Drug Court Stakeholder's Training

09/20-21: Hawaii Behavioral Health and Wellness ConventionAAAAAAACompassion and Wellness in a Polarizing World

09/24: Role of the Mentor in VTC

09/25: Introduction to the VA

09/25–26: Guam 5th Annual Behavioral Health and Addictions Virtual AAAAAAAConference

09/29: PTSD; Co-Occurring Disorders

09/30: CRIT: Crisis Response & Intervention Training: Module 2 AAAAaPerception and Attitude on Behavioral Health & Disabilities

10/01: Standard I: Target Population

10/07: Juvenile Probation Diversion Program

10/21: CNMI and SAMHSA Leadership Presentation

10/30: Behind the Post: Teen Dating Violence and Technology

11/15: EEO Training

11/18: Personal Safety and Security

11/20: Motivational Interviewing Strategies for Supporting Change

11/22: CNMI Veterans Treatment Court Implementation Presentation

11/25–26: Judiciary Professional Development

12/11: Life-Saving Linkages: The Intersection of Community Mental iiiiiiiiiiHealth Care, Criminal-Legal Involvement, and Suicide Prevention iiiiiiiiiiWebinar

12/12: NAMI Virtual Town Hall: Pathways to Healing: Insights from a iiiiiiiiiiCop, a Client and a Counselor

12/13: The Work of the CCJ/COSCA Fines, Fees, and Pretrial Practices 2.0 iiiiiiiiiiTask Force

12/14: Court Workforce Diversity: Strategies and Case Studies

12/18: FSRS Retirement and Systems Modernization

12/26: Wellness Strategies: Stress, Compassion Fatigue, and Resilience iiiiiiiiiiCrisis & Trauma Resource Institute Victoria Matsunaga

12/30: Be There: 5 Golden Rules Mental Health Training

The MHCD staff participated in the following professional development and community engagement activities:

From left: Community Supervision Worker Scottie Aguon, Treatment Coordinator Yvette Sablan, Caseworker I Raynalynn Sablan, MHCD Manager Victoria Matsunaga, Caseworker I Queayla Sablan, and Community Supervision Worker Jonah Delos Reyes. (June 05, 2024)

For 2024, the MHCD scheduled a total of 235 treatment sessions, with an attendance percentage of 82%. Throughout the year, the MHCD distributed a total of 37 incentives to program participants, but also imposed a total of 177 sanctions due to an increase in program violations totaling 301, as well as a total of 11 new arrests were made while under the MHCD.

The number of violations fluctuated each quarter, with the highest occurring during the first quarter and the lowest in the second quarter. Spikes occurred in the third and fourth quarters. Factors contributing to the increase in violations include: a) staff turnover; b) the holiday season; and c) “other” violations data not initially listed at program implementation.

See Table 21 for additional data breakdown.

Graph 13. % of Violations by Quarter

Graph 12. % of Incentives

Graph 14. % of Sanctions by Quarter

Graph 15. % of New Criminal Activity

The MHCD staff, along with other Judiciary personnel, meet with representatives of the WestCare Pacific Islands team at the Guma’ Hustisia SSZ Conference room to discuss the availability of mental health services in the CNMI. (October 23, 2024)

MHCD Manager Victoria Matsunaga, Caseworker I Raynalynn Sablan and Caseworker I Queayla Sablan participate in the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence’s Annual Purple Wave, Walk, and Roll event at the San Antonio Basketball Court. (October 17, 2024)

MHCD Manager Victoria Matsunaga (standing left of monitor) and MHCD Treatment Coordinator Yvette Sablan (standing right of monitor) discuss the MHCD program’s upcoming plans with MHCD Judge Lillian A Tenorio and the rest of the MHCD staff. (June 28, 2024)

OFFICEOFADULTPROBATIONSUPERVISION

The Office of Adult Probation Supervision’s (OAPS) collective and driving mission is Enforcement, Accountability, Responsibility, and Restoration of Justice. The OAPS was established under Public Law 11-46, reformed under Public Law 15-46, and continues to be committed to curbing recidivism using evidence-based strategies and best practices to become efficient in reaching its legal obligations. The OAPS works to effectuate positive change in probation clients, restore a well-balanced response to victims of crime, and increase justice accountability.

The Chief Probation Officer, under the direction of the Presiding Judge, is charged with the overall administration and operation of the division. Probation Officers supervise adult criminal and traffic offenders by ensuring court-ordered conditions are followed. The OAPS’s legal obligations are to ensure community safety, court reports, rehabilitation and victim restitution and services. The OAPS consists of the following 5 units: Administration; Pretrial Investigation; Criminal & Traffic; Programs & Services; and Victims of Crime.

OAPS and MSD personnel complete their firearms recertification at the San Juan shooting range. (January 16, 2024)

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The OAPS staff participated in the following professional development and community engagement activities:

01/12: Firearms Certification

01/16: Firearms Re-Certification

01/19: Judiciary Policies Training

01/24: Probation In-Service Training: Judgment and Commitment Orders

01/26: Judiciary Policies Training

02/07: Probation In-Service Training: Search & Seizure

02/27: Probation In-Service Training: Firearms

02/25–28: 2024 APPA Winter Training Institute

03/11: Probation In-Service Training: Courtroom Etiquette

03/21–22: Blue Ribbon Initiative Consortium

03/27: Monthly OAPS Staff Meeting/In-Service Training

04/03: KKMP Radio Interview: Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)

04/04: 2024 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Proclamation Signing

04/30–05/02: 2024 Pacific Judicial Council (PJC): Probation Officer ....................z..Training

05/15: 2024 National Peace Officers Memorial Service

05/31: eCourt Demonstration

06/03–07: Operation Deviant Guard (Task Force)

06/05: Screening, Brief Intervention, Referral to Treatment Training

06/07: Firearms Recertification

Probation Officers Richelle Mungwaath, Wilson C. Calantog, and Ryan T. Babauta attending the Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation Signing. (October 03, 2024)

06/12: CNMI Public Safety Agencies Leadership Summit

06/28–07/01: 49th Annual American Probation & Parole Association .....mmmmm.(APPA) Training Institute

07/18: 2024 SHRM Annual Leadership Forum

07/19: Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week – Proclamation ...........Signing

07/22–23: Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) Active Shooter Training; Amber Alert Training & .................Technical Assistance

07/25: 2024 Pretrial, Probation and Parole Supervision Week (PPPSW)

09/04: Suicide Prevention, Awareness & Recovery Month Proclamation ............Signing

09/04: CNMI Blue Ribbon Initiative Consortium Training

09/05: Training of Trainers: Naloxone

09/23: National Center for Victims of Crime - 2024 National Training Institute

10/03: Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation Signing

10/04: Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Training

10/10: World Mental Health Day – Sound Bath Healing Session

11/25–26: 2024 CNMI Judiciary Professional Development Summit

12/19: NMTI Award Ceremony

From left: Probation Officers I Timothy L. Cruz and Ryan T. Babauta, Probation Officers II Gwen Iguel and Nadia B. Moses, Chief Probation Officer Matilde Bermudes-Rasa, Probation Officer I Richelle Mungwaath, Assistant Probation Officer Susan G. Cabrera, Probation Officers I Priscillia Camacho and Timothy Jack C. Deleon Guerrero, Assistant Probation Officer Wilson C. Calantog, and Probation Officer I Benjie Piteg.

In 2024, OAPS recorded a total of 2,898 clients/visitors to its office. Probation officers documented 375 new cases/referrals and provided 1,961 instances of programmatic services. OAPS conducted 800 post-sentence drug tests and completed 632 case management sessions.

As part of its case file scanning project, 890 case files were scanned, containing 16,349 pages.

See Table 22 for additional data breakdown.

OAPS staff attending the 2024 Pacific Judicial Council Probation Officer Training on Guam. (April 30, 2024)

Chief Probation Officer Matilde Bermudes-Rasa presents the OAPS Award to Assistant Probation Officer Susan G. Cabrera at the Judiciary’s Professional Development Summit. (November 26, 2024)

OAPS staff attending the 2024 Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week Proclamation Signing. (July 19, 2024)

OAPS staff attending the CNMI Judiciary Policies Training at the Guma’ Hustisia Assembly Hall. (January 19, 2024)

Probation Officers I Benjie Piteg, Timothy L. Cruz, and Ryan T. Babauta conducting a demonstration at a Developmental InterAgency Cross Training. (July 25, 2024)

Graph 16. % of Client Visits by Quarter

Graph 18. % of Case Management by Type

Graph 19. % of Files Scanned

Graph

JUDICIARYADMINISTRATIVEOFFICE

Director of Courts

Sonia A. Camacho, Director of Courts, remains at the forefront of Judiciary Administrative Office (JAO) operations, leading with a distinguished record of service to the Judiciary in supervisory and advisory capacities underpinning administration of the courts. Under such leadership, the JAO is effectively guided in the management of court resources and operations, technology and information systems, and government relations.

A Program Specialist and Client Services Navigator assist the Office of the Director of Courts with administrative support.

The JAO oversees the following eight offices:

Budget and Finance Office

Commonwealth Recorder’s Office

Information Systems Office Marshals Service Division

Limited English Proficiency Section

Centered on the Judiciary’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2028, the JAO oversees programs and projects for courthouses and services across Rota, Saipan and Tinian. The Director assists with activities funded through various local and federal sources, serving eight chambers and fifteen departments. Guided by the Judiciary’s mission and vision, the JAO’s goals include, but are not limited to: implementing national and evidence-based standards for case management in both trial and appellate courts; advancing evidence-based rehabilitative approaches to justice through treatment courts; expanding hybrid services through technology and access devices; maintaining workforce wellness and merit-based and competitive compensation plans for staff; and promoting performance-based administrative programs that support judicial services and equal access.

Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho presents the JAO Award to Procurement Officer Christine D. Aninzo at the Judiciary’s Professional Development Summit. (November 26, 2024)

From left: Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, Justice Perry B. Inos, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, Clerk of the Supreme Court Judy T. Aldan, Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho, and Justice John A. Manglona at the Pacific Judicial Council conference in Guam. (August 27, 2024)

Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho appears before the Senate for public comments during an FY 2025 budget session. (September 18, 2024)

Judiciary leadership and management team attending a budget session before the House of Representatives. (July 08, 2024)

From left: Secretary of Finance Tracy B. Norita, Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho, Budget & Finance Director John T. Villagomez, General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee, and Procurement Officer Christine D. Aninzo meet to discuss ARPA matters. (January 24, 2024)

Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio and Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho address students from Mount Carmel School during a court tour. (November 15, 2024)

BUDGET&FINANCEOFFICE

The Budget and Finance Office (BAFO) oversees all financial matters in the Judiciary, including monitoring and certifying expenditures, as well as processing invoices disbursing the payments. In 2024, the BAFO worked on the FY 2025 Budget, continued to assist with the accounting of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), while maintaining its daily operations of cashiering services and invoice and fiduciary processing.

Budget Proposal: The Judiciary submitted its FY 2025 budget proposal on March 8, 2024. The total request was for $14,889,474; which included $8,428,154 in personnel, $2,735,049 in all others (general), $3,726,271 for all others - utilities. The request also requested for 161 full time employees (FTEs).

On April 1, the Governor submitted his proposed budget to the Legislature. The total budget was for $5,397,173; which included $5,043,735 for personnel, $53,438 in operational costs, $300,000 for utilities, and granted 127 NOPs. The Governor’s proposed budget came with a decrease of $606,450 to the Judiciary’s budget in FY 2025. The budget also only funded personnel salaries at 87.5% or 70 hours

On August 8, HB 23-115, HD1, HS1 passed on the House floor, which did not reflect any changes from the Governor’s proposed budget. On September 30, the Governor signed into law PL 23-26, keeping the Judiciary’s FY 2025 budget at $5,043,735; which was $606,450 less than FY 2024 budget due to a $347,084 decrease in personnel and $259,366 decrease in operations.

ARPA Involvement: The BAFO continued to assist in the monitoring and certification of ARPA funds and providing weekly fund statuses, tracking personnel charges, entering invoices, and printing and releasing checks.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The BAFO staff participated in the following professional development and community engagement activities:

06/08–16: 2024 Government Finance Officers Association Annual Conference

Budget and Finance Director John T. Villagomez provided a status update on ARPA funds during the Committee Meeting. (March 14, 2024)

BAFO Director John T. Villagomez (right) meets with Secretary of Finance Tracy B. Norita (left) and Senior Financial Analyst Thomasa D. Naraja to discuss ARPA matters. (April 22, 2024)

Clockwise from left: Budget and Finance Director John T. Villagomez, OMB Senior Financial Analyst Jazmin L. Camacho, Special Assistant for Management and Budget Virginia C.Villagomez, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, and Judiciary General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee at the FY 2025 consultations with the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. (March 08, 2024)

BAFO Personnel and Office Activity: In 2024, the BAFO was fully staffed with 5 full-time employees: Budget and Finance Director, Accountant II, Accountant I, Administrative Assistant, and an Administrative Officer funded initially by ARPA and later changed to general appropriations. In the 4th quarter, an additional Administrative Officer was transferred to the BAFO from the ARPA office, which was disbanded. For 2024, the BAFO:

Processed 1,420 invoices for 779 checks in the amount of $2,733,593.98; Processed 189 checks for Bail exoneration in the amount of $148,767.07; Disbursed 1,641 checks totaling $606,256.81 in child support payment; Paid 62 Court-appointed counsel billings for $32,688.38; and Collected $718,327.62 in revenue—$406,650.62 from court services and $311,677.00 from traffic citations—in the following monthly amounts: January: $71,789.75; February: $67,357.50; March: $68,387.50; April: $68,231.25; May: $70,561.50; June: $69,024.00; July: $76,012.75; August: $72,841.87; September: $53,260.50; October: $41,413.75; November: $37,369.25; December: $22,078.00.

BAFO Director John T. Villagomez

Accountant I Shanna W. Flores receives the BAFO Award from BAFO Director John T. Villagomez and Director of Courts Sonia A Camacho at the Judiciary’s Professional Development Summit. (November 26, 2024)

Graph 21. % of Total Revenue Generated by Source

COMMONWEALTHRECORDER’SOFFICE

Ensuring the accurate and efficient management of public records in the Commonwealth throughout 2024, the Commonwealth Recorder’s Office (CRO) continued to fulfill its primary duties and entrusted responsibilities to: a) promptly record all documents presented for recordation, ensuring that each document is properly filed in a timely manner; b) maintain, index, update, and retain electronic copies of the official land registration certificates and other related documents concerning real estate, Uniform Commercial Code, and personal property within the Commonwealth; c) manage marriage records to accurately maintain, index, update, and retain electronic copies of marriage records; d) modernize the record-keeping process by converting existing recorded paper documents into electronic format, facilitating easier access and preservation of historical records; and e) provide public access to search and retrieve documents and information through electronic means, offering efficient and userfriendly access to important public records.

Offices and Staff: The CRO continued to operate from two key locations: 1) Guma' Hustisia for document recordings and copy requests from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; and 2) Marianas Business Plaza (MBP), Suite 204, for research appointments and inquiries from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The CRO also maintained full staffing, ensuring its continued efficient operation while successfully managing additional responsibilities. LEP Coordinator Lana C. Togawa and the Marshals Service Division played a vital role in providing support, particularly with coverage at both locations, especially during the Scanning, Auditing, and Digitizing project, which required continuous, full-day coverage and presence at both locations.

Electronic Recording (eRecording) Services Platform: In addition to its daily operations, the CRO also continued its electronic recording services platform project, which provides the Commonwealth with an integrated online portal, enabling title companies, banks, attorneys, and members of the public to submit documents for recording and to access recorded documents, data, and images for research. This platform streamlines both the recording and research processes, reducing the need for users to physically visit the CRO, as users can conveniently access the Judiciary’s eRecording system anytime from any electronic device with internet access.

The collaborative efforts between the Judiciary, CRO, project vendors, and services providers was instrumental in achieving the eRecording platform’s two-year mark on October 27, 2024. In 2024, a total of 22 monthly meetings—both internal and external—were conducted to discuss project tasks and updates. Additional highlights include the implementation of the vitals application, installation of the land notification service, launching of the LandShark Search Feature and Escrow Feature, and the creation of the CRO’s tutorial video for the search feature on the eRecording platform.

APPLICABLE STATUTES, RULES, AND ORDERS

The operations and responsibilities of the CRO are governed by the following statutes, rules, and orders:

January 19, 2021—Public Law 21-39: This law, known as the Commonwealth Recorder’s Act of 2020, establishes the framework for the electronic recording of all documents in the CNMI.

June 15, 2021—Supreme Court No. 2021-ADM-0007-RUL: The NMI Judiciary Rules of Electronic Recordation became effective, setting forth the duties and responsibilities of the CRO.

October 27, 2022—Administrative Order No. 2022-ADM-0018-MSC: This order mandates that all documents presented for recordation must be in electronic form.

Judiciary personnel and AP Solutions staff attending the kick-off meeting for the Scanning, Auditing, and Indexing Project. (March 01, 2024)

Landlink Indexing Training with CRO and other Judiciary personnel at the SSZ conference room. (February 02, 2024)

The CRO and Turnkey holding a public training for Landshark Research at Guma’ Hustisia Assembly Hall. In attendance were individuals from various government agencies, title companies, banks, and law offices. (March 27, 2024)

Administrative Specialist Holly C. Manglona (left) and Commonwealth Recorder Kelsey G. Aldan standing before an eRecording pro se workstation at the CRO within Guma’ Hustisia. (June 28, 2024)

Scanning, Auditing, and Indexing Project: This project entailed the scanning, auditing, and indexing of the CRO’s documents to be imported onto the eRecording platform for online research. Throughout the year, regular meetings between the Judiciary, CRO, and the service providers were held to discuss project tasks and updates; a total of 33 monthly internal and external meetings were conducted in 2024. Additional highlights include a CRO Landlink Indexing Training session with the service provider, digitization of 316 microfilm reels of data, and the scanning, auditing, and indexing of 60,776 files.

Uniform License and Certificate of Marriage Project: Initiated in November 2024, this project proposal was led by the CRO, which brought together the Justices and Judges, staff from the Governor and Lt. Governor’s Office, as well as all of the Mayors from Saipan, Rota, Tinian and Aguiguan, and the Northern Islands, to discuss the proposal of a standardized marriage application, licensing, and recordation form and process that would improve recordkeeping and clarity for both government agencies and the public. The CRO highlighted the current lack of uniformity, with each license-issuing authority in the CNMI using unique forms and clarified that the law requires the person performing the marriage to submit a copy of the marriage certificate to the CRO for recordation. The proposal is currently under review, with an anticipated implementation timeline for January 2025. In 2024, there were a total of 513 marriage certificates filed, 625 certified marriage certificates filed/printed, and 13 single status affidavits issued.

From left: Justice Perry B. Inos, Mayor of the Northern Islands Valentino N. Taisacan Jr., Administrative Specialist Holly C. Camacho, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Saipan Priscilla M. Iakopo, Mayor of Saipan Ramon B. Camacho, Judge Joseph N. Camacho, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Mayor of Rota Aubry M. Hocog, Mayor of Tinian and Aguiguan Edwin P. Aldan, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, Commonwealth Recorder Kelsey G. Aldan, Justice John A. Manglona, Executive Secretary Dorina O. Iginoef, Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho, and Public Information Officer Benjamin F. Maratita. (November 26, 2024)

Graph 24. % of Single Status Affidavit by Island

Graph 23. % of Certified Marriage Certificate by Island

From left: Administrative Specialist Holly C. Camacho, Program Specialist Gregorio U. Tudela, Client Services Navigator Tracy D. Limes, LEP Coordinator Lana C. Togawa, AP personnel Jayda Mendoza and Jesse Deleon Guerrero, Commonwealth Recorder Kelsey G. Aldan, Systems Support Specialist Vincent P. Camacho, Systems Administrator Michael C. Villacrusis, Procurement Officer Christine D. Aninzo, Deputy General Counsel Matthew J. Brown, ARPA Administrator Martha M. Standish, and Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho. (November 15, 2024)

FACILITIESMANAGEMENTSECTION

Despite all the ongoing projects across the Judiciary throughout 2024, the Facilities Management Section (FMS) continued to maintain the Judiciary’s building grounds, facility, and equipment at all three courthouses. The FMS was also instrumental in providing assistance to contractors, ensuring that ongoing projects and special maintenance progressed without any avoidable delay.

Daily maintenance consisted of monitoring the HVAC system, water supply, elevator preventative maintenance schedules, and backup generator and addressing any issues reported to the FMS. The Section prioritized requests based on risks to health, safety and the environment; requests that did not fall into a priority category were scheduled for a later date. Monthly maintenance included lawn & ground, fire extinguishers, elevator reservoir hydraulic fluid level, back-up generator fuel level, and Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).

The FMS prioritized the following work in 2024: January - June: Employee parking stall project; Bar Exam set up; Repair of Chiller #2; Pressure washing & painting of south side; Tinian repairs; Site inspection (Contract No. 32300876); Service Elevator punch list; Repair of leak at Security and Screening Zone; Curb painting for Fire Lane; tank assessment; Cleaning of Utility and Fire suppressant water tanks; and ATS assessment with Hawthorne Pacific.

July - December: Pressure washing project; elevator punch list; New FMS staff training; and Bulb and ballast replacement.

The FMS was challenged throughout 2024 by understaffing, with only one employee from May to September, and delays in repairing various unforeseen emergencies due to multiple lengthy procurement processes.

Building Superintendent Gerald E. Weaver

Buildings & Grounds Maintenance Jose M. Villagomez

Building Superintendent Gerald E. Weaver and Jose M. Villagomez, Buildings and Grounds Maintenance, repair Judiciary property at Guma’ Hustisia. (September 09, 2024)

Jose M. Villagomez, Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Worker, assisting vendors assess the Judiciary’s water distribution components. (December 02, 2024)

Building Superintendent Gerald E. Weaver assists with the Department of Public Works service elevator inspection. (September 20, 2024)

Building Superintendent Gerald E. Weaver and Oceania staff repair a component in the lobby elevator at Guma’ Hustisia. (October 25, 2024)

Manny M. Villagomez, Buildings and Grounds Maintenance Worker, replaces hallway lights within Guma’ Hustisia. (February 06, 2024)

Building Superintendent Gerald E. Weaver responding to vendor inquiries about the water distribution components. (December 02, 2024)

GRANTSMANAGEMENTSECTION

During Fiscal Year 2024, the Judiciary managed approximately $2.5 million in active grants across various federal, local, and CJPA sources. Major accomplishments included the completion of the USDA elevator project, continued progress on FEMA typhoon recovery projects, and securing a significant $850,000 courthouse security grant.

USDA Elevator Project: The USDA-funded elevator project reached substantial completion in 2024, with both the Public Atrium Lobby Elevator and Service Elevator receiving conditional operating permits; which entailed a successful inspection and provisional permitting of both elevators by NAESA International Certified Elevator Inspector Kelly P. Houlihan. A certificate of completion was issued by CNMI Department of Public Works on September 20, 2024. The total contract value of this project was$207,190. Additionally, the Judiciary entered into a annual maintenance contract at $9,540 per elevator.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Under Typhoon Yutu Recovery, the Judiciary completed the primary repair work on Kotten Tinian from damages inflicted by Typhoon Yutu; moreover, there were additional repair needs for rooftop electrical and leak issues identified for Kotten Tinian. Reimbursements from FEMA for completed work are still pending and project extension requests have been submitted for the remaining elevator projects through October 2026. Under Typhoon Mawar Response, the Judiciary completed the damage assessment on Centron Hustisia from Typhoon Mawar and submitted a request for expanded scope of work based on a comprehensive evaluation. Reimbursement requests for emergency repairs were processed, while a project extension through December 2025 was secured.

Department of Justice: Site Monitoring and Compliance: In April 2024, the Office of Justice Program’s State Policy Advisor conducted an on-site monitoring visit, which was successfully completed with no adverse findings reported. Following the visit, enhanced electronic records management practices were implemented, and outstanding issues related to the indirect cost rate were resolved through a desk audit conducted by the Office of Justice Program.

New Grant Awards: Secured courthouse security grant of $850,000 and submitted unsuccessful applications for: Mental Health Collaboration; Family Treatment court; and Office of Adult Probation — Second Chance.

Criminal Justice Planning Agency: Nine grant applications were processed, supported by the maintenance of a comprehensive grant tracking system. Multiple award programs were successfully managed, ensuring efficient oversight and administration throughout the grant cycle. See Table 25 for additional data breakdown.

Grants Administrator James W. Stowell

Grants Administrator James W. Stowell discusses the elevator issues with Elevator Inspector Kelley P. Houlihan. (February 07, 2024)

Presentation of project updates at an ARPA Leadership Meeting. (July 31, 2024)

DPW Elevator Inspection of the Judiciary’s Lobby Elevator. (September 20, 2024)

The Estorian Hustisia Timeline and Display ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Guma’ Hustisia. (May 17, 2024)

Graph25.

HUMANRESOURCESOFFICE

professional development opportunities, and maintaining comprehensive personnel records; supporting employees by assisting them in obtaining necessary records and responding to various information requests; providing consultations on a range of employment-related issues; and coordinating training sessions and professional development workshops to enhance employee skills and support career growth.

HRO collaborated closely with every division, offering consistent support and addressing their specific needs. Beyond its routine daily responsibilities, HRO played an active role in the following variety of additional activities throughout the year, contributing to the overall success and efficiency of the Judiciary: continued meetings with the Goal 5 Strategic Planning Workforce Committee; participated in the Co-op Education & Training Program which provided the Judiciary with 9 high school students that worked in various divisions; attended several Judiciary 35th Anniversary Committee meetings; participated in review meetings for the proposed Personnel Rules; participated in the Investiture for Associate Judge Lillian A. Tenorio; coordinated the visit from the Palau Judiciary delegation to enhance their understanding of judicial processes and best practices; participated in the FY 2025 House Budget Hearing for the Judiciary’s FY 2025 budget; continued to reinforce and refine the Time and Attendance Policy to ensure consistency, fairness, and operational efficiency across the Judiciary; participated in several 2024 Judiciary Professional Development Committee meetings; calculated the Judiciary’s sick leave bank balance from 2015 to the present; and coordinated several festive activities and events within the Judiciary, such as Holiday Treats Day and Christmas caroling.

Processing of Notification of Personnel Actions (NOPA): HRO continued to process NOPAs for the Judiciary, which included new hires, appointments, contract renewals, restructuring of position/title, change of name, separation of employment, as well as various amendments such as contract extensions, salary adjustments, and changes of account. In 2024, there were a total of 216 NOPAs processed by the HRO, which included 20 new hires; 4 appointments; 35 renewals; 8 restructurings of position/title; 1 change of name; 29 separations of employment; 39 contract extensions; 14 salary adjustments; and 66 changes of account.

Light moments at the annual Professional Development Summit. (November 25, 2024)

Human Resources Officer Michelle V. Guerrero

Rebecca R. Santos

Consultations/Visits: Consultations with Judiciary personnel were requested and initiated throughout the year. For 2024, a total of 1,081 consultations/visits were conducted.

Personnel Record Retention: HRO, with help of the ARPA Scanning Clerk, has been continuously scanning employee record information and the Judiciary’s policies. Judiciary personnel documents are classified, indexed, and archived in LaserFiche. For 2024, a total of 130 files were scanned, totaling 8,525 pages.

Professional Development: HRO assisted in providing educational opportunities for its staff. Throughout the year, a total of 32 professional development activities were conducted, which covered a variety of subjects such as information technology, court rules and procedures, customer service, health and welfare.

See Table 26 for additional data breakdown.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The HRO participated in the following professional development activity:

12/03–05: 2024 Human Resources & Finance Summit in Louisville, Kentucky

From left: HR Officer Michelle V. Guerrero, a

Women’s Leadership Forum, featuring Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Justice Sabrina S. McKenna, discussing support systems for women in leadership roles within the NMI Judiciary. (October 22, 2024) Graph

Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio (center) and the 2024 PSS Cooperative Education Program Students. (August 15, 2024)

INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGYOFFICE

The Information Technology Office (ITO) has assisted in a transformative journey with the technological landscape. 2024 marked several pivotal achievements in the digital modernization efforts, most notably the successful launch of eRecording, implementation of the eCourt system and significant advancements in our network infrastructure.

Broadband Backbone Project

Early in the year, ITO successfully completed the installation of advanced Ubiquiti networking equipment under Contract No. 32300861, including:

9 Enterprise XG 24 switches

12 Switch Pro 48 PoE units

30 SFP+ to 10GbE RJ45 Transceiver Modules

25 Enterprise Access Points

Additional specialized networking components

eCourt Launch

The successful launch of eCourt on December 10, 2024, represents a key moment in the Judiciary’s technological advancement. This implementation required careful planning and execution throughout the year:

Q1-Q2: Infrastructure preparation and SFTP server setup

Q3: Comprehensive testing with third-party vendors

Q4: Final implementation and successful launch

eRecording Success

The eRecording project represents one of the year's most significant achievements in digital preservation and cost optimization. In 2024, the Commonwealth Recorder’s Office (CRO) successfully completed the digitization of land records in partnership, marking a crucial milestone in the digital transformation journey. However, this achievement was accompanied by notable technical challenges that led to an innovative in-house solution. During the implementation phase, ITO encountered a significant obstacle regarding file sizes of digitized records. TriMin, the Judiciary’s technology partner, identified that the files being uploaded exceeded optimal storage parameters, presenting potential long-term cost implications for the CRO. This challenge was met with programming an in-house compression application.

Security Camera Project

Guma’ Hustisia

The security infrastructure saw significant progress across all three major judicial facilities:

Strategic installation of four new Bosch cameras for enhanced coverage of critical areas including the secure parking area and the employee parking area.

Preparation for the next phase of security camera installation. Kotten Tinian

Successful installation of all security cameras.

Rota Centron Hustisia

Installation of high-tech security cameras.

New ubiquiti layer 3 network switches installed in the main hub room of Guma’ Hustisia. (April 11, 2024)

eRecording portal on launch day. (October 27, 2024)

eCourt portal on launch day. (December 10, 2024)

Two out of the four new cameras installed at Guma’ Hustisia; the two cameras pictured are overlooking the employee parking lot. (June 27, 2024)

Technology

Equipment

Computing infrastructure

The ITO executed a comprehensive technology refresh throughout 2024 by purchasing the following equipment:

A total of 90 laptops with Windows 11 and Intel Ultra processors

A total of 10 all-in-one PCs with Windows 11

A total of 10 micro-desktops with Windows 11

A total of 10 ultra-wide curved monitors

Printing Infrastructure

The printing modernization program, including the strategic placement of multi-function devices across key departments, has resulted in the significant usage. Budget & Finance Office: 30,257 prints

Commonwealth Recorder's Office: 60,961 prints

Superior Clerk of Court: 170,354 prints

Supreme Court Chambers: 30,133 prints

Digital Services & Support

Kiosk Queuing System

The kiosk queuing system has demonstrated remarkable success in managing the flow of visitors and customers to the Judiciary and documented a total of 22,173 transactions.

Licenses

In order to maintain the licenses, subscriptions, and services that the Judiciary relies on for day-to-day operations, the ITO also initiated the following: Extended Laserfiche maintenance up to 2027 Renewed Microsoft 365 Business licenses Renewed domain and security certificates (website)

Update accessibility compliance services.

Internal Support Ticket

The support ticket system has evolved into a crucial tool for managing technical support. Insight and statistics are also gathered by the support ticket system, showing where support is most needed and what issues are most common, For 2024, the ITO resolved a total of 557 support tickets: ARPA (25), Budget & Finance Office (11), Commonwealth Recorder’s Office (70), Drug Court Division (24), Family Court Division (32), Human Resources Office (15), Judiciary Administrative Office (21), Law Revision Commission (5), Marshals Service Division (12), Office of Adult Probation Supervision (35), Procurement Section (7), Superior Court Clerk of Court (124), Superior Court Chambers (91), Supreme Court Clerk of Court (33), Supreme Court Chambers (52).

TABLE 27. KIOSK QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE

Graph 29. Printer usage as of Q4 2024

Graph 30. Support tickets per department as of Q4 2024.

Information Systems Project Assistant Vincent P. Camacho and Systems Administrator Michael C. Villacrusis. (November 26, 2025)

MARSHALSSERVICEDIVISION

Established under 1 CMC § 3901, the Marshals Service Division (MSD) continued serving as the Judiciary’s law enforcement officers. For 2024, the MSD strived to meet its obligations under PL 17-41, which are to:

Maintain the peace and perform general court security duties at all court facilities in the Commonwealth, including providing security services to Judiciary personnel, to participants in court proceeding, and to the general public visiting the judicial facilities; Provide personal security (“Bench Protection”) for justices and judges outside of judiciary grounds, while on official business and in times of inordinate threat;

Serve warrants of arrest, make arrest when there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed in the marshal’s presence, serve court processes and orders, enforce writ of possessions and seizure, and bring persons before the Commonwealth courts when so ordered; Assist in the transportation and escorting of prisoners within the judicial facility, take prisoners into custody during court proceeding, and perform extradition; and Participate in lawful information sharing with other Commonwealth and federal autonomous agencies, branches, public corporations, elected boards, and licensing boards regarding employee and applicant background and pre-certification checks. Such information may include past criminal convictions, civil offenses, and traffic citations.

For 2024, the MSD recorded the following data and information:

A total of 54,264 patrons were screened upon entering all Judiciary facilities;

A total of 143 contraband items were confiscated;

MSD MISSION & GOAL STATEMENT

To provide a safe and secure environment for the Judicial Branch of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI); ensure that the judicial process can function freely, without threats, intimidation, or violence; and to diligently execute all writs, processes, warrants and orders of the Court; serve and protect the people of the CNMI. Security and Public Safety is our goal.

MSD VISION

Our vision and values are to maintain a safe judicial environment where members of the division strive to provide the maximum security and safety to the Judicial Branch and its’ patrons; have high moral values and ethics appropriate for a law enforcement agency; be compassionate, courteous and patient, acting without fear or prejudice to the rights of others; and discharge our duties consistent with our Oath of Office and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The MSD staff participated in the following professional development activities, as well as achieved several accomplishments:

01/16: Judiciary Law Enforcement Annual Firearms Qualification

01/17: Installation of the walkthrough metal detector at Kotten Tinian

02/05–15: FLETC Use of Force Instructor Training .................Certification

04/15: Presentation on MSD history and duties at the Marianas High School Annual Career Day

04/29–05/05: Pacific Judicial Conference Probation Officer Training

06/27: First Aid/CPR training by Western Pacific Training Solutions

07/15–19: National Rifle Association Law Enforcement .................Instructor School

07/22–25: Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT)

MSD staff at the Judiciary’s Professional Development Summit. (November 25, 2024)

Deputy Marshal III

Jesus S. Sablan receives the MSD Award from Chief Marshal Jason T. Tarkong at the Judiciary’s Professional Development Summit. (November 26, 2024)

A total of 595 prisoners were escorted; and A total of 77 bench protection assignments were completed A total of 1,035 different types of field services were conducted.

See Table 28 for additional data breakdown.

Collaborating Partners: The MSD maintains collaborative efforts with the following agencies:

CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management - Provided law enforcement training to MSD officers. In times of natural disasters, MSD stands ready for activation for the Emergency Operations Center. Guam/US Marshals - Provided Bench Protection and Defensive Tactics training to MSD.

Drug Court Division - Assisted Compliance officers with drug testing observation, provided security for after-hours events, and transported remanded participants to Department of Corrections (DOC). Drug Court Officers also assisted MSD on court security.

Office of Adult Probation - Assisted Probation officers with drug testing observation. Probation officers assisted MSD on court security.

Mental Health Court Docket - Assisted the Mental Health Community Supervision Worker in serving court orders and transporting remanded participants to DOC.

Deputy Marshal III Roemar Segotier posted at the Screening and Security Zone of Guma’ Hustisia. (April 16, 2024)

Deputy Marshals Jonathan B. Limes and Jesse Sablan engaging in morning preparations for duty. (March 28, 2024)

MSD officers and other Judiciary personnel with Judge Joseph N. Camacho and Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio (center) participating in the 2nd Annual Judiciary Firearms Competition, held at the San Juan shooting range. (November 23, 2024)

Graph31.

Graph 32.

Graph 33.

ProcurementSection

PURPOSE

Procurement Officer Christine D. Aninzo has headed the Procurement Section (PS) since February 2023. Administrative Officer Gregorio U. Tudela assisted with Budget and Finance Office and PS operations before transitioning to Program Specialist under the Director of Courts.

In 2024, the PS received 597 purchase requisitions, a 23% increase from 2023's 485, though not all were approved. From those requisitions, 637 purchase orders were issued, a 37% increase from 464 in 2023, with some orders exceeding requisitions due to 2023 requisitions converted in 2024 and split travel requisitions.

It publishes the Request for Proposals, Invitation for Bids, and Request for Qualifications through the Vendor Self Service portal and the PS page in the Judiciary’s website. There were 4 publications in 2024, 75% for courthouse facility repairs and 25% for cleaning services at Guma’ Hustisia. The PS held 7 pre-submission meetings, 3 negotiation meetings, and 2 bid openings.

8 contracts were awarded in 2024, just 1 of which stemmed from the year’s publications; the rest were renewals or from previous years. There were 9 contracts that completed their scope of work, of which 2 were executed in 2024 and the remaining 7 were executed in 2022 and 2023.

14 change orders were executed for several contracts. Various change orders were executed for two main reasons: 1) extension of a contract’s performance period due to unforeseen circumstances; and 2) additional scope of work was requested to be included and was not anticipated at the time.

The Procurement Officer’s committee involvement is crucial to staying informed of ongoing projects, understanding specific procurement needs, and ensuring compliance with the Rules of Procurement. The PS has been involved in committees for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), eRecording, eCourt, 2023-2028 Strategic Plan Goal No. 5, Finance, and Grants. PS staff participated in approximately 128 meetings in 2024, excluding procurement-specific meetings such as status meetings or kick-off meetings.

The Procurement Section strives to provide fair and equitable treatment of all persons involved in the public procurement process by the Judiciary. The Office aims to maximize the purchasing value of public funds in procurement of goods and services.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The PS staff participated in the following professional development and community engagement activities:

01/26: Policies Training

03/08: Konbetsasion/Fiyong at ...........MHS in Celebration of ...........Women's Month

05/07: Palau Delegation Site Visit .......... Procurement Process

05/10: Completion of Judiciary wide vehicle inspection, ........ ..pursuant to the Judiciary ...........Vehicle Policy

05/30: Introduction to CNMI Procurement

06/08–16: 2024 Government ...........Finance Officers Association Annual ...........Conference

10/08: Women's Leadership Forum with Justice Sabrina ...........S. McKenna

11/20: Completion of property (surveyed items) transfer ...........to the Francisco M. Sablan ...........Middle School

11/25–26: 2024 Judiciary Professional Development ...........Summit

Deputy Marshal III Roemar Segotier, Building Superintendent Gerald E. Weaver, and Procurement Officer Christine D. Aninzo conducting an infrastructure improvements audit. (January 09, 2024)

Procurement Officer Christine D. Aninzo conducts a Pre-Bid Meeting. (January 31, 2024)

Procurement Officer Christine D. Aninzo

M. Sablan Middle School. (November 20, 2024)

Budget & Finance Director John T. Villagomez and Procurement Officer Christine D. Aninzo at the 2024 Government Finance Officers Association annual conference.

Official Judiciary vehicles lined up for regularly conducted inspection in accordance with the Judiciary Vehicle Policy. (May 10, 2024)

Program Specialist Gregorio U. Tudela receives the Office of Procurement Award at the Judiciary’s Professional Development Summit. (November 26, 2024)

Graph 34.

Graph 36.

Graph 35.

Graph 37.

CHAMORRO

LIMITEDENGLISHPROFICIENCYSECTION

CHAMORRO

KOREAN CHUUKESE KOREAN

CHAMORRO KOREAN CHUUKESE KOREAN

KOREAN CHUUKESE

CHAMORRO KOREAN CHUUKESE KOREAN CHUUKESE

CHAMORRO KOREAN CHUUKESE KOREAN

CHAMORRO KOREAN CHUUKESE KOREAN CHUUKESE

Federal law prohibits discrimination based on national origin and mandates that federally funded law enforcement agencies, including the Judiciary, take appropriate measures to ensure meaningful access to programs, services, and information for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH).

CHAMORRO KOREAN CHUUKESE KOREAN

CHAMORRO

CHAMORRO

KOREAN CHUUKESE KOREAN CHUUKESE

KOREAN CHUUKESE KOREAN

CHAMORRO

KOREAN

KOREAN CHUUKESE KOREAN

In response to this mandate, the Judiciary established its Language Access Policy and Plan in November 2015 through Supreme Court Administrative Order 2015-ADM-0023-RUL, what was amended on June 6, 2024. In developing the LAPP, the Judiciary adhered to the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s recommended four-factor analysis to determine appropriate steps for implementing policies. These factors include: the number or proportion of LEP/DHH individuals in the service population, the frequency of their interactions with the program, the nature and significance of the program or service, and the resources available to the recipient

CHAMORRO

CHAMORRO

KOREAN CHUUKESE KOREAN

CHAMORRO CHUUKESE KOREAN CHUUKESE

KOREAN

In 2024, 5 newly qualified court interpreters successfully met the necessary qualifications to provide critical language services in legal settings. The LEP Office conducted training sessions and documented 463 requests for language

CHAMORRO CHUUKESE KOREAN

CHAMORRO

CHAMORRO CHUUKESE

CHAMORRO CHUUKESE CHUUKESE

LEP Coordinator Lana Jean C. Togawa

Associate Justice Perry B. Inos, Chairman

CHAMORRO CHUUKESE

Clerk of Court for the Supreme Court Judy T. Aldan, Esq.

Clerk of Court for the Superior Court Patrick V. Diaz

Attorney General Edward Manibusan

Chief Public Defender Douglas Hartig

General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee leads the LAPP training for Judiciary personnel, interns, and externs in the Screening and Security Zone (SSZ) conference room. (June 21, 2024)

Christopher A. Heeb, Esq.

CHAMORRO CHUUKESE

2024 LAPP SUPPORT TEAM

Director of Courts & LAPP Director Sonia A. Camacho

General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee

Deputy General Counsel Matthew J. Brown

LEP Coordinator Lana Jean C. Togawa

Judicial Assistant Vivian S. Dela Cruz

AND PROFESSIONAL

During LAPP training, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro shares his experience working with court interpreters while highlighting the importance of Judiciary staff understanding the interpreter’s role in legal proceedings. (June 21, 2024)

2024 LAPP COMMITEE MEMBERS

LAWREVISIONCOMMISSION

Established by 1 CMC § 3801, the Law Revision Commission (LRC) reviews all Commonwealth public laws, local laws, and promulgated administrative regulations, updates the Commonwealth Code (CMC) and the Northern Mariana Island Administrative Code (NMIAC), as well as publishes the decisions rendered by the Supreme Court. The main responsibility of the LRC is to ensure accessible, well-organized, and dependable access to Commonwealth law for the public. The LRC continued to achieve this throughout 2024 by regularly updating and refining its database and website, ensuring alignment with the public and local laws enacted by the Legislature, administrative rules established by the Executive Branch, and published court decisions.

Pursuant to its publication mandates, the LRC maintains and updates its website, cnmilaw.org, to represent the current law for all three branches of the Commonwealth government, serving as a central repository, containing: the CMC, the NMIAC, public and local laws, decisions of the Supreme Court, court rules, decisions and orders of the Superior Court that have been designated for publication, executive orders, Attorney General opinions, local ordinances, Commonwealth Registers and Territorial Registers, proposed and emergency regulations, and historical legal materials.

LRC creates and sells publications – including the Driver’s Handbook, responds to inquiries regarding Commonwealth law from the public, cooperates with government entities regarding legal material needs, hosts information and training sessions, and provides guidance related to legal research.

LRC reviewed, converted, and uploaded unto its website a total of 16 public laws and 35 local laws from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota; 11 regular issues and 2 addendum issues of the Commonwealth Register; 10 opinions issued by the NMI Supreme Court; 23 Superior Court decisions marked for publication; and numerous Judiciary legal materials, such as Notices of Certification, Judicial Administrative Orders, Supreme Court General Orders, and Court Rules published by the Supreme Court. 253 publications were sold through its website.

STAFF

LRC Executive Director

Carmen V. Borja

Website and Office Manager

Albert A. Hicking

Executive Assistant

Erica M. Cabrera

LRC Executive Director Carmen V. Borja

COMMISSION MEMBERS

Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro

Senator Karl King-Nabors

Representative Marissa R. Flores

Attorney General Edward Manibusan Bruce L. Mailman, Esq.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The LRC staff participated in the following professional development and community engagement activities:

04/16–19: Humanities Council Workshop .............z..Principles of Digital Archiving

04/17: First Committee Meeting

05/30: Department of Finance “Intro to Procurement”

06/24: Website resource and.legal research training for Superior Court law clerk intern

08/08: Association of Reporters of Judicial Decisions Conference

08/13–15: Website resource and legal research training for administrative staff, visitors from Palau, and law clerks

08/18: Society for Human Resource Management’s General Membership meeting and annual leadership forum

09/17: Public School System’s Cooperative Education Job Fair for Fall 2024; ...........Website resource and legal.research training at Northern Marianas College

11/08: Second Committee Meeting

11/25–26: 2024 Judiciary Professional Development Summit

From left: Website and Office Manager Albert A. Hicking, Executive Director Carmen V. Borja, PSS Spring Co-Op Students, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, and Executive Assistant Erica M. Cabrera celebrate the externs’ efforts. (May 07, 2024)

Commission Meeting at Guma’ Hustisia. From left: Deputy General Counsel Matthew J. Brown, General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee, Bar Representative Bruce L. Mailman, Executive Director Carmen V. Borja, Website and Office Manager Albert A. Hicking, Attorney General Edward Manibusan, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, and a PSS Co-Op student (November 08, 2024)

RotaCentronHustisia

Rota Centron Hustisia was completed in 2005, ensuring residents of the island had efficient access to justice. It is located in Sinapalo and houses the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Office of Adult Probation Supervision, Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Public Defender, and Department of Public Safety Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Superior Court hearings are held on Rota twice a month and the Supreme Court periodically holds oral arguments.

In 2024, Centron Hustisia underwent a range of projects, including restroom upgrades, gate valve installation, and detention holding cell improvement.

In addition to these improvements, Centron Hustisia hosted several events, with the highlight being the Judiciary’s 35th Anniversary celebrations. To commemorate this milestone, Centron Hustisia organized a Law Week event, inviting dignitaries, resident directors, students, and the public. Attendees had the opportunity to witness a live-stream of the unveiling of the historic exhibition at Guma Hustisia, the signing of the 35th Anniversary and Treatment Court Month Proclamations, the presentation of the Law Week essay contest award, and various activities for students.

Scanning Clerks Elvira M. Quitugua and Micca B. King continued work on the scanning project and disposed of files that were successfully scanned and audited.

From left: Administrative Specialist and Special Deputy Clerk Michelle A. Mendiola, Deputy Marshal I Sherla M. Sablan, Scanning Clerks Elvira M. Quitugua and Micca B. King, and Deputy Clerk I Delia Barcinas. (January 11, 2024)

Dignitaries, resident directors, students, and the public posing during the Law Week event at Rota Centron Hustisia. (May 17, 2024)

From left: Councilman Jonovan Lizama, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, Mayor Aubrey Hocog, Congressman Donald Manglona, and Councilman Jim Atalig. (May 17, 2024)

Detention holding cell leak repairs. (March 03, 2024)

Disposal of files at the Rota Tatachong dump site. (September 30, 2024)

Accomplishments

Located in San Jose, Kotten Tinian provides access to judicial services for residents of the island. Since opening in 1999, the Judiciary has monitored the building facilities to ensure that it is well-equipped with the necessary resources and modern technology. The Superior Court holds hearings on Tinian twice a month. Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja presides over criminal, traffic, and juvenile cases. Judge Kenneth L. Govendo presides over civil, family court, and small claims cases. The Supreme Court also holds appellate arguments in the building periodically.

Kotten Tinian successfully completed a variety of projects, including the replacement of entrance doors, upgrades to restroom fixtures, the installation of tiles in both the administrative and courtroom lobbies, and new light fixtures in the courtroom.

Additionally, the Judiciary hosted numerous events at Kotten Tinian, including the celebration of its 35th Anniversary, which highlighted important milestones and achievements for Tinian residents.

Kotten Tinian

Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, court staff, special guests, and students pose for a photo during the 35th Anniversary event. (May 10, 2024)

Deputy Clerk I

Christin S. Cabrera

Deputy Marshal I

Bradley P. Lizama

Light installation in the courtroom. (January 13, 2024)

Restroom improvements in the Clerk’s Office. (January 20, 2024)

Law Week at Kotten Tinian. (May 10, 2024)

Tile replacement at entryway. (January 13, 2024)

AMERICANRESCUEPLANACT

On May 17, 2021, the United States Department of the Treasury released $481,876,521.00 of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to the CNMI Executive Branch. On June 4, 2021, the Office of the Governor awarded $13,160,703.00 to the Judiciary. Subsequently, on October 19, 2022, an additional $873,485.30 was awarded to the Judiciary to procure a new case management system.

Consistent with US Department of the Treasury Guidelines and the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Final Rule, the overall objectives of the Judiciary’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) spending for 2024 continued to focus on:

Sustaining judicial services on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota

Retrofitting and improving facilities and infrastructure

Preventing the spread of COVID-19

Allowing for social distancing

Enhancing technology for remote hearings and services

Reducing court backlogs

Throughout 2024, the Judiciary remained engaged with the Executive Branch to ensure the effective use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds amid severe local budget constraints. With the passage of Public Law 23-26—defunding Judiciary operations entirely for Fiscal Year 2025—ARPA became a critical funding source to sustain court operations, personnel, and utilities. However, a few days after the budget was passed, the administration canceled $3.9 million of the Judiciary’s remaining ARPA award, citing a funding shortfall. Only $1.86 million was preserved to cover existing encumbrances. This decision, coupled with the complete defunding of Judiciary operations in FY2025, posed significant threats to core services and prompted a meeting request with the Governor eventually held on October 22. At the meeting, Judiciary officials emphasized the impact of this defunding, including potential disruptions to hearings, indigent defense, and victim protection services. The Governor committed to a $50,000 monthly allotment for Judiciary operations and confirmed the availability of the remaining obligated ARPA funds.

Further meetings with Finance officials in November clarified that personnel expenses would no longer be covered by ARPA, with a local budget amendment being considered instead. By the end of December 2024, all ARPA-funded personnel had been transitioned to alternative funding sources, and the Judiciary confirmed that no full-time employees remained under the ARPA award.

As of December 31, 2024, the Judiciary has expended $3,072,893.70 on personnel and $6,208,896.47 on all other expenses—totaling 73% of its $14 million award. It maintained fiscal oversight, aligned spending with its spending and strategic plans, and regularly published updates for transparency and accountability. All ARPA reports are publicly accessible at www.NMIJudiciary.gov/arpa-reports.

In 2024, the ARPA Program played an active role in various Judiciary committees, including the 35th Anniversary Planning Committee, the 35th Anniversary Booklet Subcommittee, the Annual Report Committee, the Broadband Policy and Development Stakeholder Committee, the Budget Committee, the Courthouse Security Project Committee, the Digital Equity Core Planning Team Committee, the eCourt Committee, the eRecording Committee, the Judicial Council, the Scanning, Auditing and Indexing Committee, and the Website Development Committee. These efforts supported both daily operations and long-term strategic planning across the Judiciary.

The ARPA team contributed to the preparation and support of two major grant applications: the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant and the Courthouse Security Grant. In addition to its program responsibilities, the ARPA Administrator served in several acting capacities, including Budget and Finance Director, Director of Courts, and Procurement Officer. The ARPA Administrator also serves the secretary for the Judicial Council, a role held since 2010.

Throughout the year, the ARPA Program participated in and facilitated a number of professional development opportunities. Trainings attended included Landshark Training, the 2024 Professional Development Summit, Introduction to CNMI Procurement on May 30, 2024, the Land Notification Application Training on June 20, 2024, and the Finance and Human Resources Summit in Louisville, Kentucky from December 2-5, 2024. The ARPA Administrator also conducted two MUNIS trainings held on April 23 and June 24, 2024.

The ARPA Program supported educational and community outreach activities by serving as a tabulator for the Moot Court and Mock Trial competitions, conducting a court tour on May 28, 2024 in the capacity of Acting Director of Courts, and participating in a tree planting activity. Additional Judiciary-wide events attended included the Law Day Proclamation Signing, the Investiture Ceremony for Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, the House Budget Session held on July 8, 2024, and the Judiciary's Sweet Treats event.

ARPA PROGRAM FUNDED JUDICIARY PROJECTS

Broadband BackboneProject. (January17,2024))

USDAElevator Inspection. (February27,2024)

Topline staff maintains the Superior Courtroom. (March 15, 2024)

Fire Alarm and Sprinkler MandatoryPreconference meeting.(April03,2024)

ElevatorCarpetand TileInstallation. (May20,2024)

Scanning,Auditing, IndexingProject. (June17,2024)

LobbyElevator maintenance conductedbyOceania staff.(July02,2024)

Chong’sCorporation conductsaquarterly inspectionandcleaning oftheHVACSystem. (August01,2024)

RotaCentronHustisia FileDisposal. (September30,2024)

HongYeCorporation conductscarpetremoval andtileinstallationin theJudiciarybasement. (October16,2024)

Oceaniastaffconductsa monthlypreventative maintenanceinspectionof theserviceelevator. (November13,2024)

eCourt Go-Live Training with Journal Technologies Inc. (JTI) trainers. (December 02, 2024)

ARPA PROGRAM ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

voting members

ALEXANDRO C. CASTRO

Chief Justice

JOHN A. MANGLOÑA

Associate Justice

PERRY B. INOS

Associate Justice

ROBERTO C. NARAJA

Presiding Judge

JOSEPH N. CAMACHO

Associate Judge

nonvoting members

JUDY T. ALDAN

Clerk of the Supreme Court

PATRICK V. DIAZ

Clerk of the Superior Court

CHARITY R. HODSON

CNMI Bar Association President

JUDICIALCOUNCIL

Since its establishment in 2009, the Judicial Council has played a role in maintaining court operations and strengthening public confidence in our courts. Through its administrative responsibilities, the Council ensures that the Judiciary upholds high standards of justice while adapting to the needs of our community.

The Council develops internal rules, makes recommendations for court rule changes for the Supreme Court to submit to the Legislature, and carries out other essential duties required by law. It also manages the financial planning of the judicial branch.

The Council includes five voting members: the three Supreme Court justices, the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, and an elected associate judge of the Superior Court. Non-voting members are the Clerk of the Supreme Court, the Clerk of the Superior Court, and the CNMI Bar Association President. Honorary members include the Director of Courts, General Counsel, and Budget and Finance Director. Since 2010, a secretary has provided administrative support to the Council.

On February 15, 2024, the Council convened a business meeting in the Supreme Court Courtroom, addressing critical issues essential to the Judiciary’s mission, including Judicial Council Resolutions, the American Rescue Plan Act, FY 2023 Closing Report, FY 2024 Fund Status, FY 2025 Proposed Budget, Capital Improvement Projects, and other administrative matters including the adoption of an organizational chart. Judiciary managers attended and were available to respond to questions about their divisions or offices.

Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho (standing) presents updates to the Council during its regular business meeting. (February 15, 2024)

Acting Chief Marshal Roemar M. Segotier updates the Council members on the Courthouse Security Grant project. (February 15, 2024)

BENCH-BARCOMMITTEE

The Northern Marianas Bar Assocation, under Article Five of its Bylaws, establishes a set of standing committees to include the Bench-Bar Committee. The Bench-Bar Committee is responsible for matters relating to bench-bar relationships, and represents the interests of the Bar on issues of mutual interest to the Bar and the Judiciary. Its members assemble for regular meetings to discuss such affairs.

On November 8, 2001, the Supreme Court issued Judicial Administrative Order No. 2001-501, requiring justices and judges to attend the Bench-Bar Committee meetings conducted periodically by the Bar so that matters affecting the administration of justice and the operations of the courts as they affect attorneys and litigants may be timely addressed.

From left: NM Bar President Charity Hodson, Justice Perry B. Inos, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, and Justice John A. Manglona during a Bench-Bar Committee meeting. (March 15, 2024)

Clockwise from front: Attorney Robert T. Torres, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Clerk of the Superior Court Patrick V. Diaz, Judge Joseph N. Camacho, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, and Judge Kenneth L. Govendo during a Bench-Bar Committee meeting. (March 15, 2024)

From left: Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, CNMI Attorney General Edward Manibusan, and Bench-Bar Committee Chairman Sean E. Frink during a Bench-Bar Committee meeting. (March 15, 2024)

TREEPLANTINGATTHEJUDICIARY

Guma’ Hustisia’s beautification and environmental efforts involved working with the Division of Forestry to provide and plant flame trees on its premises, in anticipation of National Earth Day 2024 (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 26).

On April 19, Pedro Tudela and staff from the Division of Forestry came to Guma’ Hustisia to plant 2 flame trees that were propagated and raised at their plant nursery. The young seedlings were planted to replace the flame trees that were removed to accommodate the roadway improvement project. The staff of the Division of Forestry prepared the sites and provided instructions on transplanting the young seedlings, which was initiated by participants from the Drug Court Program. Moreover, after the tree plantings, the Division of Forestry extended their assistance to the Judiciary to initiate additional tree plantings after the completion of the roadway, as well as follow-up on the progress of the two flame trees.

In celebration of Arbor Month, Pedro Tudela and staff from the Division of Forestry returned to Guma' Hustisia on October 16 to check on the progress of the flame trees. They brought three mini flame trees (red and yellow) and trees, which they transplanted.

th

Arbor Month is spearheaded by the Division of Forestry to increase education and awareness on the importance of plants to the ecosystem. Once again, the Division of Forestry extended their assistance to the Judiciary by working on a plan to plant additional vegetation on the north and south sides of Guma’ Hustisia.

From left: ARPA Administrator Martha M. Standish, Division of Forestry staff - James Santos, Brian Somol, Pedro Tudela, Anson Olebuu, David Combs, Mai Fred, ARPA Administrative Officer Maria G. Terlaje, and Justice John A. Manglona, before planting the mini flame trees and lengti trees on Guma' Hustisia premises. (October 16, 2024)

Division of Forestry staff, Judiciary personnel, and participants from the Drug Court Program after planting flame trees on the Guma' Hustisia premises. (April 19, 2024)

A participant from the Drug Court Program initiates the transplanting of a flame tree. (April 19, 2024)

Division of Forestry staff and Judiciary personnel prepare the area for transplanting the mini flame trees in front of the Guma' Hustisia. (October 16, 2024)

Division of Forestry staff initiates the transplanting of a mini flame tree. (October 16, 2024)

LAWWEEK

Proclamation Ceremony - 35th Anniversary, Law Week, and Treatment Court Month

On April 26, 2024, the Judiciary held its "Super Friday" Proclamation Ceremony in the Guma' Hustisia Atrium. Justice John A. Manglona introduced the Judiciary's 35th Anniversary and highlighted the Judiciary's future as engaged and forwardthinking courts. The event included signing of proclamations for the 35th Anniversary, Law Week, and Treatment Court Month.

The festivities continued as ceremonies were held at Kotten Tinian on May 10, 2024, and at Rota Centron Hustisia on May 16, 2024, to proclaim the 35th Anniversary and Treatment Court Month.

Essay and Poster Contest

In celebration of Law Week, the Judiciary held an annual essay contest open to all middle school students and a poster contest open to all elementary school students in the Commonwealth. Students on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota were invited to submit an essay or poster that aligned with this year's Law Week Theme: Voices of Democracy. This competition encouraged students to explore and learn more about the importance of democracy in the CNMI, while also promoting creativity and personal expression. The annual contest has been held every spring since 2011, leading up to the Commonwealth's celebration of Law Week every May.

This year, students submitted a total of 39 essays and 67 posters. The winners of this year's essay and poster contests were selected, and they, along with their teachers, principals, family, and friends, were invited to attend the presentation of awards at the Law Week Ceremony, held on May 1, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Guma' Hustisia.

Middle School Essay Contest Winners

1st Place: Reese Denise S. Zamora, Dandan Middle School, 8th Grade

2nd Place: Zaijan Lorenzo C. Hocog, Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High School, 7th Grade

3rd Place: Isabella Sablan, Dandan Middle School, 8th Grade

Honorable Mention: Jamie Andrea Palabay, Green Meadow School, 6th Grade

Elementary School Poster Contest Winners

1st Place: Fiona Yu, Saipan Community School, 4th Grade

2nd Place: Dakota Ilek, Kagman Elementary School, 5th Grade

3rd Place: Vanity Paulus, Kagman Elementary School, 4th Grade

Honorable Mention: Summer Jaydiss Seman Dela Cruz, Oleai Elementary School, 4th Grade

Attorney Admissions Ceremony

Alison Michelle Nelson took her oath of attorney at the Law Day ceremony held on May 1, 2024. She received her J.D. from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, and a B.A. from Whitman College.

Bar Association President Charity R. Hodson gave remarks at the ceremony.

Guma’ Hustisia Proclamation Ceremony (April 26, 2024)

Kotten Tinian Proclamation Ceremony (May 10, 2024)

Rota Centron Hustisia Proclamation Ceremony (May 16, 2024)

Essay and poster contest winners seated in the well, while their family members, friends, teachers, and other guests observe from the gallery of the Supreme Court. (May 01, 2024)

Bar Association President Charity R. Hodson at the admission ceremony. (May 01, 2024)

Members of the bench with attorney Alison Michelle Nelson. (May 01, 2024)

The Judiciary congratulates Superior Court Associate Judge Lillian Ada Tenorio, who was sworn in during a public investiture ceremony at Guma' Hustisia on May 8, 2024. Governor Arnold I. Palacios administered the Oath of Office, with her husband, Ed, holding the Bible and her sons, Chris and Andre, presenting her gavel and judicial robe.

Judge Tenorio is the fourth woman to serve as an associate judge of the Superior Court. She took the oath of office in a private ceremony on February 20, 2024. Judge Tenorio served as the Deputy Attorney General of the Commonwealth from January 31, 2015, to February 19, 2024, under Attorney General Edward Manibusan. Prior to her time in government, Judge Tenorio was a solo practitioner for over a decade and has also held positions as legal counsel for the House of Representatives and as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice John A. Manglona.

Judge Tenorio holds a BA from the University of California, Davis, and a JD from the University of New Mexico School of Law, where she was recognized for her achievements in Constitutional Law. She is licensed to practice in the NMI Superior Court, Supreme Court, and the US District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, and is an inactive member of the State of New Mexico Bar. She has been actively involved in various legal organizations, including serving as President of the CNMI Bar Association and as a board member of the Micronesian Legal Services Corporation and the NMI Humanities Council. Additionally, Judge Tenorio has shared her knowledge as an adjunct instructor at Northern Marianas College.

Judge Tenorio sworn-in in a private ceremony, before Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja, Lieutenant Governor David M. Apatang, her husband Ed, children and grandchildren. (February 20, 2024)

From left (top): Judge Joseph N. Camacho, Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja, and Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio.

From left (bottom) Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro and Justice Perry B. Inos. (May 08, 2024)

Governor Arnold I. Palacios swears in Judge Tenorio, before her husband and two sons. (May 08, 2024)

Judge Lillian A. Tenorio’s Investiture Invitation

SITEVISITBYPALAUJUDICIARYDELEGATION

From August 12 to 15, 2024, staff from the Palau Judiciary visited the NMI Judiciary and actively participated in meetings and training sessions focused on eRecording, eFiling, and other court-related topics. The delegation was represented by:

Viola Stephanus, Chamber Clerk

Biusech Tabelual, Courtroom Clerk/Interpreter I

Juanita Udui, Land Registar

KSPN2 SAIPAN TRIBUNE

of Court Patrick V. Diaz, and Acting Director of Courts Matthew J. Brown. (August 15, 2024)

MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS

KUAM KSPN2 SAIPAN TRIBUNE

SOCIETYOFPROFESSIONALJOURNALISTS

MARIANAS VARIETY NEWS KUAM KSPN2

On October 18, 2024, Supreme Court Justices, Superior Court Judges, and the Director of Courts met with the Society for Professional Journalists.

KSPN2

MARIANAS VARIETY

Representatives from KUAM, KSPN2, Saipan Tribune, Marianas Variety News, and the NMI News Service participated in a discussion about public access and the relationship between the media and the courts.

The discussion explored how enhancing access to court proceedings, including the potential for allowing media photography and audio recording during court, aligns with the Judiciary’s five-year Strategic Plan.

From left: Associate Justice John A. Manglona, Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho, Brad Ruszala, Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, Chrystal Marino, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Thomas A. Manglona II, Bryan Manabat, and Jason Sanchez. (October18, 2024)

From left: Deputy Clerk III Novelyn Wania-Tenorio, Commonwealth Recorder Kelsey G. Aldan, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Chamber Clerk Viola Stephanus, Courtroom Clerk/Interpreter I Biusech Tabelual, Land Registrar Juanita Udui, Justice Perry B. Inos, Superior Court Clerk

From left: Program Specialist Gregorio U. Tudela, Clerk of the Superior Court Patrick V. Diaz, Courtroom Clerk/Interpreter I Biusech Tabelual, Chamber Clerk Viola Stephanus, Land Registrar Juanita Udui, Commonwealth Recorder Kelsey G. Aldan, Deputy Marshal III Roemar M. Segotier, and Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho. (August 12, 2024)

PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENTSUMMIT

On November 25–26, 2024, the Judiciary held a successful two-day Professional Development Summit at Guma’ Hustisia. Over the course of two days, Judiciary staff engaged in a series of insightful sessions designed to enhance their professional skills and deepen their understanding of the evolving work within the Supreme Court and Superior Court. The Summit served as a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the Judiciary’s commitment to excellence and continuous growth.

The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro and Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, who emphasized the importance of professional development in strengthening the Judiciary’s mission. Human Resources Officer Michelle V. Guerrero led a New Employee Recognition segment, acknowledging the contributions of new team members. A team-building exercise, conducted by Rota Centron Hustisia and Kotten Tinian Staff, encouraged collaboration and strengthened workplace relationships among attendees.

Throughout the first day, breakout sessions and conference presentations covered a range of critical topics, including ethics, financial literacy, selfcare, AI applications, cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, and effective communication. These sessions provided the staff with valuable tools and knowledge applicable to their roles. Meanwhile, a Bench Business Meeting allowed the leadership to discuss key administrative and judicial matters.

A highlight of the summit was the Health and Wellness Fair, where staff participated in activities such as guided painting, traditional mwaar making, and office fitness. These initiatives emphasized the importance of well-being in professional development.

New Employee Recognition. (November 25, 2024)

Staff participated in a team building exercise. (November 25, 2024)

Staff participated in Guided Painting, led by Linda Torres. (November 25, 2024)

CHCC Community Guidance Center conducts Self-Care Session. (November 25, 2024)

Law Clerks Paige Lehman and James Hallisey, the designated Masters of Ceremonies for the Professional Development Summit. (November 25, 2024)

Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro and Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja during the Professional Development Summit. (November 25, 2024)

A highlight of the day was the Thanksgiving Lunch, where staff gathered to share a meal in the spirit of gratitude. A special Law Clerk Luncheon provided an opportunity for former and current clerks to connect and discuss their experiences.

Day 2 of the 2024 Professional Development Summit was filled with insightful presentations and meaningful recognition of staff and their contributions.

Law Clerks Chanho Roh and Isabelle M. Castle served as the Masters of Ceremonies. The day began with a Strategic Plan First-Year Report from Law Clerk Paige Lehman, which provided an overview of the progress in achieving long-term goals. Attendees next participated in the Office of Adult Probation Supervision’s Revolving Door Plenary Session, focused on the challenges and impact of recidivism within the judicial system, encouraging discussion on strategies to improve rehabilitative efforts.

A break provided an opportunity for networking before Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero led the session on Restorative Agency: Rebuilding Efficacy, Connection & Passion through Personal & Collective Agency. This session encouraged staff to reflect on their roles and the impact they have on the community.

In the afternoon, outstanding staff members were recognized through the Employee Awards Ceremony, led by Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho. This was followed by the Firearms Competition Award Ceremony, where Judge Joseph N. Camacho honored participants and winners of the annual shooting competition.

The event continued with a Final Raffle & Court Divisions Time, giving staff a chance to unwind and celebrate a successful summit.

The day concluded with a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment, as staff members reflected on the valuable insights gained and celebrated their collective achievements. Overall, the two-day Professional Development Summit strengthened the bonds that support the continued success and service to the community.

Governor Arnold I. Palacios joined the NMI Judiciary’s staff in their Thanksgiving Luncheon. (November 26, 2024)

Probation Officer I Timothy L. Cruz and Data Systems Analyst Mark G. Hidalgo engage in a role-playing scenario, with Cruz portraying the participant and Hidalgo acting as the probation officer. (November 26, 2024)

Bench Members recognize Annual Firearms Competition participants. (November 26, 2024)

Staff attentively listen to presentations in the Guma’ Hustisia Assembly Hall. (November 26, 2024)

List of 2024 Employee Recognition Awardees

MOOTCOURT

The Judiciary conducted the Second Annual High School Moot Court Competition on December 5–6, 2024. Thirty students from Marianas High School, Saipan International School, and Mount Carmel School participated.

For over three months, Moot Court competitors met with Supreme Court law clerks to learn the skills necessary to represent a client during an appellate argument. Three separate workshops were conducted at the Guma’ Hustisia, focusing on how to read legal cases, write an appellate brief, and present a compelling oral argument. Though attendance was not necessary at the workshops, most competitors attended all, either virtually or in-person, or watched the recording. Students were also able to regularly attend office hours to ask any questions that arose between workshops.

Before the advocates could compete in the oral arguments, their teams were required to submit a written brief covering both issues. Of the original 21 teams that signed up to compete, 15 teams of two filed their briefs and continued to the Preliminary Round of the competition.

Law Clerk Nathan Ford presents the case problem to advocates and coaches in a hybrid workshop. (October 18, 2024)

Lady Hustisia Perpetual Trophy awarded to the winning high school every year. (December 06, 2024)

A Marianas High School student appears before a panel of volunteer attorneys during the Preliminary Round. (December 05, 2024)

On December 5, all thirty competitors appeared before volunteer attorneys from the CNMI Bar Association. The top four teams continued on to compete in the Semi-Final Round on December 6. The top two teams then faced off before Justice John A. Manglona, Justice Perry B. Inos, and Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the District Court for the NMI to earn the title of Champion. Every advocate who competed in December received a certificate for their dedication and successful completion of the competition. Advocates could also earn individual awards for having the highest score during oral arguments and writing the best brief. There were 4 individual and 4 team awards given. Over 25 attorneys and judges volunteered to serve as justices for the Preliminary and SemiFinal Rounds of the competition. Volunteer attorneys also served as coaches.

Champion Marianas High School will compete at the Yale University Regional Tournament of the National Association of Moot Court in April 2025. Second place Mount Carmel School will also compete at the Regional Tournament at UC Santa Barbara in March 2025.

From left: Justice John A. Manglona, Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, High School Moot Court Champions Julia Taitano and Jia Nicdao from Marianas High School, MHS Principal Melanie S. Rdiall, coach Stephen Woodruff, and Melisha San Nicolas of PSS Federal Programs Office. (December 06, 2024)

Students, coaches, school representatives, friends, and family, attend the Awards Ceremony at the Supreme Court Courtroom. (December 06, 2024)

Finalists Carly Dela Cruz and Christopher Dela Cruz listen to arguments during the Championship Round at the Supreme Court Courtroom. (December 06, 2024)

Attorney Michael A. White participates as a Justice during the preliminary rounds. (December 05, 2024)

Competitors Yejin Son and Jenny Zhang listen to arguments during the Semi-Final Round in a Superior Court Courtroom. (December 06, 2024)

Saipan International School accept their Certificates. (December 06, 2024)

Gretchen Smith, Judge David C. Wiseman, and Bruce R. Mailman preside over a Semi-Final Round. (December 06, 2024)

Advocates and coaches gathered in the Assembly Hall while not competing. (December 06, 2024)

FEDERALFUNDSFORUM

On October 25, 2024, the Judiciary conducted a Federal Funds Forum, led by Justice John A. Manglona, Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio, and Grants Administrator Jim Stowell, to discuss grant funding, reporting standards, performance benchmarks, and plans for remaining balances of grant awards. Managers and representatives from the Office of Adult Probation Supervision, Family Court Division, Drug Court, Mental Health Court Docket, Marshals Service Division, and the ARPA Program presented updates and shared insights to enhance their program's grant's objective.

Discussions focused on the strategic plan, including other federal funding sources, grant policies, and budget and spending plan considerations. The forum also reviewed the Judiciary's financial workflow, highlighting overall obstacles and successes.

Left: Attendees of the Federal Funds Forum listen attentively to presentations on division reports and plans from each manager or representative. (October 25, 2024)

Justice John A. Manglona, Justice Perry B. Inos, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho, along with NMI Judiciary managers and representatives, attend the 2024 Federal Funds Forum. (October 25, 2024)

CELEBRATINGTHE35THANNIVERSARY

The history of the Judiciary in the Northern Mariana Islands is long and varied. Before we were the Commonwealth, the islands administered justice under four vastly different administrations: Spanish, German, Japanese, and American. Despite this long history, 2024 marked only the 35th Anniversary of the NMI Judiciary.

On May 2, 1989, the Legislature enacted the Judicial Reorganization Act, which laid the groundwork for establishing our local judicial branch independent of the federal judiciary. The Act created the Supreme Court and Superior Court, and returned jurisdiction of local cases to the Commonwealth.

During the Covenant Day Konbetsasion, Marianas Political Status Commission negotiators Manuel A. Sablan and Pedro T. Tenorio, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, and Assistant Attorney General Rellani B. Ogumoro discussed the creation of the Covenant and its lasting impact on the NMI with moderator Dr. Galvin Deleon Guerrero. (March 21, 2024)

In 1997, the NMI Constitution was amended to establish the Supreme Court and Superior Court as constitutional courts, solidifying the Judiciary as a true third branch of government and setting up the same system of checks and balances that exists in the fifty states and the federal government.

While the 35th Anniversary is a significant milestone, it also serves as a reminder that our judicial system is quite young in comparison to most. Like the rest of the United States, the Commonwealth’s legal system is a common law system, meaning the laws and statutes are interpreted by the courts, and our understanding of the law develops over time through the civil and criminal disputes that take place in the courtroom.

Since 1989, the Judiciary has made great strides in improving access to justice, integrating adaptive technology for the twenty-first century, and developing a court system that meets the many needs of the Commonwealth. The 35th Anniversary booklet accompanying this Annual Report is a glimpse into our Estorian Hustisia, the story of justice in the Northern Mariana Islands and a look at the people who have made it possible.

Chief Justice portrait gallery unveiling. (May 17, 2024)

Justice John A. Manglona examines the historical timeline with law clerks Patrick C. Quimby and Paige Lehman. (May 17, 2024)

MESSAGEFROMCHIEFJUSTICE

TodaymarksasignificantmilestoneinthehistoryoftheNorthernMarianaIslandsJudiciaryaswegathertocelebrateour35thanniversary. Reflectingonthisjourney,weareremindedoftheremarkableevolutionfromacourtestablishedbystatutetoaconstitutionalcornerstoneof ourdemocraticsociety.

Overthepastthreeandahalfdecades,ourJudiciaryhasnotonlyadaptedtothechangingneedsofourcommunitybuthasalsoremained steadfastinupholdingtheprinciplesofjustice,fairness,andequalityunderthelaw.Fromtheestablishmentofspecializedtreatmentcourtsto theintegrationofmoderntechnologyanddigitalefforts,wehavecontinuouslystrivedtoenhanceaccesstojusticeforall.

Aswecommemoratethismilestone,letusnotonlycelebrateouraccomplishmentsbutalsorededicateourselvestotheenduringpursuitof justiceandtheprotectionoffundamentalrights.Together,letusreaffirmourcommitmenttoservingthepeopleoftheNorthernMariana Islandswithintegrity,diligence,andunwaveringdedication.

ThankyoutoallwhohavecontributedtothesuccessofourJudiciaryovertheyears,andhere'stomany moreyearsofserviceandprogressahead.

SiYu’usMa’ase•Olomwaay

ALEXANDROC.CASTRO ChiefJustice,NMISupremeCourt

ROTA JUDICIAL CENTER

GUMA’ HUSTISIA

THE SPANISH ERA

THE MARIANA ISLANDS WAS ONE PROVINCE WITH A SHARED PUBLIC JAIL, PROSECUTOR, JUDICIAL BUILDING, AND JUDGE –WHO ALSO SERVED AS THE NOTARY PUBLIC AND A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL FOR PUBLIC INSTRUCTION.

THE GERMAN COLONIAL PERIOD

JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION IN THE NMI CONSISTED OF TWO INDEPENDENT DISTRICT COURTS BASED IN SAIPAN: ONE HANDLING CASES INVOLVING THE WHITE POPULATION AND ONE FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE. THE CONSULAR JUDGE, ASSISTED BY TWO TO FOUR ASSESSORS, HANDLED CASES INVOLVING WHITE PEOPLE. THE DISTRICT JUDGE AND TWO ASSESSORS, DRAWN FROM THE POOL OF WHITE MEN, HANDLED INDIGENOUS CASES. DISTRICT COURT DECISIONS WERE APPEALABLE FIRST TO THE IMPERIAL HIGH COURT (KAISERLICHES OBERGERICHT) AND THEN TO THE IMPERIAL COLONIAL COURT IN BERLIN; HOWEVER, NO APPEALS FROM THE NMI EVER OCCURRED.

JULY 18 - THE IMPERIAL DECREE PLACED THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS UNDER GERMAN LAW.

SEPARATE COURT FOR INDIGENOUS PEOPLE CREATED.

FEBRUARY: A MURDER TRIAL REQUIRING A FULL BENCH WAS HELD WITH FRITZ AS DISTRICT JUDGE, AND PEDRO ADA, ERNST KUSSEROW, ERHARD LOTZE, AND HERMANN WOITSCHECK AS ASSESSORS. DEFENDANTS NIRAILOKUS AND TOMEDAT WERE SENTENCED TO DEATH BY FIRING SQUAD.

Left:GeorgFritz;Right:DeputyAdministratorPedroAdaandwife.

NicolasDiaz(holdingchild),DeputyAssessorduringthe Germanadministration.

KOTTEN TINIAN

SUPREMECOURT

CURRENTJUSTICES

From left: Justice John A. Manglona, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, and Justice Perry B. Inos

OCTOBER 14: JAPAN TOOK CONTROL OF SAIPAN AND SET UP A MILITARY ADMINISTRATION. COURTS OF JUSTICE WEREPLACEDUNDERTHESUPERVISION OF THE GOVERNOR AND DIVIDED INTO TWO TYPES: THREE LOCAL COURTS ON PALAU, SAIPAN, AND POHNPEI, AND ONE HIGHER COURT ON PALAU. ON ISLANDSWHERETHEREWASNOCOURT, THE DIRECTOR OF THE LOCAL BRANCH OFFICE OF THE NAN’YO CHO WAS EMPOWERED TO DEAL WITH CERTAIN CIVIL CASES AND MINOR CRIMINAL CASES.

ADMIRALCHESTERNIMITZ,THEU.S.COMMANDERINCHIEFIN

THE PACIFIC, ESTABLISHED A THREE-TIER SYSTEM OF MILITARY COURTS FOR THE NMI, WITH MILITARY OFFICERS ASJUDGES.THECOURTSHADJURISDICTIONOVERCRIMINAL OFFENSESBYINTERNEDJAPANESEANDKOREANCIVILIANS AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, BUT DID NOT HAVE JURISDICTION OVER OFFENSES BY MILITARY PERSONNEL AND PRISONERS OFWARORANYCIVILMATTERS.

The highest court was the Military Commission, consisting of three military officers convened by the Military Governor. Intermediate were the Superior ProvostCourts,whichcouldadministerpunishmentsofuptotenyearsinprison. The lowest courts were at the bottom were Summary Provost Courts, which wererunbyasinglemilitaryofficersittingasajudge,withthelimitationthatthey couldnotimposethedeathpenalty,anypunishmentofmorethanoneyearin prison,orafineofmorethan$2,000.

Whatdoestheupcoming35thanniversaryoftheCNMIJudiciarymeantoyoupersonally, andwhatsignificancedoyouattachtothismilestoneintermsoftheJudiciary's contributionstothecommunityandtheadministrationofjusticeintheCommonwealth?

Celebrating the Judiciary's 35th Anniversary is an opportunity to reflect and honor the people who have made significant contributions to the Judiciary and by doing so, we are reminded of how young our courts are. Our Judiciary's unique contribution to the community is its recognition of the rule of law of our culture such as poksai and mwei mwei and with each decision made, it lays another foundation and framework for the future.

SummaryProvostCourt.Seatedbehindthe makeshiftbenchisstaffJudgeAdvocateLt. H.J.LippoftheUnitedStatesNavy. LieutenantLippwasappointedtothecourt onAugust27,1945.Alsoseatedis interpreterSuganoIsami.

SUPERIORCOURT

CURRENTJUDGES

From left: Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, and Judge Joseph N. Camacho

THE NAVAL ADMINISTRATION

APRIL:POLICYFORLOCAL COURTSOFLIMITED JURISDICTIONCONFIRMEDBY THEJOINTCHIEFSOFSTAFF.

JULY18:THEUNITEDNATIONS TRUSTEESHIPBECAME

EFFECTIVEANDTHENAVAL MILITARYGOVERNMENTCEASED TOEXIST.PRESIDENTHARRYS.

TRUMANNAMEDADMIRALLOUIS

E.DENFIELD,COMMANDERIN

CHIEFINTHEPACIFIC,ASFIRST

HIGHCOMMISSIONEROFTHE TRUSTTERRITORY.

TurnoverofSaipanfromNavalcontroltothecivilian TrustTerritoryadministration.RearAdm.JohnS.Coye, Jr.(left)andHighCommissionerM.W.Golding(right) descendstepsofHopwoodHighSchool,followedby formerNavalCivilAdministratorCmdr.Bridwell.In back(fromlefttoright)areRev.HenryCruz,Rev. FatherArnold,andMostReverandBishopBaumgarter.

Whatdoestheupcoming35thanniversaryoftheCNMIJudiciarymeantoyoupersonally,and whatsignificancedoyouattachtothismilestoneintermsoftheJudiciary'scontributionsto thecommunityandtheadministrationofjusticeintheCommonwealth?

Much has changed in thirty-five years of justice administration in the Commonwealth. A judge in 1989 could not have dreamed of granting restraining orders for electronic harassment or hearing testimony by video conference. So much is different, yet the Judiciary’s steadfast commitment to justice remains unchanged.

Staying abreast of three and a half decades of technological and social development is no mean task. In my ten years on the Bench the Judiciary faced daunting challenges including two devastating typhoons and a stunning global pandemic. Those that believe the Judiciary is simply a building would do well to remember its exile in the wake of mold and natural disaster. The CNMI Judiciary is instead people, working hand in hand to engender justice and elevate the community, come what may. Thirty-five years of challenges and growth leave the Judiciary stronger than it has ever been.

During my time on the Bench, the Judiciary’s commitment to justice and the broader community manifested as innovative problem-solving courts. The Judiciary recognized the devastating impact substance use disorder had on the Commonwealth. Advances in the science of addiction and recovery demonstrated that punitive enforcement could not solve an increasingly severe epidemic. The Judiciary adapted. We recognized that addiction is a disease requiring treatment rather than punishment and stigma, which led to the birth of the first treatment court, the CNMI Drug Court.

Despite initial challenges, the Drug Court Program is a success. Its accomplishments inspired the recently launched Mental Health Court. Efforts are underway to institute a Family Treatment Court to integrate recovery and child welfare. Thirty-five years ago, drug addicts were a vilified subset of Commonwealth society, criminals deserving nothing but a cell and hard time. Now, the Court is willing and ready to treat addiction as the disease it is, with structure, compassion, and patience.

The Judiciary’s treatment courts have led the way. They are at the center of a robust and growing recovery community. Graduates help participants, peers, and vulnerable youth escape the cycle of dependency. Justice does not stop at the doors of a courtroom. Justice is a fair chance at a good life for everyone in our community, regardless of their struggles with mental health, trauma, and addiction. If the Judiciary can launch effective, ever-expanding new institutions and reduce stigma in the community in just ten years, I wonder at what we can accomplish in thirty-five more.

TRUST TERRITORY OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS

THE JUDICIARY OF THE TTPI WAS ORGANIZED INTOAHIGHCOURT(WITHAPPELLATEANDTRIAL DIVISIONS), DISTRICT COURTS, AND COMMUNITY COURTS. THE JUSTICES OF THE HIGH COURT CONSISTED OF A CHIEF JUSTICE AND THREE TO FOUR ASSOCIATE JUSTICES, AS WELL AS FOUR TEMPORARY JUDGES WHO WERE APPOINTED BY THESECRETARYOFTHEINTERIOR.

One of the functions of the High Court was to establish and maintainaRecorder’sOfficeandlandcommissionofficerstodeal with land issues, such as title and claims for compensation for landtakenbygovernments.Thedecisionsofthelandcommission officers were appealable to the High Court—and are still being litigatedtodayinthecontemporaryCommonwealthcourts.

ClerkofCourtFelipeA.Salasdrawsthenamesofprospective jurorsunderthewatchfuleyeofTrustTerritoryHighCourt ChiefJusticeEdwardP.FurberandSpecialJudgeIgnacioV. Benavente.

MelchorMediola(center)greetingHighCommissionerMidkiff (secondfromleft)andstaffonRotain1953.

Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio

FORMER|RETIREDJUSTICES

Associate

Associate

(02/1986 - 05/1989)

12/1997)

Special Judge (01/1990 11/1991)

Presiding Judge (11/1991 - 02/1993)

Associate Justice (02/1993 - 12/1997)

TRUST TERRITORY OF THE PACIFIC

A CRIMINAL MURDER CASE WAS TRIED BY JURY IN THE MARIANAS DISTRICT.

Associate Judge (11/1992 07/1998)

Associate Justice (07/1998 - 07/1999)

Justice (07/1999 - 07/2012)

ISLANDS

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS WAS THE FIRST DISTRICT TO TRANSFER JURISDICTION TO THEIR OWN LOCAL COURTS.

Civilian Advisory (“CIVAD”) Legal Department. Saipan,1950.

JANUARY: CNMI CONSTITUTION WAS RATIFIED, REQUIRING THE CREATION OF A LOCAL TRIAL COURT AND TERMINATION OF JURISDICTION FOR THE TRUST TERRITORY HIGH COURT. THE COMMONWEALTH JUDICIARY ACT THEN ESTABLISHED THE COMMONWEALTH TRIAL COURT, WHICH HAD LIMITED JURISDICTION OVER CASES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE A JURY TRIAL.

What does the upcoming 35th anniversary of the CNMI Judiciary mean to you personally, and what significance do you attach to this milestone in terms of the Judiciary's contributions to the community and the administration of justice in the Commonwealth?

I started my legal career at the Judiciary as a law clerk in 2010 and was the Clerk of the Supreme Court for 6.5 years by the time I left in 2019. In my 8.5 years at the Judiciary, I have seen the court system evolve to ensure that justice is delivered timely and fairly—through staff professional development training, implementation of performance measures, and the creation of committees for the development and update of standard operating procedures. I’ve also seen the Judiciary strive to make the courts accessible to the public through its outreach programs such as Judges in the Classroom and High School Mock Trial. I appreciate these programs as it introduces the profession and the concept of laws to our younger generation. Most notably, the Judiciary fosters a collegial work environment. I have formed many friendships with the staff and other professionals while working there.

Former Supreme Clerk of Court Deanna Ogo

THE JUDICIARY

TrustTerritoryHighCourtjusticesgatheronMay 15,1978(fromlefttoright):AssociateJusticeErnest F.Gianotti,AssociateJusticeRobertA.Hefner, ChiefJusticeHaroldBurnett,andAssociateJustice MamoruNakamura.

FEBRUARY: HERBERT SOLL WAS APPOINTED AND CONFIRMED AS THE FIRST COMMONWEALTH TRIAL COURT JUDGE.

Miguel S. Demapan

Chief

Pedro M. Atalig

Jose S. Dela Cruz Chief Justice (05/1989 - 05/1995)

Ramon G. Villagomez

Judge

Justice (05/1989 -

Jesus C. Borja Associate Justice (10/1989 - 02/1993)

Marty W.K. Taylor Associate Judge (08/1989 - 09/1995) Chief Justice (09/1995 12/1998)

FORMER|RETIREDJUDGES

TimothyH. Bellas Special Judge (06/1992 - 10/1995) Associate Judge (10/1995 - 10/2001)

EdwardE. Manibusan AssociateJudge (02/1993 07/1998 PresidingJudge (07/1998 03/2003)

TWO OTHER JUDGES WERE APPOINTED AND CONFIRMED AS JUDGES OF THE COMMONWEALTH TRIAL COURT. ROBERT HEFNER, WHO WAS A TRUST TERRITORY HIGH COURT JUSTICE, JOINED THE COMMONWEALTH TRIAL COURT AS ITS FIRST CHIEF JUDGE. ROBERT MOORE, WHO RETIRED FROM THE JUDGE ADVOCATES GENERAL CORPS, BECAME THE THIRD JUDGE.

VirginiaS. Onerheim AssociateJudge (02/1997 -02/2003)

JuanT. Lizama AssociateJudge (07/1998-03/2008)

David A. Wiseman AssociateJudge (03/2001-03/2016)

Ramona V. Manglona AssociateJudge (05/2003 - 07/2011)

Wesley M. Bogdan AssociateJudge (08/2017 12/2023)

What does the upcoming 35th anniversary of the CNMI Judiciary mean to you personally, and what significance do you attach to this milestone in terms of the Judiciary's contributions to the community and the administration of justice in the Commonwealth?

I am personally honored to have been afforded the opportunity to be a part of the historical development of the Judiciary. While 35 years is a significant milestone, the Judiciary is relatively young compared to other judicial branches of the mainland American jurisdictions. Despite this, the Judiciary has been fortunate to have been composed by a diligent and intelligent group of judicial officers. Persons who accepted the mantel of judicial authority and responsibility in a very sincere and dedicated manor. I feel privileged to have been a part of this Judicial Branch as Special Judge, an Associate Judge and Judge and Justice Pro Tem.

The Judiciary fulfills a crucial role in the community by upholding the rule of law. Those five words are critical to any democratic political entity, whether it be on the national level or the local level. These words can signify many things.

In my opinion, the Judiciary stands as a guardian of the rights of citizens, whether they be constitutional or statutory by interpreting the US and CNMI Constitutions and the laws in a way that prevents a government from overreaching and infringing on those rights. The Judiciary should be the institution which inspires the confidence of the community as the forum in which they can resolve any disputes they have with each other.

The CNMI Judiciary has a long history of inspiring such confidence and will continue to uphold this proud legacy for the benefit of future generations.

THE JUDICIARY

OCTOBER 1: THE COMMONWEALTH RECORDER’S OFFICE WAS ESTABLISHED BY PUBLIC LAW 3-64.

THE COMMONWEALTH TRIAL COURT BECAME A TRIAL COURT OF GENERAL JURISDICTION, ALLOWING THE COURT TO HEAR ALL CASES, RATHER THAN ONLY CASES NOT REQUIRING A JURY TRIAL.

MAY 2: GOVERNOR PEDRO P. TENORIO SIGNED PUBLIC LAW 6-25, THE COMMONWEALTH JUDICIAL REORGANIZATION ACT, CREATING THE SUPREME COURT AND SUPERIOR COURT FROM THE FORMER TRIAL COURT. WITH THE CREATION OF AN APPELLATE COURT, THE COMMONWEALTH GAINED EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ALL LOCAL CASES.

MAY 15: JOSE S. DELA CRUZ WAS SWORN IN AS THE FIRST CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE CNMI SUPREME COURT; RAMON G. VILLAGOMEZ WAS SWORN IN AS THE FIRST ASSOCIATE JUSTICE OF THE CNMI SUPREME COURT.

JUNE - JULY: CONSTRUCTION OF KOTTEN TINIAN COMPLETED.

Funding for the project was madeavailablebyPublicLaw 9-28.

JULY: CHIEF JUSTICE

MIGUEL S. DEMAPAN WAS SWORN IN, ELEVATING HIM FROM ASSOCIATE JUSTICE.

THE JUDICIARY

JUNE 23: SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR JUSTICE JOHN A. MANGLONA.

MAY: STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS DURING LAW WEEK

MARCH 28: SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR PRESIDING JUDGE ROBERTO C. NARAJA, ELEVATING HIM FROM ASSOCIATE JUDGE.

JusticeJohnA. Manglona,Former GuamChiefJustice BenjaminJ.F.Cruz, ChiefJusticeMiguelS. Demapan.andJustice AlexandroC.Castro.

NOVEMBER 10: NORTHERN MARIANAS JUDICIARY HISTORICAL SOCIETY WAS OFFICIALLY FORMED.

AND THE FRESHMAN LEGISLATOR PROGRAM, DESIGNED FOR LEGISLATORS WHO ARE ELECTED FOR THE FIRST TIME.

JANUARY 16: GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE ROTA CENTRON HUSTISIA.

MAY: DECISIONS OF THE COMMONWEALTH SUPREME COURT COULD ONLY BE REVIEWED BY THE US SUPREME COURT.

GroundbreakingfortheRotaJudicial Center(January2004).LefttoRight: AssociateJusticeJohnA.Manglona, AssociateJusticeAlexandroC.Castro, MayorofRotaBenjaminT.Manglona, ChiefJusticeMiguelS.Demapan,Judge RamonaV.Manglona.

InsideofKottenTinian

OCTOBER 24: JESUS C. BORJA WAS SWORN IN AS THE THIRD JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT.

THE JUDICIARY

JUNE: FIRST PRE-LAW PROGRAM HELD, CONSISTING OF THREE WEEKS OF STUDY DESIGNED TO FAMILIARIZE PARTICIPANTS WITH LAW SCHOOL.

Students attend law lectures, complete writing assignments and participate in a mootcourtcompetition.

NOVEMBER 7: PRESIDING JUDGE PEDRO M. ATALIG TAKE STHE BENCH AFTER HAVING PREVIOUSLY SERVED AS A SPECIAL JUDGE

DATE: LAW REVISION COMMISSION TRANSFERRED TO THE JUDICIAL BRANCH FROM THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND PLACED UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE SUPREME COURT.

MARCH 31: GUMA’ HUSTISIA GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY.

Whencompleted,thecourthousewouldhouse theSupremeCourt,fivetrialcourtroomsforthe SuperiorCourt,Recorder’sOffice,LawRevision Commission,ClerksofCourt,ProbationOffice, CNMIBarAssociation,andalawlibrary.

SEPTEMBER 13: FAMILY COURT DIVISION WAS ESTABLISHED BY PUBLIC LAW 9-5, THE FAMILY COURT ACT OF 1995.

OCTOBER: JUSTICE MARTY W.K TAYLOR WAS SWORN IN AS THE SECOND CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT

FEBRUARY 28: VIRGINIA SABLAN-ONERHEIM BECAME THE FIRST WOMAN APPOINTED AS A JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT.

JUNE 18: FAMILY COURT DIVISION WAS FORMALLY CREATED.

NOVEMBER: COMMONWEALTH SUPREME COURT AND SUPERIOR COURT BECAME CONSTITUTIONAL COURTS.

MARCH: FIRST HIGH SCHOOL MOCK TRIAL COMPETITION HELD IN THE COMMONWEALTH. JULY 10: SWEARING-IN CEREMONY FOR PRESIDING JUDGE EDWARD E. MANIBUSAN, FOLLOWING HIS SERVICE AS AN ASSOCIATE JUDGE FOR FIVE YEARS

NOVMEBER 6: OFFICE OF ADULT PROBATION SUPERVISION IS ESTABLISHED BY PUBLIC LAW 11-46 WITHIN THE JUDICIARY

SEPTEMBER 29: ROTA CENTRON HUSTISIA RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY.

courthouse,whichwas convertedfromapublic marketintoacourtroom andadjoiningoffices.

ConstructionofRota CentronHustisia,which wasfundedbytheCapital ImprovementProject.

THE JUDICIARY

Ribboncuttingceremony foropeningofRota JudicialCenter.Front row(lefttoright): AssociateJusticeJohnA. Manglona,Associate JusticeAlexandroC. Castro,andChiefJustice MiguelS.Demapan.

TheRotaJudicialCenter hascourtroomsforthe SupremeCourtand SuperiorCourtandalso providesofficesforthe AttorneyGeneraland PublicDefender.

MARCH: RELEASE OF THE FIRST-EVER NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS ADMINISTRATIVE CODE (“NMIAC”).

APRIL: SUPREME CLERK OF COURT’S OFFICE BEGAN ONLINE FILING FOR ALL CASES AND SUPERIOR CLERK OF COURT BEGAN ONLINE FILING FOR SERVICE OF CERTAIN CASE TYPES.

OCTOBER 28: THE COMMONWEALTH RULES FOR ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICES WERE SUBMITTED TO THE 14TH NORTHERN MARIANA LEGISLATURE FOR APPROVAL, PROVIDING GUIDANCE FOR JUDICIARY STAFF, PARTIES, AND ATTORNEYS ON HOW TO USE THE NEW E-FILING SYSTEMS.

AUGUST: THROUGH THE TA FAN ESKUELA PROGRAM, THE JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY DONATED 120 BAGS OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO STUDENTS ON SAIPAN, ROTA, AND TINIAN.

DECEMBER: JUDICIARY DEVELOPED THE FIRST CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS PLAN (COOP), WHICH CREATED A CLEAR CHAIN OF CONTACT AND COMMAND FOR USE DURING EMERGENCIES.

NOVEMBER: THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

JUDICIAL COUNCIL WAS ESTABLISHED BY THE COMMONWEALTH JUDICIARY AND APPROVED BY THE COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE.

AUGUST 1: FAMILY COURT WAS NAMED THE NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSOCIATION’S 2010 OUTSTANDING JUSTICE PROGRAM AWARD FOR “BEST PRACTICE” EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAM.

APRIL: PUBLICATION OF THE BOOK THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS JUDICIARY: A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW MAY: FIRST LAW WEEK ESSAY AND POSTER CONTESTS FOR MIDDLE AND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

MAY 9: THE MARSHALS SERVICE DIVISION IS ESTABLISHED BY PUBLIC LAW NO. 17-41.

THE JUDICIARY

OCTOBER 26: INVESTITURE CEREMONY FOR CHIEF JUSTICE ALEXANDRO C. CASTRO, ELEVATING HIM FROM ASSOCIATE JUSTICE, A POSITION HE HAD HELD FOR 17 YEARS.

MARCH 19: INVESTITURE CEREMONY FOR JUSTICE PERRY B. INOS.

AUGUST 2: TYPHOON SOUDELOR DIRECTLY STRUCK SAIPAN, CAUSING EXTENSIVE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO GUMA’ HUSTISIA

OCTOBER 28: DRUG COURT ESTABLISHED BY PUBLIC LAW 19-14, “THE DRUG COURT ACT OF 2015” ESTABLISHMENT OF DRUG COURT

NOVEMBER: JUDICIARY HELD THE FIRST STRATEGIC PLANNING CONFERENCE, A TWO-DAY EVENT, AND BEGAN THE PROCESS OF CREATING CONSISTENT 5-YEAR STRATEGIC PLANS.

DECEMBER: DRUG COURT BEGAN OFFERING SERVICES. THEY OPENED WITH 8 ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS AND 6 WAITLISTED DEFENDANTS.

FEBRUARY: SUPREME COURT HELD APPELLATE ARGUMENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME AT NORTHERN MARIANAS COLLEGE AND KAGMAN HIGH SCHOOL. BOTH SESSIONS WERE HELD OUTSIDE OF THE COURTROOM AS PART OF THE JUSTICES AND JUDGES IN THE CLASSROOM COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM.

TheJusticesheldaquestion-andanswersessionwithNMCstudents immediatelyaftertheappellate argument.

AttorneyfortheappellantJanet King,JusticeJohnA.Manglona, ChiefJusticePerryB.Inos,NMC DeanofAcademicProgramsand ServicesBobbieMerfalen,and attorneyfortheappelleeStephen Nutting.

MAY 22: CHIEF JUSTICE ALEXANDRO C. CASTRO WAS SWORN IN AS A NONRESIDENT ASSOCIATE JUDGE OF THE APPELLATE DIVISION OF THE PALAU SUPREME COURT.

MARCH 15: GUMA’ HUSTISIA HVAC SYSTEM PARTIALLY BREAKS DOWN.

OCTOBER 24-25: SUPER TYPHOON YUTU PASSED DIRECTLY THROUGH THE NMI WITH SUSTAINED WINDS OF 180 MPH, SEVERELY DISABLING THE GUMA’ HUSTISIA AND CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO KOTTEN TINIAN.

NOVEMBER 23: FINAL COMPONENT OF HVAC SYSTEM BREAKS DOWN, RESULTING IN COMPLETE CLOSURE OF THE GUMA’ HUSTISIA

THE JUDICIARY

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THE JUDICIARY OPERATED OUT OF FOUR ALTERNATE SITES DUE TO THE CLOSURE OF GUMA’ HUSTISIA FOR REPAIRS: NORTHERN MARIANAS COLLEGE, HORIGUCI BUILDING, MARIANAS BUSINESS PLAZA, AND MULTI-PURPOSE CENTER.

APRIL 2: THE JUDICIARY ISSUES NOTICE TO PROCEEED FOR CONTRACT NO. 677506, A&E SERVICES FOR SKYLIGHT REPAIR.

APRIL 24: GUMA’ HUSTISIA’S ATRIUM SKYLIGHTS REPAIR AND ROOF CAPS IS COMPLETED TO BETTER WITHSTAND FUTURE TYPHOONS.

JUNE 19: ALLOCATION OF $1.8 MILLION CARES ACT FUNDING FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE TO THE JUDICIARY.

AUGUST 20: JUDICIARY ISSUES NOTICE TO PROCEED FOR CONTRACT NO. 705333, A&E SERVICES FOR SCREENING AND SECURITY ZONE WITH FUNDS FROM CARES ACT.

OCTOBER 8: THE JUDICIARY ISSUES NOTICE TO PROCEED FOR CONTRACT NO. JUD-OC2021-1, CONSTRUCTION FOR THE SCREENING AND SECURITY ZONE.

FEBRUARY 6: CONSTRUCTION OF GUMA’ HUSTISIA SCREENING AND SECURITY ZONE IS COMPLETED WITHIN SIX MONTHS.

MAY 24: GUMA’ HUSTISIA HOMECOMING PHASE I - LAW REVISION COMMISSION, DRUG COURT, AND MARSHALS SERVICE DIVISION.

JUNE 4: OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR AWARDED THE JUDICIARY $13,160,703 IN ARPA FUNDS AND GUARANTEEED $873,000 OF SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS FOR UPDATING THE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO ECOURTS.

JUNE 21: GUMA’ HUSTISIA HOMECOMING PLAN PHASE II: CASHIER, SUPERIOR CLERK OF COURT, FAMILY COURT DIVISION, COMMONWEALTH RECORDER’S OFFICE.

JULY: ESTABLISHMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH COURT DOCKET AND BY ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 2021-ADM-00010-RUL “ORDER ESTABLISHING MENTAL HEALTH COURT DOCKET AND ADOPTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.

JULY 21: GUMA’ HUSTISIA HOMECOMING PHASE III, SUPREME COURT, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, AND SUPERIOR COURT CHAMBERS.

OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL TRHOUGH SUPREME COURT ORDER NO. 2021-ADM-11-MSC.

AUGUST: GUMA‘ HUSTISIA‘S HVAC SYSTEM WAS COMPLETED AFTER 3 YEARS OF REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS. $7 MILLION FOR REPAIRS WAS MADE AVAILABLE BY PUBLIC LAW 2061 IN 2018.

OfficeofGeneralCounselfromleft: ParalegalMaryB.Glass,General CounselHyunJaeLee,andDeputy GeneralCounselMatthewJ.Brown.

JANUARY 22: A VIDEO WALL WAS INSTALLED IN GUMA’ HUSTISIA’S ATRIUM, PROVIDING ALL COURT VISITORS WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO COURTROOM CALENDARS, EVENT INFORMATION, AND PUBLIC NOTICES.

THE SUPREME COURT SCANNED AND UPLOADED ALL CASES PREDATING 2006 AND BECAME PAPERLESS

FEBRUARY 6: CONSTRUCTION OF GUMA’ HUSTISIA SCREENING AND SECURITY ZONE IS COMPLETED WITHIN SIX MONTHS.

HOMECOMING PHASE I - LAW REVISION COMMISSION, DRUG COURT, AND MARSHALS SERVICE DIVISION.

JUNE 4: OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR AWARDED THE JUDICIARY $13,160,703 IN ARPA FUNDS AND GUARANTEEED $873,000 OF SUPPLEMENTAL FUNDS FOR UPDATING THE CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO ECOURTS.

THE JUDICIARY

PLAN PHASE II: CASHIER, SUPERIOR CLERK OF COURT, FAMILY COURT DIVISION, COMMONWEALTH RECORDER’S OFFICE.

JULY: ESTABLISHMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH COURT DOCKET AND BY ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER 2021-ADM-00010-RUL “ORDER ESTABLISHING MENTAL HEALTH COURT DOCKET AND ADOPTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.

JULY 21: GUMA’ HUSTISIA HOMECOMING PHASE III, SUPREME COURT, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE, AND SUPERIOR COURT CHAMBERS.

ORDER NO. 2021-ADM-11-MSC.

AUGUST: GUMA‘ HUSTISIA‘S HVAC SYSTEM WAS COMPLETED AFTER 3 YEARS OF REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS. $7 MILLION FOR REPAIRS WAS MADE AVAILABLE BY PUBLIC LAW 2061 IN 2018.

OfficeofGeneralCounselfromleft: ParalegalMaryB.Glass,General CounselHyunJaeLee,andDeputy GeneralCounselMatthewJ.Brown.

JANUARY 22: A VIDEO WALL WAS INSTALLED IN GUMA’ HUSTISIA’S ATRIUM, PROVIDING ALL COURT VISITORS WITH DIRECT ACCESS TO COURTROOM CALENDARS, EVENT INFORMATION, AND PUBLIC NOTICES.

THE SUPREME COURT SCANNED AND UPLOADED ALL CASES PREDATING 2006 AND BECAME PAPERLESS

THE JUDICIARY

THE SUPREME COURT HOSTED THE LAW IN THE COMMUNITY LECTURE SERIES, FEATURING DISCUSSION ON CRITICAL RACE THEORY, THE INSULAR CASES, AND CULTURAL RIGHTS AS PART OF THE SUMMER PRE-LAW PROGRAM.

MARCH 4: THE JUDICIARY’S WEBSITE WAS MODERNIZED TO PRIORITIZE ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR THE PUBLIC AND TO INCREASE CONFIDENCE IN THE SAFETY OF THE WEBSITE BY UTILIZING THE .GOV DOMAN.

NOVEMBER 3: PUBLIC LAUNCH OF ELECTRONIC RECORDING SYSTEM

APRIL 21: FIRST LIVE-STREAMED LAW WEEK PROCLAMATION CEREMONY (GUMA’ HUSTISIA, NMI DISTRICT COURT, KOTTEN TINIAN, ROTA CENTRON HUSTISIA, AND JUDICIARY OF GUAM).

MAY: ALONGSIDE THE CELEBRATION OF TREATMENT COURT MONTH, THE MENTAL HEALTH COURT DOCKET ALSO OBSERVED THE JUDICIARY’S FIRST MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH.

NOVEMBER 7: FAMIYL COURT HELD ITS FIRST NIGHT SESSION, ALLOWING FAMILIES WITH CHILD SUPPORT DISPUTES TO ATTEND COURT OUTSIDE OF NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS.

DECEMBER: JUDICIAL COUNCIL ADOPTED THE 2023-2028 STRATEGIC PLAN. THE PLAN EXPANDS UPON THE GOALS OF THE PREVIOUS 5-YEAR PLAN AND PRIOVIDES A PATH FOR GROWTH ACROSS THE ENTIRE JUDICIAL BRANCH.

DECEMBER 6: FIRST HIGH SCHOOL MOOT COURT COMPETITION HOSTED BY THE SUPREME COURT.

JANUARY 18: TO KICK OFF THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, THE SUPREME COURT HOSTED APPELATE ARGUMENTS AT KOTTEN TINIAN AND HELD JUSTICES AND JUDGES IN THE CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS AT TINIAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND TINIAN JR. SR. HIGH SCHOOL.

MARCH: THE WEBSITE COMMITEE UNVEILED A NEWLY REDESIGNED WEBSITE, UTILIZING NEW DESIGN FEATURES COMPLIANT WITH REQUIRESMENTS OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

MARCH 27: DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TOT HE RECORDER’S OFFICE SINCE 2018 BECAME FULLY SEARCHABLE USING THE E-RECORDING PLATFORM.

APRIL: WITH ASSISTANCE OF CONGRESSMAN KILLILI SABLAN, THE JUDICIARY WAS CONGRESSIONALLY EARMARKED $850,000 OF COMMUNITY PROJECT FUNDING FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AS PART OF THE COURTHOUSE SECURITY GRANT.

KOTTENTINIAN

TheGermanAdministrationBuilding,locatedinGarapan,Saipan.

JoseR.CruzsigningtheCovenantonFebruary15,1975.

GarapantownbeforeWorldWarII.

Hustisia para todo

Guma’Hustisia,IimwalAweewe,HouseofJustice 2765TekkingSt. POBox502165,Saipan,MP96950 670-236-9800 www.NMIJudiciary.gov