Rule 45 Duties of Clerk

(a) (OMITTED).

(b) The Docket; Calendar; Other Records Required. The clerk shall keep a book known as the appellate docket, in such form and style as may be prescribed by the Chief Justice of the High Court of American Samoa, and shall enter therein each case. Cases shall be assigned consecutive file numbers. The file number of each case shall be noted on the folio of the docket whereon the first entry is made. All papers filed with the clerk and all process, orders and judgments shall be entered chronologically in the docket on the folio assigned to the case. Entries shall be brief but shall show the nature of each paper filed or judgment or order entered. The entry of an order or judgment shall show the date the papers were filed. The clerk shall keep a suitable index of cases contained in the docket. The clerk shall prepare, under the direction of the Chief Justice High Court, a calendar of cases awaiting argument. In placing cases on the calendar for argument, he shall give preference to appeals in criminal cases and to appeals and other proceedings entitled to preference by law. The clerk shall keep such other books and records as may be required form time to time by the Chief Justice of the High Court of American Samoa.

(c) Notice of Orders or Judgments. Immediately upon the entry of an order or judgment the clerk shall serve a copy of the order of judgment by mail or by placing such in the attorney’s Court box upon each party to the proceeding together with a copy of any opinion respecting the order or judgment, and shall make a note in the docket of the service. Service on a party represented by counsel shall be made on counsel.

(d) Custody of Records and Papers. The clerk shall have custody of the records and papers of the appellate division. He shall not permit any original record of paper to be taken from his custody except as authorized by the orders or instructions of the appellate division. Original papers transmitted as the record on appeal or review shall upon disposition of the case be returned to the court or agency from which they were received. The clerk shall preserve copies of briefs and appendices and other printed papers filed. Legal Resources Get In Touch! Post Office Box 23 Pago Pago , American Samoa 96799 About Us Welcome to the American Samoa Bar Association. We are the licensing body and the official bar association for all of those who practice law in American Samoa. The American Samoa Bar Association serves to promote justice, the rule of law, and the interests of the legal system. We do this through public education, legislative review, promoting the judiciary, and advocating the rule of law. We also offer a legal scholarship to a student that shows exemplary academics and a desire to promote the rule of law in American Samoa.