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Davis seeks $10,237 in attorney’s fees, costs
John H. Davis Jr., who prevailed in his lawsuit against the Commonwealth Election Commission to allow him to vote on Article 12 initiatives, submitted yesterday in federal court his request for attorney’s fees and costs in the amount of $10,237.85.
Davis, through counsel Jeanne H. Rayphand, said he incurred $9,650 in attorney’s fees and $587.85 for filing fee, postage/certified mail for service of summons and complaint, and photocopies of summons, complaint, and exhibits obtained for use in the case.
Rayphand claimed that she spent 48.25 hours in representing Davis in the case.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona issued a summary judgment that favored Davis in his lawsuit.
In a landmark decision, Manglona ruled that qualified voters who are not of Northern Marianas descent must have the opportunity to vote on an Article 12 initiative and any other initiative to amend Article 12.
Article 12 restricts the acquisition of permanent and long-term interests in real property to persons of Northern Marianas descent.
Davis, a registered voter in the CNMI and a non-NMD, sued the Election Commission and its officials in his desire to vote on any initiative to amend Article 12.
In her order, Manglona said the case remains open, pending disposition of Davis’ request for fees and costs.
