NMI Judiciary Team Attends PJC Case Management Conference in Kosrae

A team from the Northern Marianas Judiciary participated in the Case Management Conference for Judges and Chief Clerks held August 5–7, 2025, in Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. The three-day conference, organized by the Pacific Judicial Council, brought together justices, judges, chief clerks, and court staff from Guam, Palau, Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap, Kosrae, and the Northern Marianas.

Attendees from the NMI Judiciary included Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, Clerk of the Supreme Court Judy T. Aldan, Deputy Clerk of Court Nora V. Borja, Judicial Assistant Tracy D. Limes, Deputy Clerk III Novelyn A. Wanna-Tenorio, and Deputy Clerk II Okalani R. Shiprit.

Court case management plays a vital role in ensuring that legal matters are handled fairly and efficiently, helping to reduce delays and confusion for everyone involved. It also improves organization and accessibility within the justice system, making it easier for people to understand what to expect and when.

Presentations were led by the Honorable Julie J. Bernard, retired Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Trial Court, and Tonnya Kennedy Kohn, former Court Administrator of the South Carolina Judicial Branch. They emphasized the importance of case management, the value of building strong partnerships in trial and appellate courts, and the judge’s role in setting the tone and pace of proceedings through effective communication and listening skills.

Chief Justice Robert J. Torres of the Guam Supreme Court also delivered a presentation on the use of artificial intelligence in case management.

The Pacific Judicial Council regularly sponsors training programs and conferences for member jurisdictions. The next conference is scheduled for late September 2025 on Saipan and will focus on constitutional and  statutory interpretation and construction.