CNMI Judiciary preps for Law Week 2012

The CNMI Judiciary is preparing for Law Day 2012 and the surrounding events of the week with specific activities to be held at the Guma’ Hustisia-Limwal Aweewe-House of Justice in Susupe.

Judiciary legal staff, including justices and judges, have been involved in a broad range of Law Day activities to benefit the youth of the CNMI. These outreach efforts include the 2nd Annual Law Day Poster and Essay Contest, preparations for the “We the People” national competition in Washington, D.C., and the 28th Annual Attorney Generals’ Cup to be held in the CNMI Supreme Court Courtroom on May 3, plus classroom visits to local school by justices, judges and members of the CNMI Bar Association.

The week’s events began yesterday, April 26, when the Commonwealth Courts, the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, and the NMI Bar Association signed the Law Week Proclamation.

The national theme for Law Day is “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom.” Acting Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro said about this year’s theme: “We will reflect upon and celebrate the role that an independent judiciary serves in ensuring justice and protecting our fundamental freedoms. The belief that laws-not men-should control our individual and collective destinies is at the core of America’s way of life.”

The new attorney admissions ceremony immediately followed the proclamation signing in the Supreme Court Courtroom.

For the second year, winners of the Law Day poster and essay contests will be recognized and awards and prizes will be given for the most outstanding essays and posters at a Law Day awards ceremony at the Supreme Court at 11am on May 1. This year numerous essays and posters on this year’s Law Day theme, written and produced by fifth and sixth graders students from private and public schools, have been received at the CNMI Judiciary. Many will be on exhibit at the courthouse.

Earlier this Spring, Saipan Southern High School students were the winners of the local “We the People” competition for the second year. Supreme Court Justice John Manglona and judiciary law clerks Charlotte Sanders and Deanna Manglona contributed their time and efforts as coaches during the local competition and have been assisting the Commonwealth’s team to prepare for the national “We the People” competition, which will be held this week in Washington, D.C. The Federal District Court also assisted with preparations by holding a dress rehearsal for the students last week.

The “We the People” competition is only in its third year in the CNMI. The program, sponsored by the Public School System, gives students comprehensive instruction on the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the principles and values they embody. “We the People” is intended to strengthen participants’ analytical skills and presentation abilities. Jerald Russell, a former civics teacher at Saipan Southern High School, was instrumental in creating interest among the students for the “We the People” program and in preparing the students for competition. PSS administrators, including Andrew Golden and Steven Smith, have also been instrumental in coordinating participation in the national competition.

On May 3, beginning at 8am the 28th Annual Attorney Generals’ Cup Speech Competition will be held in the CNMI Supreme Court Courtroom in Susupe, Saipan. Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham will be the official host for the competitive forum in which students give speeches on law and government in the CNMI. This year’s participants from local public and private high schools are asked to consider and speak to apportionment alternative for the CNMI Senate. The public is invited to attend.

Throughout the course of Law Week and into the month of May justices, judges and members of the CNMI Bar Association will visit schools on Saipan, Rota, and Tinian. They will speak on the theme of courts, justice and freedom, and answer questions from the students.

The CNMI Judiciary maintains a year-round resolve to broaden the understanding of the judicial process and the rule of law among students of all ages. Speaking engagements and guided tour requests of the Guma Hustisia from teachers and principals of public and private schools are welcomed. Arrangements can be made by calling 236-9716. (PR)