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Scenic drive and towering cliffs of northern Saipan.
Video courtesy of
Rommel Buenaflor


Reopening of Judiciary Facilities – Guma' Hustisia
On July 7, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0029-MSC, In Re Reopening of Judiciary Facilities. The Guma' Hustisia will resume normal business hours on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Kotten Tinian and Rota Centron Hustisia will remain closed until further notice. 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 Tele


Closure of Judiciary Facilities
On July 3, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0028-MSC, In Re Closure of Judiciary Facilities due to Typhoon Bavi. All Judiciary facilities shall be closed from Monday, July 6, 2026, until further notice. 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


Supreme Court Affirms Inverse Condemnation Claim Against CUC
Saipan, CNMI – On June 30th, the Supreme Court upheld a Superior Court determination that an inverse condemnation claim against the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation was timely under the statute of limitations. In Sablan v. Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, Conrad M. Sablan alleged that CUC built a water tank and pump station in 1991 on family land in the Sadog Tasi area of Saipan, without paying compensation. The Court held a claim does not accrue until the landowner reas


NMI and Guam Supreme Court Jointly Sign Attorney Reciprocity Orders
Saipan, CNMI and Guam, USA – Yesterday, June 24, 2026, the Supreme Court of Guam and the Supreme Court of the Northern Mariana Islands signed reciprocity agreements, allowing lawyers licensed to practice law in Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to practice in either jurisdiction without having to sit for an additional bar exam. PJC President and Guam Justice Robert J. Torres, Jr., signing the reciprocity agreement. Each high court has adopted its own ve


Judiciary Mourns the Passing of Employee Bryan S. Bocago
Saipan, CNMI – The NMI Judiciary is saddened by the passing of a valued employee, Special Projects and Infrastructure Coordinator Bryan Sablan Bocago, on June 6, 2026. Florence C. Sablan, mother of Bryan S. Bocago, shares reflections and expresses her gratitude to Judiciary staff. Also shown, from left, are Judge Joey P. San Nicolas, Judge Lillian A. Tenorio, Justice John A. Manglona, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice Roberto C. Naraja, Presiding Judge Joseph N. Cama


U.S. Probation Office Conducts Workshop on MILO Range Shooting Simulator
Saipan, CNMI – On June 12, 2026, the U.S. Probation Office conducted the “4th Annual Shooting Competition Workshop” featuring hands-on training with its advanced MILO Range shooting simulator. Held at the Guma’ Hustisia and coordinated by the NMI Judiciary Office of Adult Probation Supervision, the workshop was led by U.S. Probation Officers Gregory Arriola, Ricardo Leon Guerrero, and Timothy Rabago. The workshop incorporated the use of the state-of-the-art MILO Range, allowi


Supreme Court Affirms Allocation of Damages from Tottotville Construction
Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court issued an opinion clarifying when a party’s liability is considered “extinguished” and reaffirming the right of a co-defendant to seek contribution after paying more than its share of the joint obligation The dispute arises from defects in the Tottotville housing project, where Telesource CNMI, Inc. (“Telesource) and SSFM International, Inc. (“SSFM”), were found jointly liable through arbitration for approximately $5.4 million in damages owe


Supreme Court Hears Three Cases in Second Quarter Appellate Session
(From left) Justice John A. Manglona, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, and Justice Pro Tempore Robert J. Torres presided over the proceedings in Commonwealth v. Abraczinskas.(May 28, 2026) Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in three cases last week during its May 2026 appellate session at the Guma' Hustisia. The session marked the Court’s first arguments since Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which had suspended court operations in April. Prosecutor Frances Demap


Judiciary Recognizes Employee Achievement
Saipan, CNMI – The Judiciary proudly congratulates Grants Manager Gregorio U. Tudela on receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. Tudela began his undergraduate journey in July 2021, shortly before joining the Judiciary as an Administrative Specialist in August 2021. He earned an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice in August 2023. Since then, he continued pursuing higher education while maintaining full-time employment, demons


May 26, 2026 - Resumption of Normal Business Hours for the Guma' Hustisia
On May 26, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0025-MSC, In Re Resumption of Normal Business Hours for the Guma’ Hustisia. With electrical service restored and full operations resumed, the Guma’ Hustisia returns to normal business hours effective today. The Budget and Finance Office and Cashier’s Office will be open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For court information, please visit the J


Rota Centron Hustisia Still Not Connected to Island Power
Rota, CNMI – Power restoration efforts are underway at the Rota Centron Hustisia following the damage caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. During the typhoon, strong winds toppled a termite-infested power pole, which in turn pulled down the attached metal weatherhead pole servicing the building. The Centron Hustisia remains one of the last facilities on Rota to be connected to island power. The Judiciary has retained a contractor to complete the necessary repairs. Work is curre


May 3, 2026 - Reopening of the Guma' Hustisia Following Generator Repairs
On May 3, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0013-MSC, In Re Reopening of the Guma' Hustisia Following Generator Repairs. Guma' Hustisia is OPEN to the public for so long as the generator is operational and for limited purposes, including bail, family protection, emergency, time-sensitive, and selected criminal matters. It is further ORDERED that the Budget and Finance/Cashier’s Office shall be open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Updates will be pr


April 30, 2026 - Extension of Filing Deadlines, Fees, and Fines Following Super Typhoon Sinlaku
On April 30, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0012-MSC, In Re Extension of Filing Deadlines, Fees, and Fines Following Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Superior Court deadlines for making filings and paying fees and fines are hereby MOVED to May 22, 2026, unless the judge presiding orders otherwise. Supreme Court deadlines remain unchanged. Updates will be provided as available. Please visit the Judiciary’s website at www.NMIJudiciary.gov for court infor


April 26, 2026 - Temporary Closure of Guma' Hustisia
On April 26, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0011-MSC, In Re Temporary Closure of Guma' Hustisia. Guma' Hustisia is CLOSED on Monday, April 27, 2026, until further order, due to a breakdown of the facility generator and loss of power, making the building unsuitable for normal operations. Only emergency and essential services will be handled by designated judiciary personnel. All provisions of Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0009-MSC remain i


April 24, 2026 - Temporary Closure of Guma' Hustisia
On April 24, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0010-MSC, In Re Temporary Closure of Guma' Hustisia. Guma' Hustisia is CLOSED on Friday, April 24, 2026, due to a generator failure and loss of power, making the building unsuitable for normal operations. Only emergency and essential services will be handled by designated judiciary personnel. All provisions of Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0009-MSC remain in effect. Updates will be provided as a


Law Week (April 27 - May 1, 2026) Events Cancelled
Due to damages sustained from Super Typhoon Sinlaku and ongoing recovery efforts, the following events are CANCELLED Joint Proclamation Signing for Law Week and Treatment Court Month (April 24, 2026) Law Week Essay and Poster Awards Presentation (April 24, 2026) Justices and Judges in the Classroom (by appointment) Bar Admission Ceremony (May 8, 2026)


Judiciary Partially Reopens Following Super Typhoon Sinlaku
Saipan, CNMI – In response to the impact of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0008-MSC on April 13, 2026, temporarily closing all Judiciary facilities. To continue performing essential judicial functions and safeguarding the public’s rights, the Judiciary partially restored operations as of Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Judiciary facilities are now open on a limited basis to address bail, family protection, emergency, time-sensitive,


Judiciary Facilities Closure Due to Typhoon Sinlaku (Update)
On April 13, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0008-MSC, In Re the Closure of Judiciary Facilities due to Super Typhoon Sinlaku . All Judiciary facilities will remain closed until further order. Updates will be provided as available. Please visit the Judiciary’s website at www.NMIJudiciary.gov for court information. For additional information or inquiries, contact: Judy T. Aldan, Esq. Clerk of Court, Supreme Court Telephone: (670) 236-9716 Emai


Judiciary Facilities Closure Due to Typhoon Sinlaku
On April 11, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM-0007-MSC, In Re the Closure of Judiciary Facilities due to Typhoon Sinlaku. All Judiciary facilities will be closed on Monday, April 13, 2026 due to the anticipated threat of Typhoon Sinlaku. Updates will be provided as available. Please visit the Judiciary’s website at www.NMIJudiciary.gov for court information. For additional information or inquiries, contact: Judy T. Aldan, Esq. Clerk of Court,


Judiciary and Journal Technologies Review eCourt system
Saipan, CNMI – In May 2025, the Judiciary and Journal Technologies launched the much-anticipated eCourt platform to support judicial efficiency and transparency. Almost a year later this March, Journal Technologies Senior Account Executive Jason Cribbs met with members of the Judiciary eCourt Committee to evaluate the performance of the new platform and to discuss ways to further enhance digital case management and court services. The Judiciary team included Justice John A.
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