In a memorandum on Monday, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial said in case of a shutdown, one associate judge will report for work to conduct Gerstein hearings and bail hearings, while one clerk will assist the judge.
The CNMI Supreme Court’s clerk and counsel Jennifer Dockter and Supreme Court public information officer Jim Stowell declined to comment yesterday.
But a judicial employee, who declined to be identified, said: “I wonder how could one clerk assist a judge before, during, and after a hearing, considering the preparation for documents needed in a court hearing.”
“Who would issue a police clearance? Who would receive payments, and other traffic fines?” another employee asked.
“Who would issue protection orders asked by victims of domestic violence?” the employee added.
“I don’t know if our legislators are thinking about the welfare of the commonwealth,” another employee said.
