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

Saipan, CNMI – Clerks from the NMI Supreme Court, Superior Court, and U.S. District Court for the NMI join over 50 participants from court systems in the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, and Palau in the Court Clerk Training sponsored by the Pacific Judicial Council (“PJC”) this week on January 28-30, 2026 on Saipan. Pacific Judicial Council Court Clerks Training attendees included justices, judges, and court staff from Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Yap, Pohnpe

Saipan, CNMI – The Judiciary has begun its security improvement projects in its three courthouses on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. On January 12-16, 2026, consultant Joseph Duren Lopez of Weigh Anchor Consulting conducted site visits to provide short-term and long-term planning for courthouse security. On January 16, 2026, Joseph Duren Lopez of Weigh Anchor Consulting presented an executive summary and preliminary findings during an exit meeting following his courthouse security