AT his swearing-in and investiture ceremony at Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday, Nov. 10, Judge Joseph N. Camacho, who was sworn in by Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, offered two ideas on how the CNMI Superior Court can improve in the coming years with support from the Legislature.
His first suggestion is to enhance the ability of Rota and Tinian residents to access the court via the internet.
“With better and faster internet speed, and more reliable videoconferencing equipment, the people of Rota and Tinian can attend and participate in a higher quality of virtual hearings without the need to wait months for judges to fly to Rota and Tinian to hear cases,” the judge said.
He hopes that the Legislature funds such telecommunication improvements.
He also recommended that lawmakers revisit the mental health laws, which have not been updated in 30 years.
Judge Camacho is currently assigned to the Probate Court, but has likewise handled “several thousands of hearings involving criminal, traffic, small claims, civil…juvenile, family court, adoptions” and many other cases.
A former prosecutor and House member, Camacho was appointed judge by former Gov. Benigno R. Fitial in 2011, and was retained in 2016 with 78% of the valid ballots cast in his favor. In the 2022 election, Judge Camacho’s retention received 75% of the votes cast.
A CNMI judge serves a six-year term.
Judge Joseph Camacho is sworn in by Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang at Crowne Plaza Resort on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023.
Judge Joseph Camacho delivers his remarks during his swearing in and investiture ceremony, Friday, at Crowne Plaza Resort.
