(Press Release) — The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in three cases last week during its May 2026 appellate session at the Guma’ Hustisia. The session marked the Court’s first arguments since Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which had suspended court operations in April.
Two appeals were heard on Thursday, May 28. In Commonwealth v. Abraczinskas, the Court considered whether evidence discovered after a jury returned a verdict against a defendant could warrant a new trial. The appeal requires the Court to examine the standards governing newly discovered evidence and post-conviction relief. Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro, Justice John A. Manglona, and Justice Pro Tempore Robert J. Torres, Jr. of the Supreme Court of Guam sat on the panel.
The second case, Chong International Corporation v. Durkin, involved a landlord-tenant dispute on retaliatory eviction and compensation for improvements allegedly made to a leased property. Associate Justice Roberto C. Naraja joined Justice Manglona and Justice Pro Tempore Torres on the panel. It was Justice Naraja’s first participation in oral arguments since joining the Court in April.
The session concluded on Friday, May 29, with arguments on a petition for a writ of mandamus in Commonwealth v. Manahane. The petition for extraordinary relief stems from the dismissal of a refiled criminal charge — assault with a dangerous weapon — and presents the question of when the Commonwealth may initiate a new prosecution after a finding of no probable cause. Chief Justice Castro, Justice Manglona, and Justice Pro Tempore Teresa K. Tim-Tenorio of the Superior Court heard the matter.
