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

Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court will host the annual High School Moot Court Competition on December 4–5, 2025, at the Guma’ Hustisia on Saipan. This year, over fifteen teams prepared written briefs on a mock First Amendment case exploring the scope of student free speech rights. Acting as attorneys, the students will present their arguments before volunteer justices in simulated appellate proceedings. The competition schedule is: Preliminary Rounds – 8 :30 am - 4 pm., Thu

Saipan, CNMI – The CNMI Superior Court is pleased to announce the swearing-in of four new judicial staff members: Sage Wagner, Alexandria Vazquez, Kate Rues, and Marlisa Marquez. The ceremony took place on November 19, 2025, in Superior Court Courtroom 205A, where each staff member took an oath of office. (From left) Law Clerk Alexandria Vazquez, Law Clerk Kate Rues, Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo, Law Clerk Sage Wagner, Special Assistant to the Presiding Judge Marlisa