Rep. Flores’ request to join Judicial Council thumbed down

CNMI Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro has denied Rep. Marissa Renee Flores’ (Ind-Saipan) request that the Judicial Council membership be expanded to include the chairs of the House of Representatives Judiciary and Governmental Operations Committee and the Senate Judiciary, Government and Law Committee.

Castro, who chairs the Judicial Council, in a letter on Monday to Flores said the council respectfully denies her request in order to maintain the integrity and independence of each branch of government.

The other members of the Judicial Council are associate justices John A. Manglona and Perry B. Inos, Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja, and Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho.

Flores chairs the House JGO Committee, while Sen. Celina R. Babauta (D-Saipan) chairs the Senate JGL Committee.

Flores sent a letter to Castro last Sept. 11, stating that such legislative participation in the decisions of the judiciary as applied to the establishment of formal rules and informal policies and procedures can improve legislative oversight.

She said the Supreme Court Rule 52 establishing the Judicial Council reflects that the council shall include promulgating rules governing council business, and setting judicial branch administrative policies and procedures and overseeing court managers responsible for effectuating such policies and procedures.

Flores said the council shall also include recommending court rules to the Supreme Court for submission to the legislature, reviewing proposed legislation and suggesting new legislation affecting the judicial branch, and performing such other functions as provided by law.

The JGO Committee chair said several of these functions involve legislative matters, including proposed rules subject to Legislative review and proposed legislation.

She said Rule 52 expressly provides that the membership of the Council may include “other individuals as may be determined by the Council.”

Flores said the JGO and JGL committees frequently exercise oversight on rules and legislation relevant to the judiciary.

In addition, she said, the committees participate in discussions as to whether particular judicial administrative matters should be resolved by adoption of “policy and procedure” or promulgation of proposed rules.

“As members of our community and advocates for a fair and just system, we all agree that working collaboratively aimed at improving systems creates the most significant impacts in upholding and protecting the integrity of our constitution,” Flores said.