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News & Notices

High School Mock Trial Competition Showcases Student Advocacy Skills

Tinian High School competitor Ainsley P. Ancheta discusses strategy with her fellow attorneys during Preliminary Round 2. Saipan, CNMI –...

Supreme Court to Hold Appellate Arguments at Saipan High Schools

Saipan, CNMI – As part of its community outreach efforts, the Supreme Court will be holding appellate arguments at two high schools...

Supreme Court Reverses Trial Court Decision to Exclude Expert Witness

Saipan, CNMI – On December 31, the Supreme Court reversed a trial court decision that excluded expert witness testimony in the case of...

Collaborating for stronger families—Congressman Joel C. Camacho, Chairman of the Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee, discussed key issues in Family Court with Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee, and Law Clerk James Hallisey. (February 5, 2025)

On January 30, 2025, the second case, D.S. Corporation v. Long Feng Corporation, was argued before the Supreme Court at Kagman High School. Attorneys Juan Lizama and Steven Pixley appeared before Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice John A. Manglona, and Justice Perry B. Inos. The students engaged in a robust discussion with the Justices and attorneys about the judicial system and the Court's outreach programs after appellate arguments concluded.

On January 28, 2025, the Supreme Court held its first appellate argument of 2025 at Saipan Southern High School, presided over by Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice John A. Manglona, and Justice Perry B. Inos. The case Island Star International v. Feng Yu was argued by attorneys Richard Miller and Michael Dotts, who later joined the Justices in a Question-and-Answer session with the students.

From January 22 to February 6, 2025, Judiciary staff are participating in Part 1 of the 12-day Grants Certification Program, hosted by the Office of the Governor in collaboration with the Office of Grants Management & State Clearinghouse. Management Concepts of Washington, DC is conducting the two-part certification program to enhance participants’ expertise in grant management and administration.
From left: Mental Health Court Docket Manager Victoria Matsunaga, Program Specialist Gregorio Tudela, Grants Certification Program Instructor David Wickstrom, and Administrative Officer Maria Terlaje.

Farewell and heartfelt gratitude to Albert A. Hicking for 23 years of dedicated service to the Law Revision Commission. As Website and Office Manager, Albert's contributions have been instrumental in advancing the Commission's mission of keeping the CNMI informed through the publication of laws, rules, cases, and other legal authority. Wishing him all the best in his next chapter. (January 17, 2025)

Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul and engineer Raul M. Hidalgo meet with Judiciary representatives to discuss and inspect the modernized elevators at the Guma' Hustisia. (January 14, 2025)

On January 14, 2025, 13 international students from Korea, accompanied by their chaperones Ms. Min Kyung Kim and Ms. Sarah Lee of Bada Art Studio, visited Guma' Hustisia for a court tour led by Acting Director of Courts Matthew J. Brown and Program Specialist Gregorio U. Tudela.

On January 13, 2025, Justice John A. Manglona administered the oath of office to the newly elected State Board of Education members: Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong of Saipan, Anthony DLC Barcinas of Rota, and re-elected member Maisie B. Tenorio of Saipan. The ceremony took place at the Multipurpose Center in Susupe. Best wishes to the members as they perform their important work of making Students First! (photo courtesy of PSS)

Congratulations to the newly sworn-in members of the 20th Rota Municipal Council! The ceremony, held in the Supreme Court courtroom on January 13, 2025, was attended by the members' families, the Office of the Mayor, and members of the Rota Legislative Delegation. (From left) Senate President Dennis Mendiola, Senate Floor Leader Donald Manglona, Member Tillie Taimanao, Member Jonovan Lizama, Chief Justice Alexandro Castro, Member Sandra Masga, Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, and Attorney Oliver Manglona. The Supreme Court justices administered the oath of office.

Congratulations to the newly sworn-in members of the 18th Saipan and the Northern Islands Municipal Council! The ceremony, held in the Supreme Court courtroom on January 13, 2025, was attended by the members' families. (From left) Member Marian Dlg. Tudela, Member Antonia M. Tudela, and Member Carmen C. Pangelinan. Associate Justice Perry B. Inos administered the oath of office.

Congratulations to the newly sworn-in members of the 20th Tinian and Aguiguan Municipal Council! The ceremony, held in the Supreme Court courtroom on January 13, 2025, was attended by the members' families. (From left) Member Joseph E. Santos with spouse, Member Ana Marie C. San Nicolas with spouse, and Member Estevan P. Cabrera with spouse. Associate Justice Perry B. Inos administered the oath of office.

On January 9, 2025, the NMI Judiciary welcomed incoming legislators to Guma' Hustisia for the 11th Biennial Law and the Freshman Legislator Seminar. (Top row, from left) Magistrate Judge Heather L. Kennedy, Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Justice John A. Manglona, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice Perry B. Inos, Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, and Judge Joseph N. Camacho. (Bottom row, from left) Representative-elect Elias M. Rangamar (Saipan), Representative-elect Daniel I. Aquino Jr. (Saipan), Municipal Councilwoman Carmen C. Pangelinan (Saipan Municipal Council), Senator-elect Ronnie M. Calvo (Rota), and Representative-elect Raymond U. Palacios (Saipan).

On Friday, December 6, 2024, Marianas High School is crowned Champions for the second year in a row in the High School Moot Court Competition. Seniors Julia Taitano and Jia Nicdao accepted the perpetual trophy, Lady Hustisia, from Justice John A. Manglona and Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, alongside MHS Principal Melanie S. Rdiall, coach Stephen Woodruff, and Melisha San Nicolas of PSS Federal Programs Office.

On Friday, November 15, 2024, students and staff from Mount Carmel School visited Guma' Hustisia. The students were given a tour of several Judiciary divisions under the direction of Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho. They sat in a hearing with Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio and actively engaged in a Konbetsasion with Justice Perry B. Inos, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, and Supreme Court law clerks.

On Friday, November 15, 2024, students and staff from Mount Carmel School visited Guma' Hustisia. The students were given a tour of several Judiciary divisions under the direction of Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho. They sat in a hearing with Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio and actively engaged in a Konbetsasion with Justice Perry B. Inos, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, and Supreme Court law clerks.

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 fund status, 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 Division, 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 a strategic plan, including other federal funding sources, grant policies, reports and timelines, and budget and spending plan considerations. The forum also reviewed the Judiciary's financial workflow, highlighting overall obstacles and successes.

On Tuesday, October 22, 2024, Justice Sabrina Shizue McKenna of the Hawai‵i Supreme Court met with the women leaders of the Judiciary for a round table forum at the Pacific Islands Club. Justice McKenna, seated fifth from the left, spoke about the challenges, responsibilities, and support systems of women who hold leadership roles in the court system.

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

To commemorate October 2024 as Arbor Month, the Judiciary collaborated with CNMI Forestry to plant five native trees in front of Guma' Hustisia. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to enhance our green spaces within the Judiciary and beyond. Associate Justice John A. Manglona, ARPA Administrator Martha M. Standish, ARPA Administrative Officer Maria Terlaje, and Special Projects & Infrastructure Coordinator Bryan S. Bocago joined CNMI Forestry staff—from left: James Santos, Brian Somol, Pedro Tudela, Anson Olebuu, David Combs, and Mai Fred—to complete the planting and promote awareness of indigenous trees.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, the Drug Court team met with Rota government officials to discuss the Drug Court program and conducted outreach presentations to the Rota High School students. From left: Drug Court Division Manager Edward P. Diaz, Behavioral Health Specialist Jessica Barcinas, Case Worker Dolores B. Sablan, Municipal Council Chairman Jim Atalig, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Compliance Officer Kevin T. Royal, DPS Resident Director Edward Maratita, Rota Health Clinic Resident Director Vanessa Quitugua, and Municipal Council Secretary Jonovan Lizama.

Collaborating for stronger families—Congressman Joel C. Camacho, Chairman of the Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee, discussed key issues in Family Court with Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, General Counsel Hyun Jae Lee, and Law Clerk James Hallisey. (February 5, 2025)

On January 30, 2025, the second case, D.S. Corporation v. Long Feng Corporation, was argued before the Supreme Court at Kagman High School. Attorneys Juan Lizama and Steven Pixley appeared before Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice John A. Manglona, and Justice Perry B. Inos. The students engaged in a robust discussion with the Justices and attorneys about the judicial system and the Court's outreach programs after appellate arguments concluded.

On January 28, 2025, the Supreme Court held its first appellate argument of 2025 at Saipan Southern High School, presided over by Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice John A. Manglona, and Justice Perry B. Inos. The case Island Star International v. Feng Yu was argued by attorneys Richard Miller and Michael Dotts, who later joined the Justices in a Question-and-Answer session with the students.

From January 22 to February 6, 2025, Judiciary staff are participating in Part 1 of the 12-day Grants Certification Program, hosted by the Office of the Governor in collaboration with the Office of Grants Management & State Clearinghouse. Management Concepts of Washington, DC is conducting the two-part certification program to enhance participants’ expertise in grant management and administration.
From left: Mental Health Court Docket Manager Victoria Matsunaga, Program Specialist Gregorio Tudela, Grants Certification Program Instructor David Wickstrom, and Administrative Officer Maria Terlaje.

Farewell and heartfelt gratitude to Albert A. Hicking for 23 years of dedicated service to the Law Revision Commission. As Website and Office Manager, Albert's contributions have been instrumental in advancing the Commission's mission of keeping the CNMI informed through the publication of laws, rules, cases, and other legal authority. Wishing him all the best in his next chapter. (January 17, 2025)

Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul and engineer Raul M. Hidalgo meet with Judiciary representatives to discuss and inspect the modernized elevators at the Guma' Hustisia. (January 14, 2025)

On January 14, 2025, 13 international students from Korea, accompanied by their chaperones Ms. Min Kyung Kim and Ms. Sarah Lee of Bada Art Studio, visited Guma' Hustisia for a court tour led by Acting Director of Courts Matthew J. Brown and Program Specialist Gregorio U. Tudela.

On January 13, 2025, Justice John A. Manglona administered the oath of office to the newly elected State Board of Education members: Aschumar Kodep Ogumoro-Uludong of Saipan, Anthony DLC Barcinas of Rota, and re-elected member Maisie B. Tenorio of Saipan. The ceremony took place at the Multipurpose Center in Susupe. Best wishes to the members as they perform their important work of making Students First! (photo courtesy of PSS)

Congratulations to the newly sworn-in members of the 20th Rota Municipal Council! The ceremony, held in the Supreme Court courtroom on January 13, 2025, was attended by the members' families, the Office of the Mayor, and members of the Rota Legislative Delegation. (From left) Senate President Dennis Mendiola, Senate Floor Leader Donald Manglona, Member Tillie Taimanao, Member Jonovan Lizama, Chief Justice Alexandro Castro, Member Sandra Masga, Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog, and Attorney Oliver Manglona. The Supreme Court justices administered the oath of office.

Congratulations to the newly sworn-in members of the 18th Saipan and the Northern Islands Municipal Council! The ceremony, held in the Supreme Court courtroom on January 13, 2025, was attended by the members' families. (From left) Member Marian Dlg. Tudela, Member Antonia M. Tudela, and Member Carmen C. Pangelinan. Associate Justice Perry B. Inos administered the oath of office.

Congratulations to the newly sworn-in members of the 20th Tinian and Aguiguan Municipal Council! The ceremony, held in the Supreme Court courtroom on January 13, 2025, was attended by the members' families. (From left) Member Joseph E. Santos with spouse, Member Ana Marie C. San Nicolas with spouse, and Member Estevan P. Cabrera with spouse. Associate Justice Perry B. Inos administered the oath of office.

On January 9, 2025, the NMI Judiciary welcomed incoming legislators to Guma' Hustisia for the 11th Biennial Law and the Freshman Legislator Seminar. (Top row, from left) Magistrate Judge Heather L. Kennedy, Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Justice John A. Manglona, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice Perry B. Inos, Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, and Judge Joseph N. Camacho. (Bottom row, from left) Representative-elect Elias M. Rangamar (Saipan), Representative-elect Daniel I. Aquino Jr. (Saipan), Municipal Councilwoman Carmen C. Pangelinan (Saipan Municipal Council), Senator-elect Ronnie M. Calvo (Rota), and Representative-elect Raymond U. Palacios (Saipan).

On Friday, December 6, 2024, Marianas High School is crowned Champions for the second year in a row in the High School Moot Court Competition. Seniors Julia Taitano and Jia Nicdao accepted the perpetual trophy, Lady Hustisia, from Justice John A. Manglona and Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, alongside MHS Principal Melanie S. Rdiall, coach Stephen Woodruff, and Melisha San Nicolas of PSS Federal Programs Office.

On Friday, November 15, 2024, students and staff from Mount Carmel School visited Guma' Hustisia. The students were given a tour of several Judiciary divisions under the direction of Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho. They sat in a hearing with Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio and actively engaged in a Konbetsasion with Justice Perry B. Inos, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, and Supreme Court law clerks.

On Friday, November 15, 2024, students and staff from Mount Carmel School visited Guma' Hustisia. The students were given a tour of several Judiciary divisions under the direction of Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho. They sat in a hearing with Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio and actively engaged in a Konbetsasion with Justice Perry B. Inos, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, and Supreme Court law clerks.

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 fund status, 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 Division, 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 a strategic plan, including other federal funding sources, grant policies, reports and timelines, and budget and spending plan considerations. The forum also reviewed the Judiciary's financial workflow, highlighting overall obstacles and successes.

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

To commemorate October 2024 as Arbor Month, the Judiciary collaborated with CNMI Forestry to plant five native trees in front of Guma' Hustisia. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to enhance our green spaces within the Judiciary and beyond. Associate Justice John A. Manglona, ARPA Administrator Martha M. Standish, ARPA Administrative Officer Maria Terlaje, and Special Projects & Infrastructure Coordinator Bryan S. Bocago joined CNMI Forestry staff—from left: James Santos, Brian Somol, Pedro Tudela, Anson Olebuu, David Combs, and Mai Fred—to complete the planting and promote awareness of indigenous trees.

On Friday, October 4, 2024, the Drug Court team met with Rota government officials to discuss the Drug Court program and conducted outreach presentations to the Rota High School students. From left: Drug Court Division Manager Edward P. Diaz, Behavioral Health Specialist Jessica Barcinas, Case Worker Dolores B. Sablan, Municipal Council Chairman Jim Atalig, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Compliance Officer Kevin T. Royal, DPS Resident Director Edward Maratita, Rota Health Clinic Resident Director Vanessa Quitugua, and Municipal Council Secretary Jonovan Lizama.

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Law Revision Commission

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The Commission maintains the Commonwealth Code, Northern Mariana Islands Administrative Code, decisions of the CNMI Judiciary, and other related legal resources.

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About the Anniversary

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Moot Court & Mock Trial

35th Judiciary Anniversary (1989-2024) Information

In May 2024, the Northern Marianas Judiciary will commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Judicial Reorganization Act of 1989, which laid the foundation of the Commonwealth Supreme Court and the Superior Court.

From 1978 to 1989, the judicial branch was only comprised of the trial court, which heard exclusively cases that did not require a jury trial. The federal district court would assist in hearing local civil and criminal cases. The federal district court’s appellate division also heard appeals from the trial court and was comprised of a federal district court judge, a trial court judge, and another federal district judge assigned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.

Bulletin Board

Guma' Hustisia

2765 Tekking St., Susupe

P.O. Box 502165 ∙ Saipan, MP 96950

Tel: 670-236-9800

court.info@nmijudiciary.gov

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2024 Employee Recognition Awards

Supreme Court Award
(eCourt Project Committee Leader)

Judy T. Aldan

Clerk of the Supreme Court

Supreme Court Award
(eCourt Project Committee Leader)

Patrick V. Diaz

Clerk of the Superior Court

Supreme Court Award
(eCourt Project Committee Leader)

Mark G. Hidalgo

Data Systems Analyst

Chief Justice Award

Mary Bernadette C. Glass

Chamber Administrator

Associate Justices Award

Paige Lehman

Supreme Court Law Clerk

Associate Justices Award

Nathan M. Ford

Supreme Court Law Clerk

Superior Court Award

Delia C. Barcinas

Deputy Clerk

Superior Court Award

Brandon H. Delos Reyes

Deputy Clerk

Presiding Judge Award

Maria M. Tudela

Deputy Marshal II

Associate Judges Award

Mark G. Hidalgo

Data Systems Analyst

Court Administration Office

Christine D. Aninzo

Procurement Officer

Office of the General Counsel

Matthew J. Brown

Deputy General Counsel

Office of the Clerk of the Supreme Court

Micca B. King

ARPA Scanning Clerk

Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court

Elvira M. Quitugua

ARPA Scanning Clerk

Office of the Clerk of the Superior Court

Micca B. King

ARPA Scanning Clerk

Family Court Division

Adeline C. Tereyama

Family Court Service Specialist

Office of Adult Probation Supervision Office

Susan G. Cabrera

Assistant Probation Officer

Drug Court Division

Joy Kimiko T. Tenorio-Roppul

Case Worker I

Mental Health Court

Jonah B. Delos Reyes

Community Supervision Worker

Marshals Service Division

Jesus S. Santos

Deputy Marshal III

Commonwealth Recorder’s Office

Holly C. Camacho

Administrative Specialist

Human Resources Office

Tracy D. Limes

Client Services Navigator

Budget and Finance Office

Shanna Mae W. Flores

Accountant I

Grants Management Office

Holly C. Camacho

Administrative Specialist

Office of Procurement

Gregorio U. Tudela

Program Specialist

Information Systems Office

Frank Eli Vincent P. Camacho

Information System Support Specialist

Law Revision Commission

Rogelio N. Francia

Information System Specialist

ARPA Program

Bryan S. Bocago

Special Projects and Infrastructure Coordinator

Mock Trial High School Competition

The CNMI Mock Trial Program introduces students to the legal system through an engaging and academically challenging competition. It aims to enhance students’ critical thinking, public speaking skills, and understanding of the American justice system. In addition to teaching students about our legal system, the program encourages teachers and students to develop learning partnerships with professionals from the legal community.

Sponsored by the CNMI Judiciary, the CNMI Bar Association, and the Public School System, the program is supported by volunteers from the legal profession and schools. Volunteers from the Bar Association and participating schools coach and mentor students, while judges and attorneys dedicate their time to judge the various rounds of competition. Volunteers from the community also contribute their efforts in planning and organizing the event. The program’s success is built on the dedication of students, volunteers, and the generous support from local organizations, businesses, and individuals.

Nationally, the Mock Trial Championship was founded in 1984 in Des Moines, Iowa, and is now held annually across different states. Approximately 30,000 students from the U.S., Guam, South Korea, and the Northern Mariana Islands participate in local high school competitions, culminating in the top teams competing for the national title.

CNMI Mock Trial Competition

Guma' Hustisia, Saipan

February 20 - 21, 2025

National Mock Trial Competition

Phoenix, Arizona

May 7 - 10, 2025

Moot Court Competition

Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut

May 5 - 6, 2025

(2024 Champions - Marianas High School)

Moot Court Competition

University of California, Santa Barbara, California

March 1 - 2, 2025

(2024 Finalists - Mount Carmel School)

News & Notices

High School Mock Trial Competition Showcases Student Advocacy Skills

Supreme Court to Hold Appellate Arguments at Saipan High Schools

Supreme Court Reverses Trial Court Decision to Exclude Expert Witness

Need an Interpreter?

Law Revision Commission

Upcoming Events

2023-28 Strategic Plan

2023 Annual Report

35th Judiciary Anniversary (1989-2024) Information

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Supreme Court Award (eCourt Project Committee Leader)

Supreme Court Award (eCourt Project Committee Leader)

Supreme Court Award (eCourt Project Committee Leader)

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Associate Judges Award

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Mock Trial High School Competition

CNMI Mock Trial Competition

National Mock Trial Competition

Moot Court Competition

Moot Court Competition

Supreme Court Award
(eCourt Project Committee Leader)

Supreme Court Award
(eCourt Project Committee Leader)

Supreme Court Award
(eCourt Project Committee Leader)