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High court denies Torres’ challenge to Kingman’s admission
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Posted on Jun 16 2023
Ralph DLG Torres
The CNMI Supreme Court has denied a request from former governor Ralph DLG Torres to revoke the admission of James Robert Kingman as the special prosecutor in the criminal case against him. The high court’s decision leaves Kingman free to continue the case.
Kingman, an attorney from Texas, was admitted as the special prosecutor in the case on March 6, 2023, after being hired by the Office of the Attorney General.
In April, Torres’ lawyers filed a challenge to Kingman’s admission, claiming that his application was “materially deficient” on several grounds. They also argued that the application should have been served on them through the court’s electronic filing system.
The Supreme Court upheld Kingman’s admission, finding that the Office of the Attorney General had complied with all the required laws regarding pro hac vice admission for special prosecutors.
In its decision, the high court wrote, “We find no material deficiency warranting the revocation of Kingman’s admission.”
The high court also concluded that there is no legal duty to serve an application for admission on opposing parties.
The Attorney General’s Office has charged Torres with multiple counts relating to misconduct in public office and theft. Torres has denied all charges.
The full decision is available at https://cnmilaw.org/spm23.php#gsc.tab=0 (PR)
