(Press Release) — On Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, the Supreme Court of the Northern Mariana Islands issued its Covid-19 Order No. 16, in light of the rapidly rising number of Covid-19 cases in the community.
The order requires judiciary staff and the public to limit in-person courtroom contact as much as possible, through the use of electronic filing, teleconferencing, and video conferencing.
From Nov. 30, 2021, to Jan. 7, 2022, the Superior Court will be limiting in-person proceedings by scheduling telephonic or video conferencing. “Our judges and justices, staff, and members of the Bar are well-versed in conducting virtual hearings at this point in the pandemic. The judiciary anticipates that Superior Court matters will continue to move forward, albeit in a different form than we are used to,” added Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro.
The following judiciary facilities are open to the public for limited purposes: Guma’ Hustisia, Centron Hustisia, and the Commonwealth Recorder’s satellite office at Marianas Business Plaza (by appointment only). The Kotten Tinian is temporarily closed until Monday, Dec. 6, 2021.
Persons with apparent symptoms of Covid-19 such as a fever of over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius, severe cough, or shortness of breath may be prohibited from entering the facilities. The order further requires that all persons, while on NMI judiciary facilities or properties, to wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth, stay six feet apart from others who are not in the same household, and to wash their hands often.
For inquiries regarding court services, contact the following individuals:
• Judy T. Aldan, Esq.
Clerk of Court
CNMI Supreme Court
Tel: 236-9718
Cell: (670) 783-8417
Email: judy.aldan@nmijudiciary.com
• Patrick V. Diaz
Clerk of Court
CNMI Superior Court
Tel.: 236-9766
Cell: 783-8417
Email: patrick.diaz@nmijudiciary.com
To access the most recent Supreme Court Covid-19 Order No. 16, visit www.cnmilaw.org.
