Saipan, CNMI – In In re Commonwealth (R.J.K.S.), the Supreme Court affirmed the juvenile court’s acceptance of a guilty plea of a sixteen-year-old defendant to second-degree murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, and aggravated assault and battery. The defendant pled guilty before the preliminary hearing. The Commonwealth objected, stating it had intended to seek the court’s permission to proceed against the defendant in an adult criminal proceeding. The juvenile court esta

Saipan, CNMI – On August 4, 2026, Marianas High School (MHS) held its summer Mock Trial program at the Guma’ Hustisia to offer students a valuable platform to practice their legal skills in a realistic courtroom scenario. Organized by the MHS Mock Trial Team, the program gave students the rare chance to step away from the traditional classroom and bring lessons to life. Teacher-coaches Jacoby Winkfield and Robyn Spaeth guided the students through every stage of trial preparat

Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court upheld the heirship determination for Dolores Sablan Mendiola (“Dolores”) and reversed that of Annette P. Cruz (“Annette”). Both claimed to have been adopted by Anunciacion Mendiola Camacho Magofna (“Magofna”) through poksai, a Chamorro customary practice. In In re Estate of Magofna, the Supreme Court held that neither Dolores’ earlier statutory adoption by Magofna’s parents nor Dolores’ later claim of poksai adoption by Magofna’s sister preve

On July 27, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0031-MSC, In Re Reopening of Rota Centron Hustisia. The Rota Centron Hustisia will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. For court information, please visit the Judiciary’s website at www.NMIJudiciary.gov. For additional information or inquiries, contact: Judy T. Aldan, Esq. Clerk of Court, Supreme Court Telephone: (670) 236-9716 Email: Judy.Aldan@NMIJudiciary.gov or Supreme.Court

Saipan, CNMI – In In re Myers, the Supreme Court reversed the trial court’s dismissal of a complaint alleging that Robert H. Myers, Jr. (“Myers”) engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. While suspended from the practice of law, Myers held himself out as an attorney and provided legal advice. The Disciplinary Committee of the CNMI Bar Association subsequently brought an action against him for practicing law without a license. Myers moved to dismiss, arguing that the Disci

On July 8, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0030-MSC, In Re Reopening of Kotten Tinian Following Typhoon Bavi. The Kotten Tinian will resume normal business hours on Thursday, July 9, 2026 For court information, please visit the Judiciary’s website at www.NMIJudiciary.gov. For additional information or inquiries, contact: Judy T. Aldan, Esq. Clerk of Court, Supreme Court Telephone: (670) 236-9716 Email: Judy.Aldan@NMIJudiciary.gov or Supreme.Co