Northern Mariana Islands Supreme Court Rules – 2026

Rule 1 Scope of Rules; Title Rule 1-1 Authority; Forms; Definitions Rule 2 Suspension of Rules

Rule 3 Appeal—How Taken Rule 3-1 Docketing Statement; Response; Notice of Appearance; Notice of Potential Conflicts Rule 4 Appeals—When Taken Rule 4-1 Counsel in Criminal Appeals Rule 5 [Reserved] Rule 6 [Reserved] Rule 7 Bond for Costs on Appeal in Civil Cases Rule 8 Stay or Injunction Pending Appeal Rule 9 Review of Superior Court Order of Release or Detention in Criminal Cases Rule 10 The Record on Appeal Rule 11 Assembling the Record Rule 11-1 Transcripts Rule 12 Docketing the Appeal; Filing a Representation Statement; Substitution of Attorneys Rule 12.1 [Reserved]

Rule 13 Certified Questions: From Federal Court Rule 14 Certified Legal Questions: From Commonwealth Officials

Rule 15 [Reserved] Rule 15.1 [Reserved] Rule 16 [Reserved] Rule 17 [Reserved] Rule 18 [Reserved] Rule 19 [Reserved] Rule 20 [Reserved]

Rule 21 Writs of Mandamus and Prohibition, and Other Extraordinary Writs Rule 21-1 Original Actions

Rule 22 Habeas Corpus Proceedings Rule 23 Custody or Release of a Prisoner in Habeas Corpus Proceedings Rule 24 Proceeding in Forma Pauperis

Rule 25 Filing and Service Rule 26 Computation and Extension of Time Rule 26.1 Corporate Disclosure Statement Rule 27 Motions Rule 27-1 Emergency Motions Rule 27-2 Motions: Disposition Rule 28 Briefs Rule 28-1 Supplemental Briefs Rule 28.1 Cross-Appeals Rule 29 Brief of an Amicus Curiae Rule 30 Appendix to the Briefs Rule 31 Serving and Filing Briefs Rule 31-1 Extensions of Time for Filing Briefs; Late Filing of Briefs Rule 32 Form of Briefs, and Other Papers Rule 33 Appeal Conferences Rule 34 Oral Argument Rule 35 [Reserved] Rule 36 Entry of Judgment; Notice Rule 37 Interest on Judgment Rule 38 Frivolous Appeal—Damages and Costs Rule 39 Costs Rule 39-1 Request for Attorney Fees; Opposition Rule 40 Petition for Rehearing Rule 41 Mandate: Contents; Issuance and Effective Date; Stay Rule 42 Voluntary Dismissal Rule 42-1 Dismissal and Sanctions for Failure to Prosecute Rule 43 Substitution of Parties Rule 44 Case Involving a Constitutional Question When the Commonwealth is Not a Party Rule 45 Clerk’s Duties Rule 45-1 Clerk’s Authority Rule 46 [Reserved] Rule 47 Court Rules Rule 48 Special Master Rule 49 [Reserved] Rule 50 [Reserved] Rule 51 [Reserved] Rule 52 Judicial Council Rule 53 Photographing; Recording; Broadcast

Rule 80 Indigent Defense; Appointment and Compensation of Counsel and Guardians Ad Litem