Lisa Phair (back row, 2nd from left) at the 2022 Judiciary Pre-Law graduation. Saipan, CNMI – Lisa Phair graduated from Syracuse University College of Law in August 2025 with a Juris Doctor through its ABA-approved JDinteractive program, which combines real-time, live online class sessions with self-paced instruction, short on-campus courses, and experiential learning opportunities.  During her time in the program, she participated in global learning opportunities in Washing

Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court denied the Attorney General’s petition for a writ of mandamus. The Attorney General, on behalf of the Commonwealth, had been prosecuting Willie Carnell Frink for an alleged sexual assault. After the finding of probable cause against Frink, the trial court quashed the warrant originally used to arrest Frink and required a new arrest warrant. Additionally, the trial court ordered the Commonwealth to personally serve the order finding probable c

Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court issued its opinion in Macaranas v. Macaranas , reversing the trial court’s finding of criminal contempt due to a violation of the defendant’s constitutional due process right to counsel. The charge of contempt arose from a violation of an order of protection.     The trial court held Guy Macaranas in criminal contempt after he failed to make child support payments, made contact with Nao Macaranas outside the scope allowed by the order of pro

Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court issued its opinion in Shon v. Choo , reversing the Superior Court’s decision to bar a quiet title action on the basis of laches, a doctrine which prevents a plaintiff from bringing suit after too much time has passed. The case concerns a disputed transfer of leasehold property in As Matuis, Saipan, that occurred after forged documents conveyed the leasehold without the leaseholder’s knowledge.   The Superior Court found that although the trans

On December 22, 2025, the Supreme Court issued AMENDED Administrative Order No. 2025-ADM-0017-MSC, which closed Judiciary facilities on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, Friday, December 26, 2025, and Friday, January 2, 2026. E-filing portals (File and ServeXpress, eRecording, and eCourt) will remain open during the holidays. Bail, family protection, emergency, and time-sensitive matters may be set consistent with applicable rules. Judiciary personnel may be activated for emergen

Saipan, CNMI – It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of former Chief Judge Alex R. Munson of the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands. Judge Munson dedicated more than four decades of judicial service to the people of the Northern Mariana Islands and the broader Micronesian region. “Chief Judge Munson served the people of the Marianas with fairness, respect, and deep humanity,” said Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro. “He brought a steady hand to e