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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\scaps\f112\fs17\insrsid15481247 \tab Merchant vs. Nanyo Realty, Inc. and Aqua World Marina, Inc/1997 Guam 16/Opinion
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\b\insrsid3690679\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 BOB MERCHANT,
\par }{\insrsid3690679 Plaintiff-Appellant,}{\insrsid15481247 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid3690679\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 vs.}{\insrsid15481247 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 NANYO REALTY, INC.}{\b\insrsid3690679  }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 and AQUA
\par WORLD MARINA, INC.,}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par Defendant-Appellee.}{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Supreme Court Case No. CVA96-005
\par Superior Court Case No. CV1577-93
\par Filed: December 31, 1997
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Cite as: 1997 Guam 16
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Appeal }{\insrsid3690679 from the Superior Court of Guam}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par Submitted without argument 18 August 1997
\par Agana, Guam
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Decided 31 December 1997
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 ____________________
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 OPINION}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par BEFORE: PETER C. SIGUENZA, Chief Justice, JANET HEALY WEEKS and JOAQUIN C. ARRIOLA, Associate Justices.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 PER CURIAM:
\par }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 [1]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab 
This matter is before the Court to determine whether the order dismissing the action below should be reversed due to various errors which the Plaintiff-Appellant claims occurred.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
However, because we determine that we will not exercise jurisdiction over the substance of}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 this appeal, the Court does not reach these issues.}{\insrsid15481247 
\par }{\insrsid3690679\charrsid3690679 
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 [2]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab We note that no judgment has been filed in the instant case.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Guam Rules of Appellate Procedure (GRAP) Rule}{
\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 4(a) permits a notice
 of appeal to be filed in advance of a judgment, but requires the judgment to be entered before the notice is given the effect of initiating an appeal. In that circumstance, the notice }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 shall be treated as filed after such entry [of the judgment] and on the date thereof.}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 More importantly, a final judgment is required by 7 GCA }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  3108(a) as a prerequisite to this Court}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s exercise of jurisdiction.
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [3]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab This is a point that appears to be missed by the Appellant in the jurisdictional statement set forth in his opening brief.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
There he asserts that this Court has jurisdiction because }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
the matter was disposed of by the Superior Court with finality when it issued a Decision and Order (presumably order dismissing the matter with prejudice) filed August 6, 1996". (Parenthetical phrase in original).}{\insrsid3690679  }{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 In claiming that we have jurisdiction, the Appellant relies upon 7 GCA }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  3107(b), which lists generally those matters over which this Court has jurisdictional authority.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 That subsection includes }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 final orders of the Superior Court}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  among those matters expressly reviewable.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 However, 7 GCA }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
 3108(a) and (b) additionally require, between them, either a final judgment or the satisfaction of criteria justifying interlocutory consideration.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
The Appellant addresses neither the issue of the judgment nor the possible qualification of this appeal for interlocutory review.
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [4]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab The Appellee asserts that the statement of jurisdiction provided in the Appellant}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s opening brief is defective.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Although the Appellee agrees that the stated basis for jurisdiction properly identifies this Court}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s subject matter jurisdiction in reviewing a final order entered below (i.e., that it satisfies 7 GCA }{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
 3107(b)) , the Appellee goes on to assert that the Appellant has failed to address the date that the appeal was filed, or to otherwise establish that the appeal is timely.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Though the Appell
ee does not expressly raise the issue of the judgment}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
s absence, it is clear that the Appellee is questioning this Court}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s exercise of}{\insrsid3690679  }{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 jurisdiction.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Moreover, the App
ellee does challenge the timeliness of the appeal, an issue which brings into question the existence of the judgment which would have opened the interval for its filing. 
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [5]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab Given the absence of any judgment we cannot and will not exercise jurisdiction in this matter. 
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 [6]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab 
We begin with the viewpoint that, absent exceptional circumstances permitting interlocutory review, the Guam legislature intended that 7 GCA }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  3108 be strictly enforced.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 It states: }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Appellate review to the Supreme Court of Guam shall be available only upon the rendition of final judgment in the Superior Court from which . . . appeal is taken.}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 In the present matter, the formalization of the judgment is addressed by Rule 58}{\insrsid3690679  }{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 of}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Guam}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
s Rules of Civil Procedure for the Superior Court of Guam which states: }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
Subject to the provisions of Rule 54(b): (1) upon a general verdict of a jury, or upon a}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
decision by the court that a party shall recover only a sum certain or costs or that all relief shall be denied, the clerk, unless the court otherwise
 orders, shall forthwith prepare, sign and enter the judgment without awaiting any direction by the court . . . .}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid3690679  }{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Here, there was a dismissal of the action, a denial of all relief.
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [7]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab There is no formal judgment complying with Rule 58's dictates.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Moreover, there is no indication that any action which might be deemed an entry of}{
\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 the judgment has occurred.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 7 GCA }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  3108(a) has not been satisfied.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Our jurisdiction does not obtain.
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [8]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab In reaching this conclusion we are aware that the United States Supreme Court has interpreted federal provisions requiring entry of a final judgment, which are similar to our own rules}{
\cs15\super\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15481247 \chftn }{
\i\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247  Compare}{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247  Guam}{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 
s Rules of Civil Procedure for the Superior Court of Guam Rule 58, }{\i\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 supra}{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 , }{\i\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 with}{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 
 Fed. R. Civ. P. 58.  Their language is identical in the portions bearing on this issue.}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 , as permitting appellate courts to exercise jurisdiction, where jurisdiction is 
not contested, despite the lack of a separate document denominated a judgment as required by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 58.}{\i\insrsid3690679  }{\i\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 See Bankers Trust Company v. Mallis}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 , 435 U.S. 381 (1978) (per curiam).}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 In that matter, the parties had proceeded on appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals on }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 the assumption that there was an adjudication of dismissal}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  in the district court. 435 U.S. at 382.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 The court of appeals had a
ccepted jurisdiction despite the omission of a judgment set forth as a separate document, and the Supreme Court approved the circuit}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s exercise of appellate review.
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [9]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab The High Court}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
s rationale appears to be that where there is: (1) the actual entry of a functional}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 judgment (there through a notation on the clerk}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s docket indicating a judgment of dismissal) and (2) a waiver by the}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 parties of}{\insrsid3690679  }{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 the }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 separate document}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  requirement of}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Rule 58; there is nothing to be gained in the rule}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s formalistic application.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 435 U.S. at 386-87.}{
\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Where those two elements are established, courts may validly exercise jurisdiction despite the absence of a formal, separate judgment.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 [10]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab However, we conclude}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 for several reasons that }{\i\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Mallis}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  should not direct the resolution of the jurisdictional issue before us.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
Granted, both parties appear to have assumed that the Decision and Order entered 6 August 1996 was final as such.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 This appears to place them in much the same posture as those in }{
\i\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Mallis}{\cs15\super\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {
\cs15\super\insrsid15481247 \chftn }{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 The Court in }{\i\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 Mallis}{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 
 noted that where the parties act on such an assumption, and fail to object  to the absence of a separate judgment, the parties should be deemed to have waived the issue.  435 U.S. 388.}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 .}{\insrsid3690679  }{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 However, here the Appellee, while failing to mount a specific objection to the lack of a separate judgment, has questioned this Court}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s jurisdiction.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 That challenge is based upon the Appellant}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s failure to establish that the appeal was filed within the prescribed period following the judgment}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s entry, and raises, albeit indirectly, an issue as to the event of the final judgment}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s entry.
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [11]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab A more significant point of distinction relates to the evidence, or lack thereof,}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
that the Superior Court intended the order in question to serve as a final judgment.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 In }{\i\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Mallis}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
, the trial court clerk had made a docket notation reflecting that a judgment of dismissal had been entered}{\cs15\super\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15481247 \chftn }{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 It is unclear from the }{\i\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 Mallis}{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 
 decision what the complete language was of the docket entry.  That opinion notes, however, that it included the following: }{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{
\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 Complaint dismissed in its entirety.  So ORDERED.}{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247  435 U.S. 382 n.1.}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 .}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
Under Fed. R. Civ. P. 58 it is the clerk who is to enter the judgment where the action is dismissed outright, so the necessary action was unequivocally taken by the proper authority, if not in the proper form.}{\insrsid3690679  }{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 In the present case, there is no docket entry that unequivocally indicates}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 a final judgment.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
Rather, the docket entry documenting the order under appeal reads in relevant part: }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
MOTION TO DISMISS IS GRANTED}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 .}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
The docket entry does not in itself reflect that the dismissal affects the entirety of the action, nor does it reiterate the phrase }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 So ORDERED}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 , which might be read,
 in a docket entry (as may have been the case in }{\i\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Mallis}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 ), as the Clerk}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s execution of the Judgment.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 The ambiguity inherent in the present disposition}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
is openly acknowledged in the Appellant}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
s own assertion of jurisdiction when he states that the order }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 presumably}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  dismissed the matter with prejudice.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 It}{
\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 is less than certain that the trial court intended that the decision be reduced to a judgment.
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [12]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab While it may appear likely that the 6 August 1996 order was intended to finally dispose of the matter below, we will not assume such to obtain appellate jurisdiction here.}{\insrsid3690679  }{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 The Guam Legislature has seen fit to limit our appellate jurisdiction, generally}{\cs15\super\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15481247 \chftn }{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 7 GCA }{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{
\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 
 3108(b) permits this Court to exercise jurisdiction over interlocutory matters under the limited circumstances set forth in that section.  These provisions do not appear to reach the present matter, and none of the parties have suggested that this case i
s appropriate for interlocutory review.}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 , to final determinations below.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
Absent a record that clearly establishes such finality we would be hard pressed to justify our exercise of appellate authority.
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [13]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab Even if our forbearance was not compelled absolutely, we would be disinclined to reach out to this matter under the present circumstances.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
As noted above, the Appellant}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s own statement of jurisdiction flagged the fact that there w
as some uncertainty as to whether the order appealed from finally disposed of the action. He should have sought clarification below.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
A judgment meeting the terms of Rule 58 could have resolved such ambiguity.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 And although the Appellee failed to raise the }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f 
"WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 separate judgment}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  concern noted in}{\insrsid3690679  }{\i\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Mallis}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
, the issue here is actually whether there is a judgment at all, and the Appellee has taken issue with this Court}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s jurisdiction.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Moreover, the Appellant}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s marginal compliance with substantive requirements of the Guam Rules of Appellate Procedure does not encourage us to reach this matter in its present posture}{\cs15\super\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \chftn {\footnote 
\pard\plain \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15481247 \chftn }{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 
Rule 13(b)(5) requires that the parties include an argument as to each contention raised on appe
al and that each argument be supported by legal authority.  In addressing the six (6) issues he raises across his eight (8) page brief, the Appellant fails to cite any legal authority for several of  those issues.  He also failed to file the Excerpts of R
ecord required by Rule 15.}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 .
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [14]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab A fundamental purpose of Rule 58 is the unambiguous demarcation of a judgment}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s finality.}{\i\insrsid3690679  }{\i\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 See United States v. Indrelunas}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 , 411 U.S. 216 (1973)(per curiam). The Rule should, and 
must be, mechanically applied in this and other cases to ensure that a determination addressed on appeal really is the trial court}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s final resolution, and to protect the litigants from uncertainty as to when a notice of appeal must be filed to be within the time permitted. See 6A J. Moore, Moore}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s Federal Practice 58.04[4.-2] (1972).}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [15]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab In the short time this Court has been in existence we have seen a disproportionate number of cases which have contained jurisdictional issues stemming from lack of finality of the judgment.}{\insrsid3690679  }{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 We have also seen other cases where the process of appeal was inordinately delayed by the filing of judgments months, sometimes years, after the apparent determination of the matter below. Because we find that }{
\i\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Mallis}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  is not applicable given the different circumstances it presents, it is not necessary for us to determine whether we would, for purposes of Guam}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s judicial administration, accept jurisdiction over a matter like }{\i\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 Mallis,}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  where the separate document rule was not formally satisfied.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 It is our view that the separate document rule should be expressly honored.
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par [16]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab By dismissing this matter now based on our lack of jurisdiction, the Superior Court can properly address the issue of}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 the dismissal}{
\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 s finality as a judgment.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
Once that issue is unequivocally resolved in the affirmative, an appeal may be taken that properly invokes our jurisdiction.}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 We note that the parties may, as a consequence of having already briefed}{
\cs15\super\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \ql \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid15481247 \chftn }{\f112\fs20\insrsid15481247 
We would hope, however, that the Appellant would file an Excerpts of Record (per GRAP Rule 15) as well as comply with the substance of all other procedural requirements in the next incarnation of this appeal.
\par }}}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679  the issues, be in a position to move the Court for expedited review if this appeal ultimately}{\insrsid3690679  }{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 ripens.
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 [17]}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 \tab For the foregoing reasons, this appeal is DISMISSED without prejudice to its being refiled when it is appropriate for the exercise of our jurisdiction.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 JANET HEALY WEEKS
\par Associate Justice
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 JOAQUIN C. ARRIOLA
\par Associate Justice
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3690679 {\b\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 PETER C. SIGUENZA
\par Chief Justice}{\insrsid15481247\charrsid3690679 
\par ________________
\par }}