June 4, 2026 - Supreme Court Hears Three Cases in Second Quarter Appellate Session

(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 Demapan (at podium) and defense counsel Richard Miller presented their arguments before the panel in the Supreme Court courtroom.

Two appeals were heard on Thursday, May 28. In Commonwealth v. Abraczinskas, the Court considered whether evidence discovered after a jury returned a verdict against a defendant could warrant a new trial. The appeal requires the Court to examine the standards governing newly discovered evidence and post-conviction relief. Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice John A. Manglona, and Justice Pro Tempore Robert J. Torres, Jr. of the Supreme Court of Guam sat on the panel.

(From left) Justice Roberto C. Naraja, Justice John A. Manglona, and Justice Pro Tempore Robert J. Torres heard arguments in Chong International Corporation v. Daniel Durkin. (May 28, 2026)

Attorneys Jeanne Rayphand (at podium) and Charity Hodson appeared for the parties. (May 28, 2026)

The second case, Chong International Corporation v. Durkin, involved a landlord-tenant dispute on retaliatory eviction and compensation for improvements allegedly made to a leased property. Associate Justice Roberto C. Naraja joined Justice Manglona and Justice Pro Tempore Torres on the panel. It was Justice Naraja’s first participation in oral arguments since joining the Court in April.

The session concluded on Friday, May 29, with arguments on a petition for a writ of mandamus in Commonwealth v. Manahane. The petition for extraordinary relief stems from the dismissal of a refiled criminal charge—assault with a dangerous weapon—and presents the question of when the Commonwealth may initiate a new prosecution after a finding of no probable cause. Chief Justice Castro, Justice Manglona, and Justice Pro Tempore Teresa K. Tim-Tenorio of the Superior Court heard the matter.

On Friday, May 29, 2026, Justice John A. Manglona, Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, and Justice Pro Tempore Teresa K. Kim‑Tenorio presided over In re Commonwealth (Manahane), with J. Robert Glass, Jr. and Robert T. Torres serving as counsels.

Chief Solicitor Glass, appearing remotely, and defense counsel Torres presented their arguments. (May 29, 2026)

All three cases were submitted for decision following oral arguments, with written opinions to be issued at a later date. The Court's next appellate session is scheduled for August 2026.

Press Release

For Immediate Release

2026-PR-019

June 4, 2026