THE local judiciary on Wednesday held a Law Day proclamation signing ceremony at the Guma’ Hustisia to join the nation in celebrating the rule of law.
Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Chief Justice Alexandro Castro, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez, NMI Bar Association President Charity Hodson and Senate Floor Leader F. Vinnie Sablan at the Law Day proclamation signing ceremony on Wednesday at the Guma’ Hustisia.
“Our celebration begins with the signing of the proclamation today, and we invite all sectors of our community to…strive to deepen our understanding of how the law protects our liberty, advances justice, and contribute to the freedom all Americans share,” Supreme Court Associate Justice John A. Manglona said in his remarks.
This year’s theme is “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.”
The work of the Constitution does not cease, Justice Manglona said. “Since the late 1700s, we the people have built on its framework through legislation, regulations, and court rulings, all in an effort to fulfill the enduring promises of the Constitution…. And like the U.S. Constitution, the Commonwealth Constitution has its own unique history, ratified in the late 1970s, it establishes political union with the U.S., protects personal rights, and lays the foundation for other aspects of life in the Commonwealth …including natural resources and education,” he added.
“The 2022 Law Day theme reminds us that defining, interpreting, and understanding the promises of the Constitution, our oldest and most sacred national traditions, to form a more perfect union, is both a founding and ongoing constitutional task, and it is a task shared by all of us, we the people, as we remember the traditions of our islands as a decent place filled with mutual understanding and respect,” Justice Manglona said.
“Despite the challenges of the last two years we are reminded of the enduring nature of our community, our laws and our people, and we are confident that these will empower all of us as we move forward in 2022 and in the next year.”
According to the Law Day proclamation, “Promoting public understanding of the roots of our freedom and democracy is an important component in the civic education of the citizens of the United States and the Commonwealth.”
The proclamation urges everyone “to observe the month by deepening their understanding of the Constitution to strengthen our democracy, defend liberty, and pursue justice.”
The proclamation was signed by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, Chief Justice Alexandro Castro, NMI Bar Association President Charity Hodson, House Speaker Edmund Villagomez and Senate Floor Leader Vinnie F. Sablan on behalf of Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider.
Throughout the United States, Law Day will be celebrated on May 1.
In the CNMI, the celebration of this year’s Law Day theme will span a month, from April 20 to May 20, 2022.
Winners
Justice Perry Inos, for his part, recognized the middle school essay-writing contest winners:
• First place: Aden Chonne Hocog Calvo, Chief Justice Award.
• Second place: Lovelee Zhene Baladad Jingco, Associate Justice Award.
• Third place: Elanne Ladao, Supreme Court Award.
All three are eighth graders at Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr.-Sr. High School on Rota.
Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja recognized the elementary school poster contest winners:
• First place: Victoria En Mei Huang, 4th grade, Presiding Judge Award.
• Second place: Breanna May M. Lopez, 5th grade, Associate Judge Award.
• Third place: Minato Takahashi, 5th grade, Superior Court Award.
All three are Grace Christian Academy students.
Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada expressed appreciation for the collaboration between the judiciary and the Public School System in holding such contests for students.
“Through these events and activities, students learn more about the law,” he added.
The Drug Court Month proclamation signing was also held on Wednesday at the Guma’ Hustisia.
The Drug Court Month proclamation signing was also held Wednesday at the Guma’ Hustisia.
