Eighth grade students from Hopwood Junior High, under the leadership of principal Jonas M. Barcinas, will act as jurors in the play, “Puntan Dos Amantes,” which will be performed by eighth grade students from Guam’s Agueda Johnston Middle School under the supervision of teacher Benjie Santiago.
The Guam students will perform the play in the U.S. District Court of Guam courtroom, and it will be televised to the students at the U.S. District Court of the NMI.
The CNMI students will render a verdict at the conclusion of the trial.
The Hopwood students will decide the fate of Spanish Capt. Don Quiroga, who is accused of the murders of Isa and Tasi, the Two Lovers of the Guam legend.
The play of the Spanish captain interprets the local Guam legend about Puntan Dos Amantes.
It was written by two Guam Supreme Court attorneys, and its retelling preserves the rich cultural heritage of the Mariana Islands.
“The ability to video conference the trial brings our island communities closer, provides greater access to the legal system, and serves to educate our children about the importance of maintaining the rule of law,” said acting CNMI Chief Justice Alexandro C. Castro.
Following the play, and a discussion of the verdict, the students will be able to tour their respective courthouses.
This event is made possible by the joint efforts of the federal district courts and the local courts of Guam and the CNMI.
The public is welcome to attend.
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