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Media, courts explore symbiotic relationship
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Posted on Sep 22 2005
The National Judicial College’s Center for Courts and the Media has been conducting a two-day workshop for judges and journalists, which will conclude today at the Aqua Resort Club on Saipan.
Lawyer-journalist Gary A. Hengstler, director of the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for the Courts and Media at the college, and program manager Nancy Burkhart said the aim of the workshop is to foster discussion between courts and the media “that have been forced into a symbiotic, and occasionally contentious relationship.”
“It is inevitable that courts and media will sometimes come into conflict as each perform their respective public service roles. Such tensions were built into the Constitution via the First and Sixth Amendments,” they said.
“But while the legal and journalism communities may sometimes disagree, neither needs to be disagreeable. Because we believe that frank discussion of the issues can lessen any friction and help promote greater collegiality, these workshops were created by a generous grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation,” they added.
The workshop began yesterday with lectures on criminal and civil procedures by Superior Court Associate Justice Alexandro Castro and Mia Giacomazzi, respectively, at the Guma Hustisia’s conference room. Media representatives, magistrates, as well as government and private attorneys attended the workshop.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Miguel Demapan underscored the media’s crucial role in maintaining the rule of law in the CNMI.
“While the courts reside here in the House of Justice, it should be underscored that the community and media each play a vital role here as well. Without them, our jobs as jurists would be difficult,” Demapan said.
He thanked the workshop’s organizing committee led by Associate Justice John A. Manglona for planning the workshop.
Today’s workshop activities at the Aqua Resort Club will focus on legal and journalistic ethical issues, among others.
