Wiseman's Nomination
I’ve had the privilege to work with David Wiseman during the first five years of constitutional government here. Mr. Wiseman was counsel to the Rota Legislative Delegation who eventually moved to Saipan as one of several counsels for the legislature.
After leaving government, he went into private practice, a successful law firm where he honed his experience as an attorney. He’s been in private practice for more than two decades right here in the CNMI. I am sure that in the process, he’s become very familiar with the laws of these isles, some of which he may have drafted as counsel for the legislature.
It is his wealth of experience in both sectors that makes him most suitable to sit on the bench in the CNMI Superior Court. Personal likes and dislikes shouldn’t play a role in the Senate’s review of his nomination. Some may have raised issues for the Senate Committee on EAGI to probe. But unless the allegations raised can be substantiated, the witch hunt game is best parked in the cranium of rumor mongers.
I will not support Mr. Wiseman’s nomination if in fact his record and performance as legislative counsel and private attorney don’t measure up to the requirements of the job. He’s earned his dues and deserves every ounce he’s worked for in his successful private endeavor. Sure, success in these isles is looked at–strangely–with disdain. It is here where most people need to learn to separate people from issues.
Yes, I’ve admired the frank exchanges that Mr. Wiseman and I have had in leadership meetings some 22 years ago. He stood his ground on points of law–what the law says supported by legal analysis–not what I thought what the law provides. Upon revisiting legal analysis and the history of legislation or constitutional provisions, his opinions truly reflect the intent of the issue under discussion.
In brief, Mr. Wiseman is one of the rare attorneys who has participated directly in the initial establishment of the CNMI’s constitutional government. His wealth of experience equips the gentleman with the requirements of the job and it would be well and good if the Senate could hasten his confirmation. Let’s rally behind his confirmation. It’s good for these isles!
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On the lighter side of things: There’s such a thing as Chamorro Jurisprudence. However, it isn’t an accused-friendly legal system. Those who are on the other side of the law ought to be grateful it isn’t the legal system in place.
In other words, it is riddled with prejudice where your rights as an accused is completely the opposite–GUILTY until proven otherwise. American Jurisprudence says that a person is INNOCENT until proven guilty. Therein lies the difference!
Imagine if the Chamorro Jurisprudence is in fact the legal system here. I can see how politicians whose egos I have bruised will find every iota of circumstantial evidence to throw me behind bars. I’d be marching in and out of the Susupe detention cell at least three times before the next full moon.
Scary, huh? Thank God that however an imperfect system, it still is the best there is throughout democratic countries!
Strictly a personal view. John S. DelRosario Jr. is publisher of Saipan Tribune.
