Supreme Court Reverses Trial Court on Land Claim from 1953
Saipan, CNMI – On June 28, 2024, the Supreme Court reversed the trial court’s judgment finding the Estate of Silvestre Rogolifoi...
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News & Notices
Joeten-Kiyu Public Library Reading Program Students Visit Guma’ Hustisia
Saipan, CNMI – Eighty students from Joeten-Kiyu Public Library visited Guma’ Hustisia on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. As part of the...
Supreme Court Reverses Trial Court in Family Business Dispute
Saipan, CNMI – On June 24, 2024, the Supreme Court reversed the trial court’s judgment finding Eun Soo Han (“Han”) liable to his...
On May 17, 2024, the Judiciary held a ceremony unveiling the official portraits of the Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Chief Justices. The portraits of the Supreme Court and Chief Justices are displayed in the Supreme Courtroom's foyer for public viewing.
The Palau Judiciary delegation visited Guma' Hustisia from May 7-9, 2024. NMI Judiciary’s division managers trained them on various court services. Pictured are Acting Director of Courts Matthew J. Brown, Palau Supreme Court Chamber Administrator Lue Dee D. Kotaro, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice Perry B. Inos, Palau Senior Computer Technician Knox O. Tkel, and Palau Budget Officer Ryobch W. Luii. (Not pictured is Palau Chief Probation Officer Richard Ngiratrang.)
Empowering Justice: Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio and Specialized Treatment Courts staff sharpened their skills at the Division of Youth Services - Child Protective Services Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training on May 10, 2024, at the Guma' Hustisia Assembly Hall.
Isabella Sablan and Reese Denise S. Zamora of Dandan Middle School proudly display their Certificates of Recognition at the Law Day Ceremony. Isabella and Reese respectively were awarded the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Awards in this year's Law Day Essay Contest on the theme of "Voices of Democracy."
In celebration of Law Day, the NMI Judiciary recognized the winners of the 14th Annual Law Day Essay and Poster Contest during the Law Day Ceremony in the Supreme Court courtroom on May 1, 2024. Pictured from left are winners of the Poster Contest: Honorable Mention Summer Jaydiss Seman Dela Cruz of Oleai Elementary School, Superior Court Awardee Vanity Paulus of Kagman Elementary School, Associate Judge Awardee Dakota Ilek of Kagman Elementary School, and Presiding Judge Awardee Fiona Yu of Saipan Community School.
On May 1, 2024, the Judiciary kicked off Treatment Court Month with a KKMP radio talk show. They discussed the inception of Drug Court and Mental Health Court Docket, successes of the two different programs, upcoming May events, and future plans to create four more treatment courts: Veterans, Juvenile, Family Treatment Court, and Reentry Court. The talk show featured KKMP Host Gordon Marciano, MHCD Manager Victoria Matsunaga, MHCD Treatment Coordinator Yvette Sablan, DCD Manager Edward Diaz, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, and Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds.
On April 26, 2024, the NMI Judiciary held its "Super Friday" Proclamation Ceremony in the Guma' Hustisia Atrium. Justice John A. Manglona (at the podium) introduced the Judiciary's 35th Anniversary and highlighted the Judiciary's future as engaged and forward-thinking courts. The event included signing of proclamations for the 35th Anniversary, Law Week, and Treatment Court Month.
On April 11 and 12, 2024, Geisla Barnes, State Policy Advisor of the Northwest Division, Bureau of Justice Assistance visited the NMI Judiciary. During her visit, Ms. Barnes discussed with Mental Health Court Docket staff the earmarked Byrnes Discretionary Grant for technical assistance to determine the viability of a Veterans Court docket in the CNMI.
In the photo is Ms. Geisla Barnes (center) with Acting MHCD Manager Yvette Sablan, Acting Director of Courts Matthew Brown, and Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro in the Supreme Court courtroom.
In the photo is Ms. Geisla Barnes (center) with Acting MHCD Manager Yvette Sablan, Acting Director of Courts Matthew Brown, and Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro in the Supreme Court courtroom.
On March 11, 2024, women leaders from the Judiciary discussed their roles and academic journeys with the students at Marianas High School as part of Women’s Month. The event also included a Kombetsasion with Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, and Chief Judge Ramona V. Mangloña of the NMI District Court, moderated by NMI Bar Association President Charity R. Hodson.
On March 21, 2024, the NMI Judiciary celebrated its 35th Anniversary by hosting a Konbetsasion: Understanding the Covenant, partnering with the Judiciary Historical Society and Northern Marianas College. Panelists included Manuel A. Sablan and Pedro A. Tenorio—negotiators from the Marianas Political Status Commission, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, and Assistant Attorney General Rellani B. Ogumoro. The discussion was moderated by NMC President Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero.
In honor of CNMI Women's Month, the Judiciary recognizes Superior Court Associate Judge Lillian A. Tenorio (left) and Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio (right) as the two women currently serving the Commonwealth as members of the bench. Judges Kim-Tenorio and Tenorio mark the third and fourth instances of women appointed to the Superior Court in its 35-year history. (March 13, 2024)
From left: Rota Municipal Council Jim M. Atalig, Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho, Mayor of Rota Aubry M. Hocog and Deputy Marshal Sherla Sablan following a meeting at the Rota Mayor's Office about services at the Rota Centron Hustisia. (January 10, 2024)
On May 17, 2024, the Judiciary held a ceremony unveiling the official portraits of the Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Chief Justices. The portraits of the Supreme Court and Chief Justices are displayed in the Supreme Courtroom's foyer for public viewing.
The Palau Judiciary delegation visited Guma' Hustisia from May 7-9, 2024. NMI Judiciary’s division managers trained them on various court services. Pictured are Acting Director of Courts Matthew J. Brown, Palau Supreme Court Chamber Administrator Lue Dee D. Kotaro, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice Perry B. Inos, Palau Senior Computer Technician Knox O. Tkel, and Palau Budget Officer Ryobch W. Luii. (Not pictured is Palau Chief Probation Officer Richard Ngiratrang.)
Empowering Justice: Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio and Specialized Treatment Courts staff sharpened their skills at the Division of Youth Services - Child Protective Services Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training on May 10, 2024, at the Guma' Hustisia Assembly Hall.
Isabella Sablan and Reese Denise S. Zamora of Dandan Middle School proudly display their Certificates of Recognition at the Law Day Ceremony. Isabella and Reese respectively were awarded the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Awards in this year's Law Day Essay Contest on the theme of "Voices of Democracy."
In celebration of Law Day, the NMI Judiciary recognized the winners of the 14th Annual Law Day Essay and Poster Contest during the Law Day Ceremony in the Supreme Court courtroom on May 1, 2024. Pictured from left are winners of the Poster Contest: Honorable Mention Summer Jaydiss Seman Dela Cruz of Oleai Elementary School, Superior Court Awardee Vanity Paulus of Kagman Elementary School, Associate Judge Awardee Dakota Ilek of Kagman Elementary School, and Presiding Judge Awardee Fiona Yu of Saipan Community School.
On May 1, 2024, the Judiciary kicked off Treatment Court Month with a KKMP radio talk show. They discussed the inception of Drug Court and Mental Health Court Docket, successes of the two different programs, upcoming May events, and future plans to create four more treatment courts: Veterans, Juvenile, Family Treatment Court, and Reentry Court. The talk show featured KKMP Host Gordon Marciano, MHCD Manager Victoria Matsunaga, MHCD Treatment Coordinator Yvette Sablan, DCD Manager Edward Diaz, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, and Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds.
On April 26, 2024, the NMI Judiciary held its "Super Friday" Proclamation Ceremony in the Guma' Hustisia Atrium. Justice John A. Manglona (at the podium) introduced the Judiciary's 35th Anniversary and highlighted the Judiciary's future as engaged and forward-thinking courts. The event included signing of proclamations for the 35th Anniversary, Law Week, and Treatment Court Month.
On April 11 and 12, 2024, Geisla Barnes, State Policy Advisor of the Northwest Division, Bureau of Justice Assistance visited the NMI Judiciary. During her visit, Ms. Barnes discussed with Mental Health Court Docket staff the earmarked Byrnes Discretionary Grant for technical assistance to determine the viability of a Veterans Court docket in the CNMI.
In the photo is Ms. Geisla Barnes (center) with Acting MHCD Manager Yvette Sablan, Acting Director of Courts Matthew Brown, and Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro in the Supreme Court courtroom.
In the photo is Ms. Geisla Barnes (center) with Acting MHCD Manager Yvette Sablan, Acting Director of Courts Matthew Brown, and Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro in the Supreme Court courtroom.
On March 11, 2024, women leaders from the Judiciary discussed their roles and academic journeys with the students at Marianas High School as part of Women’s Month. The event also included a Kombetsasion with Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, and Chief Judge Ramona V. Mangloña of the NMI District Court, moderated by NMI Bar Association President Charity R. Hodson.
On March 21, 2024, the NMI Judiciary celebrated its 35th Anniversary by hosting a Konbetsasion: Understanding the Covenant, partnering with the Judiciary Historical Society and Northern Marianas College. Panelists included Manuel A. Sablan and Pedro A. Tenorio—negotiators from the Marianas Political Status Commission, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, and Assistant Attorney General Rellani B. Ogumoro. The discussion was moderated by NMC President Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero.
In honor of CNMI Women's Month, the Judiciary recognizes Superior Court Associate Judge Lillian A. Tenorio (left) and Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio (right) as the two women currently serving the Commonwealth as members of the bench. Judges Kim-Tenorio and Tenorio mark the third and fourth instances of women appointed to the Superior Court in its 35-year history. (March 13, 2024)
From left: Rota Municipal Council Jim M. Atalig, Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho, Mayor of Rota Aubry M. Hocog and Deputy Marshal Sherla Sablan following a meeting at the Rota Mayor's Office about services at the Rota Centron Hustisia. (January 10, 2024)
On May 17, 2024, the Judiciary held a ceremony unveiling the official portraits of the Supreme Court, Superior Court, and Chief Justices. The portraits of the Supreme Court and Chief Justices are displayed in the Supreme Courtroom's foyer for public viewing.
The Palau Judiciary delegation visited Guma' Hustisia from May 7-9, 2024. NMI Judiciary’s division managers trained them on various court services. Pictured are Acting Director of Courts Matthew J. Brown, Palau Supreme Court Chamber Administrator Lue Dee D. Kotaro, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice Perry B. Inos, Palau Senior Computer Technician Knox O. Tkel, and Palau Budget Officer Ryobch W. Luii. (Not pictured is Palau Chief Probation Officer Richard Ngiratrang.)
Empowering Justice: Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio and Specialized Treatment Courts staff sharpened their skills at the Division of Youth Services - Child Protective Services Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training on May 10, 2024, at the Guma' Hustisia Assembly Hall.
Isabella Sablan and Reese Denise S. Zamora of Dandan Middle School proudly display their Certificates of Recognition at the Law Day Ceremony. Isabella and Reese respectively were awarded the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Awards in this year's Law Day Essay Contest on the theme of "Voices of Democracy."
In celebration of Law Day, the NMI Judiciary recognized the winners of the 14th Annual Law Day Essay and Poster Contest during the Law Day Ceremony in the Supreme Court courtroom on May 1, 2024. Pictured from left are winners of the Poster Contest: Honorable Mention Summer Jaydiss Seman Dela Cruz of Oleai Elementary School, Superior Court Awardee Vanity Paulus of Kagman Elementary School, Associate Judge Awardee Dakota Ilek of Kagman Elementary School, and Presiding Judge Awardee Fiona Yu of Saipan Community School.
On May 1, 2024, the Judiciary kicked off Treatment Court Month with a KKMP radio talk show. They discussed the inception of Drug Court and Mental Health Court Docket, successes of the two different programs, upcoming May events, and future plans to create four more treatment courts: Veterans, Juvenile, Family Treatment Court, and Reentry Court. The talk show featured KKMP Host Gordon Marciano, MHCD Manager Victoria Matsunaga, MHCD Treatment Coordinator Yvette Sablan, DCD Manager Edward Diaz, Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, and Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds.
On April 26, 2024, the NMI Judiciary held its "Super Friday" Proclamation Ceremony in the Guma' Hustisia Atrium. Justice John A. Manglona (at the podium) introduced the Judiciary's 35th Anniversary and highlighted the Judiciary's future as engaged and forward-thinking courts. The event included signing of proclamations for the 35th Anniversary, Law Week, and Treatment Court Month.
On April 11 and 12, 2024, Geisla Barnes, State Policy Advisor of the Northwest Division, Bureau of Justice Assistance visited the NMI Judiciary. During her visit, Ms. Barnes discussed with Mental Health Court Docket staff the earmarked Byrnes Discretionary Grant for technical assistance to determine the viability of a Veterans Court docket in the CNMI.
In the photo is Ms. Geisla Barnes (center) with Acting MHCD Manager Yvette Sablan, Acting Director of Courts Matthew Brown, and Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro in the Supreme Court courtroom.
In the photo is Ms. Geisla Barnes (center) with Acting MHCD Manager Yvette Sablan, Acting Director of Courts Matthew Brown, and Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro in the Supreme Court courtroom.
On March 11, 2024, women leaders from the Judiciary discussed their roles and academic journeys with the students at Marianas High School as part of Women’s Month. The event also included a Kombetsasion with Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, and Chief Judge Ramona V. Mangloña of the NMI District Court, moderated by NMI Bar Association President Charity R. Hodson.
On March 21, 2024, the NMI Judiciary celebrated its 35th Anniversary by hosting a Konbetsasion: Understanding the Covenant, partnering with the Judiciary Historical Society and Northern Marianas College. Panelists included Manuel A. Sablan and Pedro A. Tenorio—negotiators from the Marianas Political Status Commission, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, and Assistant Attorney General Rellani B. Ogumoro. The discussion was moderated by NMC President Dr. Galvin S. Deleon Guerrero.
In honor of CNMI Women's Month, the Judiciary recognizes Superior Court Associate Judge Lillian A. Tenorio (left) and Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio (right) as the two women currently serving the Commonwealth as members of the bench. Judges Kim-Tenorio and Tenorio mark the third and fourth instances of women appointed to the Superior Court in its 35-year history. (March 13, 2024)
From left: Rota Municipal Council Jim M. Atalig, Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho, Mayor of Rota Aubry M. Hocog and Deputy Marshal Sherla Sablan following a meeting at the Rota Mayor's Office about services at the Rota Centron Hustisia. (January 10, 2024)
About the Judiciary Summer Pre-Law Program
The Supreme Court will be conducting the Judiciary Summer Pre-Law Program in June–July 2025. The Pre-Law Program provides participants with the opportunity to experience the academic life of a first-year law student. Law professors will teach two introductory law courses and participants will compete in a simulated appellate argument. The program takes place every weekday morning for three weeks in June and July and is designed for current undergraduate students or recent graduates. Participants will work individually and in small groups to study class materials, research and write legal briefs, and present oral arguments to attorneys. Each participant will be connected with an attorney-mentor for the duration of the program, many of whom are past participants.
Since its inception in 1991, the successful pre-law program has had 35 participants obtain their juris doctor degree in law schools across the nation, and most have returned to the Northern Marianas to work as prosecutors, defense counsels, private practitioners, and judges. The intensive pre-law program is conducted every three to five years—the last one was held in June 2022 with 19 participants.
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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.
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Guma' Hustisia
765 Tekking St., Susupe
P.O. Box 502165 ∙ Saipan, MP 96950
Tel: 670-236-9800
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