Enlightening Three Days in Guam

The Criminal law training held in Guam from March 11th to 14th was a remarkable experience. It provided a valuable opportunity for exchanging ideas with Judges and Justices from across the Pacific region. The collaboration between the Pacific Islands Educational Programs of the 9th Circuit and Erin OBrien of the National Judicial College, enabled myself and recently retired Justice Daniel J. Crothers of the North Dakota Supreme Court to share our knowledge on both criminal law and procedure. We interacted with 13 to 18 judges from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RPM), each bringing diverse backgrounds—some serving on the highest courts of their jurisdictions, others as general jurisdiction judges, and some specializing in land disputes.

During our stay, we had the privilege of meeting Guam Supreme Court Chief Justice Katherine A. Maraman and Justice F. Phillip Carbulido. Additionally, we observed proceedings before the Presiding Judge of the Guam District Court, The Honorable Alberto C. Lamorena III. These interactions gave us insight into local court practices and judicial leadership. Judiciary of Guam

From the distinctions between criminal and civil law to the final decisions of appellate courts, we were able to not only discuss several areas of the law, but also were allowed to access the courtroom of our local co-facilitator, Guam general jurisdiction Judge Arthur Barcinas, to role play in practical exercises. Much gratitude to Judge Barcinas for his hospitality and his willingness to help us out when needed! All the participants were fully engaged, actively contributing and  sharing insights into the cultural aspects of their judicial systems. The participants dedication to providing quality service and fostering a professional forum for resolving legal matters demonstrates their commitment to gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to serve their communities.

It was an honor to have taught alongside Justice Crothers. His commitment to the Rule of Law was evident in the wisdom he shared, focusing on enhancing and preserving this principle by applying the law fairly and compassionately to all court participants. Judge Barcinas also contributed valuable perspectives, drawing from his experience in addressing island-specific issues and his familiarity with local judges. Preparing a part of the curriculum allowed me to learn about the region's rich much legal traditions.

We also held a session on wellbeing which was well received! We focused on the unique stressors of judicial work, the personal and systemic impacts of vicarious trauma, and the evolving global movement for judicial well-being. Drawing on personal stories and international initiatives like the Nauru Declaration and Judicial Well-being, the discussion explored coping strategies, ethical responsibilities, and the importance of supportive judicial cultures.

All conference and training sessions are different. There is an energy and synergy created between the all the people involved which increases the longer a group of people stay together. I had the opportunity to not only share many of my professional and personal experiences gathered over thirty years practicing law. As importantly, we engaged in conversations during the breaks and over dinner where I learned so much about the human beings in the room. Their struggles, their challenges and their victories as they work diligently to provide people with informed decisions which were understandable and fair.

We do not deal with cultural traditions in our following the law on the mainland, but these traditions are ingrained in the livelihood of the people and been around for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Sharing with me how they handles these matters to connect the law more deeply to people's ancestral roots has instilled in me a new found appreciation for connecting to the past as a way of better understanding the why's of the present. We are very linear in thinking, I for on will begin to investigate how such a system of ancient wisdom can be integrated into legal theories, many of which flow from English traditions designed to uphold property or personal disputes in a logical manner that benefited certain people over others.

I am blessed not only by what I learned, but also the friendships and trust that we nurtured and developed over the course of the three days!