Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court announced the key dates for its 2026 High School Moot Court Tournament, launching a competition designed to introduce students to appellate advocacy, legal reasoning, and public speaking. The tournament case materials will release on September 2, 2026. Students will receive a fictional trial court decision, supporting exhibits, and a collection of ten cases to develop their legal arguments. Registration will remain open through September 11.

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

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

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

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

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

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)