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Demapan talked of CNMI legal system in US school
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Posted on Mar 16 2001
CNMI Supreme Court Chief Justice Miguel S. Demapan had been invited to speak at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan last Feb, 22.
The chief justice’s appearance marks the first time in history that a Supreme Court Chief Justice from the Pacific Rim has spoken at a State of Michigan law school.
Mr. Demapan addressed an audience of over a hundred people, consisting of law students, professors, assistant deans, judges, and other justices.
Mr. Demapan’s speaking engagement at the law school was arranged through an invitation extended by the 3rd Cooley students on behalf of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School’s Asian Pacific American Law Students Association.
He was personally invited by Victorino, Jack and Vincent Torres to speak on the topic of the CNMI legal system.
In his speech, Mr. Demapan discussed the location and history of the Northern Marianas, the unique covenant relationship between the United States and the CNMI, and the distinctions between the CNMI and the US legal system.
He also emphasized the need for judicial independence and the significance of attorneys maintaining professionalism in the courtroom. He also encouraged student court externships to the CNMI and described the practice of law on the islands.
Special guests at the Feb. 22 event included Thomas M. Cooley Law School President and Founder, and former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas E. Brennan; Michigan Supreme Court Justices Clifford Taylor and Steve Markman; General Counsel for the Governor of Michigan Lucille Taylor, who is also the wife of Michigan Supreme Court Justice Taylor.
In addition to educating law students and professors on the CNMI’s legal system, the chief justice’s appearance is the first step in developing a relationship between the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and the CNMI Judiciary.
Future cooperative programs between the CNMI and Thomas M. Cooley Law School were discussed between the chief justice and local judicial and school officials.
Some of the programs discussed include the opening of a direct-study program between Thomas M. Cooley Law School and the CNMI and a professor exchange program.
