News & Notices

Law Week and Treatment Court Month Off to a Strong Start

Saipan, CNMI – The Judiciary commemorated Law Week and Treatment Court Month with a special dual ceremony held on April 25, 2025, at...

Marianas High Represents NMI at Yale Moot Court Competition

Seniors Jia Ross Nicdao and Julia Taitano at Yale University’s campus. Saipan, CNMI – Marianas High School seniors Julia Taitano and Jia...

Supreme Court Affirms Dismissal of Lawsuit Stemming from Probate

Saipan, CNMI – On March 27, the Supreme Court affirmed the dismissal of the Bank of Saipan’s lawsuit against Jane Ohry. The Bank sought...

The NMI hosted a joint proclamation signing with Guam in celebration of Law Week, which will be April 28–May 2, 2025. Governor Arnold I. Palacios, Senate President Dennis C. Mendiola, and House Speaker Edmund Villagomez joined Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice John A. Mangloña, Justice Perry B. Inos, Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, and Judge Lillian A. Tenorio in the Supreme Court courtroom of Guma' Hustisia. Appearing virtually from Guam were Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero, Lieutenant Governor Joshua F. Tenorio, Speaker Frank F. Blas, Jr., and Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, Jr.. The proclamation celebrates the theme “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One” and the leaders from all three branches elaborated on what this means to them. (April 3, 2025)

On March 31, 2025, members of Marianas High School's Mock Trial team accepted the Perpetual Trophy at Guma' Hustisia to display on their campus for the next year.

Angelica Calvo holds her award, Best Prosecution Attorney, Honorable Mention at Guma' Hustisia on March 31, 2025

On March 20, 2025, Jeffrey Atalig of Kagman High School received the Best Prosecution Attorney, Honorable Mention Award, which he earned at the 2025 High School Mock Trial competition.

The Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Committee welcomed Lieutenant Governor David M. Apatang to a biweekly meeting earlier this month to discuss progress on the CJIS project. The Committee, which includes representatives from the Criminal Justice Planning Agency, NMI Judiciary, Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, and other partner agencies, has been diligently meeting for the past year. The primary objective of the CJIS project is to integrate criminal justice agencies across the CNMI to provide efficient, secure, and timely information sharing. Since being awarded a $1 million dollar grant in September 2024 from the Department of Justice, the CJIS Committee has focused on planning the usage of these funds to create a shared database among local agencies.

JUSTICES AND JUDGES IN THE CLASSROOM PROGRAM

On February 27, 2025, Judge Joseph N. Camacho visited Green Meadow School, where he engaged in discussion with the students about the Judiciary's annual school outreach program. The students had a wonderful time, especially when they were given the opportunity to hold Judge Camacho's 10-pound stainless steel gavel!

Sixth graders at Hopwood Middle School welcomed Law Clerk Paige Lehman on March 4, 2025 for a discussion about her career as a lawyer, the local court system, and the protections guaranteed in the Constitution. The presentation is part of the Supreme Court's annual school outreach leading up to Law Week in May.

RAISING AWARENESS ON TEEN DATING VIOLENCE

On February 28, 2025, Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio and Family Court Division Manager Roxanne Torres presented on Temporary Restraining Orders and their impact on teens at Marianas High School. The presentation was part of a broader effort to raise awareness during Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of healthy relationships and educating students on the available legal protections.

MARCH IS CNMI WOMEN'S MONTH!

Judiciary staff attended the 2025 CNMI Women’s Month & International Women’s Day Proclamation Signing on February 26, 2025, hosted by the Women’s Affairs Office. The event also marked the 40th anniversary of the office, celebrating the themes “Moving forward together! Women educating & inspiring generations!” and “Accelerate Action for Rights, Equality, & Empowerment for ALL women and girls.” Attendees from the Judiciary included Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio, Director of Courts Sonia A. Camacho, Mental Health Court Docket Manager Victoria Matsunaga, Case Worker I Tiffany Yokoyama-Lizama, Community Supervision Worker Scottie Aguon, Client Services Navigator Maria G. Terlaje, and Deputy Marshal III Jesus S. Santos.

Congratulations to Budget and Finance Director John T. Villagomez, who recently won two gold medals at the 2025 Marianas Pro Tokyo Gi Tournament in Tokyo, Japan. Participating athletes compete to showcase their technical and strategic skill as jiu-jitsu practitioners. Representing Saipan Submissions gym, Villagomez competed in the Male Master 30 White Light and Male Master 30 White Open weight divisions. The tournament attracted over 300 competitors from across the globe. (February 8, 2025).

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 March 31, 2025, members of Marianas High School's Mock Trial team accepted the Perpetual Trophy at Guma' Hustisia to display on their campus for the next year.

Angelica Calvo holds her award, Best Prosecution Attorney, Honorable Mention at Guma' Hustisia on March 31, 2025

On March 20, 2025, Jeffrey Atalig of Kagman High School received the Best Prosecution Attorney, Honorable Mention Award, which he earned at the 2025 High School Mock Trial competition.

About the Anniversary

Hustisia Award

Konbetsasion: Covenant

Court Tours

Justices & Judges in the Classroom

Law Week Proclamation

Law Day Essay and Poster Contest

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.

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)

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Judicial Branch

Mon, Apr 28
Supreme Court Appellate Sessions
Learn more
Apr 28, 2025, 10:00 AM – Apr 29, 2025, 5:00 PM
Susupe, 5P54+RGJ, Beach Rd, Susupe, Saipan 96950, CNMI
Fri, May 02
38th Annual Attorney General's Cup Speech Competition
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May 02, 2025, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Susupe, 5P54+RGJ, Beach Rd, Susupe, Saipan 96950, CNMI
Wed, May 07
National Mock Trial Competition
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May 07, 2025, 8:00 AM – May 10, 2025, 5:00 PM
Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Mon, May 26
Memorial Day
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May 26, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Susupe, 5P54+RGJ, Beach Rd, Susupe, Saipan 96950, CNMI
Tue, May 27
Supreme Court Appellate Sessions
Learn more
May 27, 2025, 8:00 AM – May 28, 2025, 5:00 PM
Susupe, 5P54+RGJ, Beach Rd, Susupe, Saipan 96950, CNMI