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.

Saipan, CNMI – T he National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Court Statistics Project (CSP) recently recognized the NMI Superior Court with its annual Data Reporting Excellence Award. The Superior Court was selected for the honor based on the improvement in quantity and quality of its reported caseload data. Former Clerk of the Superior Court Patrick V. Diaz (center) and Acting Clerk of Court Novelyn A. Wania-Tenorio (fourth from left) with Superior Court staff members. Cover

Saipan, CNMI – The Supreme Court’s proposed amendment to the NMI Rules of Attorney Discipline and Procedure that will create confidentiality for attorneys who voluntarily participate in a Lawyer Assistance Program has recently taken effect. New Rule 5(d) encourages attorneys to seek assistance for substance use disorders, stress, mental health issues, and other challenges. The rule protects an attorney’s confidentiality and immunity. The Lawyer Assistance Program will be ma

Saipan, CNMI – The NMI Supreme Court honors the lasting contributions of Associate Justice Perry B. Inos as he resigns from the bench and starts the next stage of his professional life. Justice Perry B. Inos in his chamber during his tenure as a CNMI Superior Court Judge, serving from September 2008 to March 2013. (June 10, 2010) Justice Inos served the NMI Judiciary for over seventeen years. He joined the NMI Judiciary as an associate judge of the Superior Court in Septemb

On January 16, 2026, the Supreme Court issued Administrative Order No. 2026-ADM 002-MSC, In Re Judiciary’s Limited Hours of Operation Due to the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Reductions. The order requires that effective February 13, 2026, Judiciary facilities will be closed every Friday from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. In instances where Friday is a legal holiday, the closure hours of 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. will occur on the Thursday preceding the holiday. The scheduled closures are listed

Saipan, CNMI – It is with great sadness that the NMI Judiciary learned of the passing of Lino M. Olopai. Lino lived a life dedicated to cultural education and public service, and his contributions to the Commonwealth will be long remembered. Mr. Lino M. Olopai (fourth from the left), one of the Fiyóng panelists, is shown with Moderator Catherine R. Perry and fellow panel members Melvin L. O. Faisao, Manuel Mangarero, Ramon A. Tebuteb, and Cecilio Raikiulipy, as well as Supre