Superior Court
Judges
Clerk of Court
Court Calendar
CONTACT:
House of Justice,
Guma' Hustisia,
Iimwaal Aweewe
P.O. Box 500307
Saipan, MP 96950-0307
Tel: (670) 236-9740
Fax:(670) 236-9741
Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday to Friday
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Superior Court
The Commonwealth Superior Court is the Commonwealth's trial court, with general
jurisdiction over civil and criminal proceedings. Five Commonwealth Superior Court
judges preside in courtrooms in the Judicial Building in Susupe, Saipan; proceedings
are also conducted periodically in Rota and Tinian courtrooms. The judges are appointed
by the Governor and confirmed by the Commonwealth Senate. The term of office is
six years. After the first and subsequent terms, a judge wishing to serve another
term must receive voter approval in a retention proposition presented on a general
election ballot.
If a position is vacant or a judge must disqualify himself from hearing a proceeding,
the Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Supreme Court may designate an active or former
justice or judge of the Commonwealth, any U.S. jurisdiction or certain Micronesian
jurisdictions to serve as a judge pro tem. In addition, the Chief Justice may assign
one or more to preside in a proceeding or serve for a specified period.
Commonwealth Superior Court proceedings are largely governed by Commonwealth court
rules applying in various types of proceedings (e.g., the Commonwealth Rules of
Criminal Procedure).
Commonwealth Superior Court decisions may be appealed to the Commonwealth Supreme
Court.
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