Saipan, CNMI  – The Supreme Court issued an opinion in Commonwealth v. Rangamar  today addressing how the Commonwealth’s judicial recusal statute applies in cases involving specialty courts. Sergio Rangamar was convicted after a bench trial of one count of assault and battery, one count of assault, and two counts of disturbing the peace. During the trial, one of the prosecution’s principal witnesses was participating in the Drug Court program, where she appeared regularly bef

Saipan, CNMI  – Last Friday, the Supreme Court issued an opinion in In Re Estate of Kapileo  affirming the Superior Court’s determination that Sarah Kapileo (“Sarah”) was not the heir of Francisco Kapileo. Sarah is a child of Francisco’s ex-wife, Rungthip Sartklang Kapileo, born during the marriage. Sarah, a minor at the time, was ordered by the court to undergo a DNA test to resolve allegations about her paternity. DNA test results revealed that she was not a child of Franci

Saipan, CNMI – On March 11, 2026, members of the CNMI America250 Commission met with the Judiciary leadership at the Guma’ Hustisia to discuss the Commission’s upcoming podcast project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Covenant. Attendees included Commission Chairman Leo Pangelinan, Vice Chair and Senator Corina Magofna, Podcast Project Lead Grace Naputi, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice John A. Manglona, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, and Director of Courts Son

Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands has affirmed a Superior Court’s decision upholding the Commonwealth Zoning Board’s approval of a conditional use permit for Atkins Kroll Saipan, Inc. to construct and operate a car dealership and vehicle repair facility in Puerto Rico, Saipan.   The appeal was filed by ANAKS Ocean View Hill Saipan Homeowners’ Association, Ltd., which represents residents living near the proposed project site

Saipan, CNMI – T he National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Court Statistics Project (CSP) recently recognized the NMI Superior Court with its annual Data Reporting Excellence Award. The Superior Court was selected for the honor based on the improvement in quantity and quality of its reported caseload data. Former Clerk of the Superior Court Patrick V. Diaz (center) and Acting Clerk of Court Novelyn A. Wania-Tenorio (fourth from left) with Superior Court staff members. Cover

Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court’s proposed amendment to the NMI Rules of Attorney Discipline and Procedure that will create confidentiality for attorneys who voluntarily participate in a Lawyer Assistance Program has recently taken effect.  New Rule 5(d) encourages attorneys to seek assistance for substance use disorders, stress, mental health issues, and other challenges. The rule protects an attorney’s confidentiality and immunity. The Lawyer Assistance Program will be ma