The Commonwealth Superior Court

          The Commonwealth Superior Court is the Commonwealth's trial court, with general jurisdiction over civil and criminal proceedings. Five Commonwealth Superior Court judges preside in courtrooms in the new Judicial Building in Susupe, Saipan; proceedings are also conducted periodically in Rota and Tinian courtrooms. The judges are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Commonwealth Senate. The term of office is six years. After the first and subsequent terms, a judge wishing to serve another term must receive voter approval in a retention proposition presented on a general election ballot.

If a position is vacant or a judge must disqualify himself from hearing a proceeding, the Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Supreme Court may designate an active or former justice or judge of the Commonwealth, any U.S. jurisdiction or certain Micronesian jurisdictions to serve as a judge pro tem. In addition, the Chief Justice may assign one or more special judges to preside in a proceeding or serve for a specified period.

Commonwealth Superior Court proceedings are largely governed by Commonwealth court rules applying in various types of proceedings (e.g., the Commonwealth Rules of Criminal Procedure).

Commonwealth Superior Court decisions may be appealed to the Commonwealth Supreme Court.