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

(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

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

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, 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

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

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

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

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

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)

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,

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

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,

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.

Saipan, CNMI – Two moot court teams represented the Commonwealth in the National Association of Moot Court tournament in Washington, D.C. on March 21-22. The teams were comprised of four Marianas High School students: Ricky Tang, Steven Lian, Montrey Germance, and Ainsley Ancheta. Ainsley Ancheta and Montrey Germance receive their Octo-finalist award Ricky Tang and Steven Lian were the 2025 CNMI Supreme Court Moot Court Champions, while Montrey Germance and Ainsley Anc

Saipan, CNMI – March 24, 2026 marked the fiftieth anniversary since President Gerald R. Ford signed into law the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States. To commemorate this historic day, members of the bench engaged in public outreach events that explored the Covenant’s continuing significance. Justice John A. Manglona and Judge Lillian Ada Tenorio both participated in a panel discussion alongside US Dis

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