United States District Court for the District of Guam
About This Court
Located in Hagatna, the District of Guam is a federal judicial district serving the United States territory of Guam in the western Pacific Ocean. As a territorial court established under Article III of the Constitution, it has jurisdiction over federal civil and criminal matters arising within Guam. The court operates within the Ninth Circuit and is one of the few federal district courts located outside the contiguous United States.
Guam's geographic position in the western Pacific, combined with its status as a U.S. territory, gives the court a distinctive character. The court handles matters involving federal law applicable to territories, immigration cases, and issues that reflect the unique legal relationship between Guam and the federal government.
Because Guam is a non-incorporated territory, certain constitutional provisions apply differently than in the fifty states, which can present legal questions not commonly encountered in mainland federal courts. The court also handles matters arising under the Organic Act of Guam, which serves as the territory's basic framework of governance.
Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and Federal Rules of Evidence, along with the court's local rules. Bankruptcy cases are handled by the companion Bankruptcy Court, District of Guam.
Caseload
The court handles a range of federal civil and criminal matters, including immigration cases, drug trafficking offenses, and cases involving federal statutes applicable to U.S. territories. Its relatively small docket reflects Guam's population, but the court addresses legally complex issues stemming from Guam's territorial status.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the District of Guam, which generally requires membership in good standing in the bar of any U.S. state or territory and compliance with the court's local rules. Applicants must submit an application to the clerk's office and may be required to demonstrate familiarity with the court's local rules.
Clerk's Office
520 West Soledad Avenue, Hagatna, GU 96910
(671) 473-9100
Local Rules
25 local rules extracted from this court's published rules. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.