Supreme Court Guam (US)
The Supreme Court of Guam is the highest judicial authority in Guam, an unincorporated territory of the United States. It operates within the judicial framework of the U.S. federal system while also addressing local issues specific to Guam.
Structure and Function of the Supreme Court of Guam:
Jurisdiction:
- The Supreme Court of Guam has appellate jurisdiction over all legal matters arising from Guam's lower courts, including the Superior Court of Guam.
- It handles civil, criminal, and family law appeals, ensuring that legal decisions made by the lower courts adhere to the law and interpreting the constitution of Guam.
Composition:
- The Supreme Court of Guam is composed of five justices, including a Chief Justice and four Associate Justices.
- Justices are nominated by the Governor of Guam and must be confirmed by the Legislature of Guam.
- Justices serve for terms of 8 years and can be reappointed, but they are subject to retention elections, where voters can choose to retain or remove them from office.
Court of Appeals:
- The Supreme Court of Guam serves as the court of final appeal for cases in the territory, but it may delegate certain cases to the Court of Appeals of Guam, a lower appellate court established in 2011 to ease the case load.
- However, appeals in significant legal matters or cases that require interpretation of the Guam Organic Act or the U.S. Constitution are heard directly by the Supreme Court of Guam.
Judicial Review:
- The court reviews legal challenges, including those involving constitutional law, and issues opinions that interpret Guam's constitution and laws in light of federal law.
- It can hear cases involving challenges to local government actions, the legality of laws passed by the legislature, and other significant legal issues affecting the people of Guam.
Supreme Court Functions:
- The court functions similarly to the U.S. Supreme Court in terms of its authority, interpreting laws and setting legal precedents for all lower courts in Guam.
- It also oversees the administration of justice in Guam, ensuring the proper functioning of the judicial system and the legal profession.
Location:
- The Supreme Court of Guam is located in the capital, Hagåtña, and it serves as the final legal authority in the territory.
Conclusion:
The Supreme Court of Guam serves as the highest court in Guam, hearing appeals from the Superior Court of Guam and interpreting both local and federal law. With five justices, it ensures legal consistency, provides rulings on complex legal issues, and ensures the proper administration of justice in Guam.
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