“The protections afforded by family court, the Office of Probation, emergency injunction and restraining order hearings, and criminal litigation will continue,” the judiciary said in a statement.
It added that security will continue to be provided at all times inside the courthouse to guarantee the safety of participants and observers.
“The clerk’s offices will remain open for filings and to make certain that matters of urgency are heard,” the judiciary stated.
“The judges and justices of the judiciary will remain readily available to serve their community, maintaining the rule of law by reviewing and signing warrants, ensuring citizens are afforded their constitutional rights, and providing a forum for the people of the commonwealth to be heard and seek protection,” the judiciary added.
“The people of the commonwealth can rest assure that under no circumstances will the door of the courthouse close, depriving citizens of the protections of justice.”
Yesterday afternoon, justices, judges and judiciary personnel held a general assembly to discuss the governor’s memorandum that listed the “essential” personnel who will continue to report for work during the shutdown.
But some judicial employees were reluctant to join the assembly.
“I have an idea what’s going to be discussed, and I don’t want to hear it,” an employee said.
The general assembly was a closed door meeting that started at about 3:30 p.m. and ended at 4:30 p.m.
Variety learned that managers will meet today to identity who should report for work during the shutdown.
Before the start of the general assembly, CNMI Director of Courts Tracy M. Guerrero said the personnel were “scared and upset.”
The judiciary has 74 employees.
“Who should now be blamed here for our situation, the Legislature, the governor?” asked one of the employees.
“Why I should be blamed when I did not vote for any of them?” another employee asked.
“We should be wiser when electing our leaders,” the employee added.
“I will not vote for any of them in the next election,” another employee said.
“We have obligations to fulfill, family to support,” said an employee who has been working for the government for 21 years now. “I’ve never experienced this before.”
