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DIZON,}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab \tab \tab \tab )\tab Supreme Court Case No.:\tab }{ \ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 WRP98-001}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \fi-3600\li7920\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin7920\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 )\tab Superior Court Case No.:\tab }{\ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 CF0380-95 \par }\pard \qj \fi-2160\li3600\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin3600\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Petitioner,}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab \tab \tab ) \par }\pard \qj \fi4320\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 ) \par }\pard \qj \fi1440\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 vs. \tab }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab \tab \tab ) \par }\pard \qj \fi4320\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 )}{\ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \fi-4320\li4320\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin4320\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 SUPERIOR COURT OF GUAM,}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab \tab ) \par }\pard \qj \fi-720\li5040\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin5040\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 ) \par }\pard \qj \fi-5040\li6480\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin6480\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Respondent,\tab }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab \tab )\tab \tab \tab }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 OPINION}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \fi4320\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 ) \par }\pard \qj \fi-4320\li5760\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin5760\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 vs.}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab }{\insrsid7754413 \tab \tab \tab )}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \fi4320\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 ) \par }\pard \qj \fi-4320\li4320\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin4320\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 THE PEOPLE OF GUAM,}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab \tab \tab ) \par }\pard \qj \fi4320\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 ) \par }\pard \qj \fi-2880\li4320\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin4320\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Real Party In Interest.}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab ) \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 ____________________________________)}{\insrsid7754413 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Filed: May 13, 1998 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Cite as: 1998 Guam 3 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Petition for Writ of Prohibition \par Argued and Submitted on May 8, 1998 \par H\'e5gat\'f1a, Guam}{\insrsid7754413 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Appearing for the Petitioner}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab }{\ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Appearing for Real Party in Interest}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \fi-5760\li5760\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin5760\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 MITCHELL F. THOMPSON \tab \tab \tab \tab MONICA J. HICKEY \par Maher & Thompson, P.C.\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab Assistant Attorney General \par 140 Aspinall Avenue, Suite 201\tab \tab \tab \tab Office of the Attorney General \par }\pard \qj \fi-7200\li7200\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin7200\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 H\'e5gat\'f1a, Guam 9}{\insrsid7754413 6910\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab Prosecution Division}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \fi5760\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Suite 2-200E, Judicial Center Building \par }\pard \qj \fi-5760\li5760\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin5760\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Appearing for the Petitioner}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab 120 West O}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Brien Drive \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 JOHN TARANTINO\tab \tab \tab \tab \tab \tab H\'e5gat\'f1a, Guam 96910 \par }{\insrsid7754413 250 Route 4}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \fi-5760\li5760\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin5760\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid7754413 Chalan Pago, Guam 96924}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par BEFORE:}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 PETER C. SIGUENZA, Chief Justice, JOAQUIN C. ARRIOLA}{\cs15\super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid9587007 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 Part-time Associate Justice.}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , and JOSE I. LEON GUERRERO}{\cs15\super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\sl480\slmult1\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid9587007 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 Part-time Associate Justice.}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , Associate Justices.}{\insrsid7754413 \par \par }{\b\insrsid7754413\charrsid7754413 SIGUENZA, C.J.:}{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [1]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab The petitioner, Cezar B. Dizon, petitions this Court for a writ of prohibition restraining the Superior Court from scheduling any further action or proceeding in Criminal Case Number CF0380-95 before Presiding Judge Alberto C. Lamorena, III.}{ \insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The respondent court made no response to this petition.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 However, the People of Guam, the real party in interest, oppose the petition.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid7754413\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [2]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab Upon consideration of the applicable standards for recusal and for writ relief, the Court issued an oral ruling recusing Judge Lamorena from CF0380-95.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Court now issues this written opinion in support of its ruling.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Furthermore, the Court sets out the proper procedure for the reassignment of this case and future cases where the Presiding Judge is recused or is otherwise disqualified from performing his or her duties as the Presiding Judge.}{\insrsid7754413 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [3]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab The Petitioner is the defendant in Superior Court of Guam Criminal Case Number CF0380-95.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The case had been assigned by Judge Lamorena to himself and recusal was sought by the Petitioner after learning of the correspondence between Senior United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, Alfred T. Goodwin and Judge Lamorena.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The letter from Judge Goodwin was typewritten on Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals stationery and the content described Judge Goodwin}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s concern for quick resolution of the case and asked for Judge Lamorena}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s efforts to ensure that same end.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 letter}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 was}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 sent}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 by}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 facsimile}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 to}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Lamorena}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 on}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 February}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 24,}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 1998 and}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 then}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 subsequently received by United States mail on March 9, 1998.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge Lamorena returned from an off-island trip on March 7, 1998 but claimed below that he did not read or even see the letter until March 12, 1998.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 A pre-trial conference was scheduled for March 5, 1998; however, Judge Lamorena was off-island and could not preside over that hearing.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 In keeping with Judge Lamorena}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s instructions, Judge Maraman ord ered the prosecution to file a written request for a continuance that would be heard after Judge Lamorena}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s return on Monday, March 9, 1998.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The trial date had previously been set for March 10, 1998.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The motion was argued before Judge Lamorena on the basis that expert witnesses would not then be available and the prosecutor trying the case would be in another murder trial.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Petitioner did not object to a continuance.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 However, Judge Lamorena denied the reque st for a renewed pre-trial conference for March 23, 1998, but he put the trial over for an additional week, until March 17, 1998, and stated that no further continuances would be granted.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [4]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab There is some confusion as to how the existence of the letter was brought to the attention of the parties.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Petitioner asserts that it was the People who disclosed to his counsel Judge Lamorena}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s receipt of the letter.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge Lamorena, in his answer to the recusal motion, stated that he did not communicate the existence of the letter to the People.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge Lamorena indicated that it was Attorney Thomas J. Lannen, the victim}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s ex-husband, who was responsible.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 At any rate, it was not Judge Lamorena who initially disclosed the existence of the letter to the Petitioner.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Instead, the Petitioner made a request for that information to the Judge.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The court informed the parties that there was a letter, but that it was }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 innocuous.}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Petitioner further claims that Judge Lamorena failed to timely produce this letter }{\insrsid16068275 after being requested to do so.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [5]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab The Petitioner then proceeded to file a Motion for Change of Venue; Objection to Presiding Judge Alberto C. Lamorena, III, Acting as Judge Herein.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge Lamorena filed an answer and the People}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 filed an opposition to that motion.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The motion was heard bef ore, Judge Joaquin V. E. Manibusan, Jr. who denied the recusal of Judge Lamorena although in a Decision and Order, the court acknowledged that the situation could have been handled better.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge Manibusan noted that}{\insrsid16068275 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge Lamorena could have been more forthcoming by being the one to have disclosed the existence and receipt of the letter from Judge Goodwin.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Petitioner timely filed its Petition for Alternative Writ of Prohibition.}{\insrsid7754413 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 DISCUSSION}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16068275 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid16068275 I. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [6]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab The Court has jurisdiction over original proceedings for prohibition pursuant to 7 GCA }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 3107(b).}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The People argue that a writ should not issue because there is no extraordinary circumstance warranting such action.}{ \insrsid7754413 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Topasna v. Superior Court of Guam}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , 1996 Guam 5, }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}} {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 5.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The statute provides that a writ may issue when }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}} }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 there is not a plain, speedy, adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law.}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 7 GCA }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 31302.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 This Court has previously addressed the issue of whether a writ of prohibition is the proper channel for reviewing the qualifications of a judge to preside over a trial court case.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Topasna}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 at }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 5.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Although a writ is a drastic remedy, in }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Topasna}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 the Court found that there was no plain, speedy, adequate remedy for the petitioner even though a denial of th e disqualification of Judge Demapan in that case was an appealable order after trial.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Id.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The same is true in this case.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 For the Defendant to have to wait for the completion of a trial and possible conviction before being able to appeal the case on this same issue leaves him without a plain, speedy, adequate remedy.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [7]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab The People attempt to distinguish }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Topasna}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 because it is factually different and because the basis for the disqualification of Judge Demapan was different.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 However, in that Judge Demapan}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s disqualification was pursuant to the Presiding Judge}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt \f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s lack of authority to appoint Judges Pro Tempore, which created an issue of the supervisory authority of this Court, and there are conceptually similarities to the case at bar.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Certainly no two cases will be factually the same nor will}{\insrsid16068275 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 the basis}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 for}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 a}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 judge}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s}{ \insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 disqualification be identical.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 It}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 is,}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 therefore, within this Court}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s ap pellate jurisdiction to exercise its inherent supervisory authority over the lower court.}{\insrsid7754413 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid16068275 II.}{\b\ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid16068275 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [8]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab The recusal statute provides that a judge must disqualify himself when his }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 impartiality might reasonably be questioned.}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 7 GCA }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 6105(a).}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Both parties agree that the standard for recusal is the appearance of impropriety and that no actual showing of bias is necessary for recusal to lie.}{\ul\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The United States Supreme Court has addressed this same issue, via a similar federal statute, and held that it is the appearance of bias or prejudice which is of concern to the court.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Liteky v. United States}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , 510 U.S. 540, 548, 114 S.Ct. 1147, 1154 (1994) (}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [W]hat matters is not the reality of bias or prejudice but its appearance. . . .}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 ).}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The basis for the recusal is the letter received from Judge Goodwin which is considered to be an extrajudicial source.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 As an extrajudicial source, a reasonable person standard must be applied to determine whether recusal is necessary.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Id.}{\i\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid16068275 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [9]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab The Petitioner cites the case of }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Nichols v. Alley}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , 71 F.3d 347 (10}{\super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 th}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Cir. 1995), where recusal of a judge was sought in the Oklahoma bombing case because some court employees had been injured in the bombing.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The court held that a reasonable person could doubt the judge}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s impartiality although the judge himself had acted properly and professionally throughout the proceedings.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Id.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 If there is a question as to the propriety of a judge remaining on a case, it is better to err on the side of caution and in favor of recusal.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 If it would appear to a reasonable person that a judge has knowledge of facts that would give him an interest in the litigation then an appearance of partiality is created even though no actual partiality exists because the judge does not recall the facts, because the judge actually has no interest in the case or because the judge is pure in heart and incorruptible . . . . the judge}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt \f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s actual state of mind, purity of heart, incorruptibility, or lack of partiality are not the issue. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Id.}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 at 351.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 On the other hand, the recusal statutes should not be so broadly construed so as to}{\insrsid16068275 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 become presumptive or to allow for judge shopping.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Id.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [10]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab This Court finds that the trial court}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s analysis of the recusal statute and the standard created by case law is flawed and, thus, we proceed with our own analysis of Judge Lamorena}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s recusal.}{\cs15\super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid9587007 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 Although the trial court applied the proper standard, it failed in its analysis to focus on the concept of the appearance of bias. }{ \i\fs20\insrsid9587007 Dizon v. Superior Court}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 , No. CF0380-95 }{\f63\fs20\insrsid9587007 (Guam Super. Ct. }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 April 21, 1998}{\f63\fs20\insrsid9587007 )}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 . Instead, the trial court took great care in demonstrating the absence of any actual prejudice resulting from the letter through examples of Judge Lamorena}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt \f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 s allegedly consistent desire to quickly bring the case to trial from the beginning. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9587007 Id.}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 The court concluded that }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 the letter received from Judge Goodwin does not serve as a source of bias in this matter, and that he [Judge Lamorena] has given no consideration or weight to the suggestions set forth herein.}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 }{\i\fs20\insrsid9587007 Id.}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 at 11.}{ \i\fs20\insrsid9587007 }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 The trial court also stated that }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 [t]here has been no display of bias from his [Judge Lamorena}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 s] actions . . . .}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 }{\i\fs20\insrsid9587007 Id}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 . at 12. These are precise demonstrations of the trial court}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 s focus on actual bias, rather than the appearance of impropriety or that the judge}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 s impartiality might reasonably be questioned, which is the actual standard. The court focused on the fact that Judge Lamorena claims he did not read the letter until well after hi s return and after it had been made clear, via Judge Maraman, that the case would be immediately going forward to trial. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9587007 Id.}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 at 5-6. The trial court noted that the letter }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 would not necessarily lead a reasonable person}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt \f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 to believe that Judge Lamorena was now biased. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9587007 Id.}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 at 10. That example clearly points out that the court was failing to properly apply the test in that (1) the test does not require a showing that a reasonable person }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 necessarily}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 question a judge}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 s impartiality, but instead merely that one }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{ \fs20\insrsid9587007 might reasonably}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 question the impartiality; and (2) that it is also not necessary that a reasonable person believe that actual bias or impartiality had resulted, i.e., in this case that any decision subsequently made by Judge Lamorena would be made as a direct result of the receipt of the letter when instead all that is required is that impartiality be reasonably questioned. Additionally, the trial court asserts that based on the totality of the ci rcumstances, a reasonable person would not question Judge Lamorena}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 s impartiality. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9587007 Id.}{ \fs20\insrsid9587007 However, this Court finds that the trial court did not give proper weight to the influence of Judge Goodwin as an Appellate C ourt judge and the weight of his position and influence through the use of the Ninth Circuit Court stationery, as will be discussed more fully within this opinion. The trial court also found that Judge Lamorena acted appropriately upon receipt of the let ter. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9587007 Id.}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 To the extent that Judge Lamorena did not respond or inany other way contact Judge Goodwin, the Court agrees with the trial court; however, the fact that Judge Lamorena did not immediately disclose either the receipt or the content of the letter to the parties, and the fact that the trial court had no problem with this omission, is of great concern to this Court. }}}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid16068275 [}{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 11]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab We first note that Judge Lamorena had no apparent part in the creation of the letter at issue.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Petitioner finds support for his motion for recusal in the fact that Judge Lamorena not only received this letter, but that he failed to disclose its receipt or even be forthcoming when it was requested.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 It is not clear whether Judge Lamorena would have ever disclosed its receipt, or its existence, had an outside source not made the parties aware of it.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The receipt of ex parte communications is a well visited issue.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 In }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Guenther v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , 939 F.2d 758 (9}{ \super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 th}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Cir. 1991) an ex parte memorandum was submitted to the tax court by the government.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The court ruled that the defendant was entitled to a new trial with a judge who had not been exposed to that ex parte communication.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Id.}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 at 762.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 In the case of }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 United States v. Van Griffin}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , 874 F.2d 634 (9}{\super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 th}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Cir. 1989), the court held that a magistrate should have disqualified himself after being in possession of a ranger}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s report of a driving while under the influence incident because a reasonable}{\insrsid16068275 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 person could have doubted his impartiality, even though the magistrate did not read the report.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [12]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab The People argue that the cases discussed above are distinguishable because the information received by the courts was information which they did not already possess, and, in this case, Judge Lamorena was not advised of anything which he di d not already know.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 While it may be true that no substantive information may have been contained in the Goodwin letter, that is not to say that it did not contain any information on the merits of the case of which Judge Lamorena was not already aware.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The fact that Judge Goodwin had such strong feelings and a seemingly emotional stake in the outcome and speedy resolution of this case could be viewed as information which Judge Lamorena did not already possess.}{ \insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 When viewed in conjunction with the two judges}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 friendship a reasonable question as to impartiality and bias in the mind of a reasonable person is created.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 We must also bear in mind that this correspondence was disclosed only after the Petitioner had made }{\ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 two}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 separate requests.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [13]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab Clearly, inappropriate behavior is attributable to Judge Goodwin.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 However, the belated disclosure of the letter is directly relevant to whether Judge Lamorena should remain on the case.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The belated disclosure of the letter is highly compelling evidence of the appearance of impropriety.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge Goodwin himself has admitted that his letter was inappropriate, that he shouldn}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 t have done it and that it was one of those foolish things that people sometimes do.}{\insrsid7754413 } {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Susan McRae,}{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Foreign Affairs A 9}{\i\super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 th}{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Circuit Judge}{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s personal Plea Has Raised a Ruckus in Guam}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 ,}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 L.A. Daily Journal, April 10, 1998.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge Goodwin has also been quoted as stating as justification that he, as a 9}{\super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 th}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Circuit Court Judge, no longer has direct jurisdiction over Guam Superior Court cases; however, in the same breath he demonstrates his belief that he could }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 get it [the case] moving.}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Id.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Further damaging is the fact that Judge Goodwin points out that in his forty (40) years as a judge he has never attempted to interject himself into another judge}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s business, which only demonstrates his knowledge of the implications that such interjection carries.}{ \insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Additionally, although claiming he was not attempting to place any pressure on Judge Lamorena, he certainly believed that he did so when stating }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 apparently it worked,}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 in response to the situation.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Clarissa J. Walker, }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge says he might have}{\i\insrsid16068275 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 erred, Defense wants him under oath}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , Pacific Daily News, April 22, 1998 at 1.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [14]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab The}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Petitioner}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 argues}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 that}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 the}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 tone}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 of}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 the}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 letter}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 coupled}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 with}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Lamorena}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s characterization of the letter as being innocuous heightens the appearance of impropriety.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 This letter is more than merely a letter from a }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 friend of the victim,}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 as the People would wish this Court to believe.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 As previously mentioned, the letter was written on Ninth Circuit Court stationery rather than personal stationery.}{ \insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 There is a message conveyed by that distinction.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 In}{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Cabot v. Kobayashi}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , No. CV0064-95 (Guam Super. Ct. June 10, 1996), the court issued sanctions against a real estate broker who used his influence as an attorney by drafting a letter on attorney letterhead to secure a commission in a real estate deal.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The court opined that by using the attorney letterhead it was reasonable to assume that an ordinary person would view his legal opinion in higher regard.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Id. }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 at 6-7.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Similarly in this case, a letter from a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals judge carries a great deal of weight on a lower court judge.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The People, and Judge Goodwin himself, have conceded the impropriety of the letter and the possibility that such correspondence may be a breach of the Code of Judicial Ethics.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [15]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab Furthermore, the fact that Judge Lamorena received and read the letter, did not disclose it to any of the parties and then, when confronted, deemed it innocuous and delayed production of the letter until after two requests had been made, is troubling.}{ \insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Essentially, Judge Lamorena subjectively determined the letter}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s effect and concluded there was no need for disclosure.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 In doing so, he failed to provide the parties with an opportunity to raise objections or waive any claims of bias. }{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 In his answer Judge Lamorena claims that he was off-island when the letter arrived and that he did not read it until several days after his return, at which time he had already decided that the case was going to trial immediately and no further continuances would issue.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Judge Lamorena supports his position by stating that he has a very busy trial calendar and did not want to continue the proceedings for that reason.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Whether all of this is convincing evidence is unclear, at best.}{\cs15\super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid9587007 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid9587007 We do not pass on the credibility of Judge Lamorena}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f169\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid9587007 s claim that he did not review immediately upon his return the copy of the letter that had been faxed to him by a federal judge. The facts agreed to by the partie s provide a sufficient basis for our determination.}}}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 However, his actual feelings,}{\insrsid16068275 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 thoughts and actions are not the issue.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The standard is whether a reasonable person could doubt his ability to be impartial.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 That standard is met under these circumstances.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Presiding Judge Alberto C. Lamorena, III, is ordered recused from the matter.}{\insrsid7754413 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid16068275 III. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [16]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab Having determined that Judge Lamorena is recused from this case, this Court addresses the issue of the case}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s reassignment.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Petitioner argues that it is within the Court}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s authority to exercise its inherent power over the trial court and reassign a case to a different judge.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 United States v. Sears, Roebuck & Co., Inc.,}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 785 F.2d 777, 779 (9}{\super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 th}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Cir. 1986).}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Court has previously exercised its supervisory authority, not only in }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Topasna}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , but also in }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Guam Publications, Inc. v. Superior Court of Guam}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , 1996 Guam 6, where the Court issued a writ of mandamus ordering the Super ior Court to cease the practice of closing proceedings without substantive findings to support such closure.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Petitioner asks this Court to prescribe a manner in which the trial court should handle ex parte communications and to ensure that the case is assigned to a fair and impartial judge and not one}{\insrsid16068275 hand-picked by Judge Lamorena.}{ \insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [17]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab By statute, the powers of a Presiding Judge of the Superior Court have been set forth as follows:}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Section 4103.}{\b\insrsid7754413 }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Powers of the Presiding Judge}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 .}{ \insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Presiding Judge of the Superior Court shall prescribe the order of business and assign the cases to the judges, referees}{\insrsid16068275 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 and hearing officers of the Court.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Presiding Judge may preside at any session of the Court which he or she attends.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 During the Presiding Judge}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s temporary absence or temporary disability, the Presiding Judge}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s duties shall be performed by his or her designated appointee.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Appointment shall be on a rotating basis among all \par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid16068275 judges of the Superior Court.}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par 7 GCA }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 4103 (as amended by P.L. 24-139).}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Given this Court}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s recusal of Judge Lamorena from the underlying criminal case, CF0380-95, the Court deems the Presiding Judge to be temporarily disabled under the statute.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Fu rthermore, the Court finds that due to that temporary disability and the}{\insrsid16068275 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 fact that no procedure exists to fairly designate an Acting Presiding Judge or for the assignment of cases, the Presiding Judge is without the power to appoint or designate a judge to act as his replacement for the purpose of reassigning CF0380-95.}{ \insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [18]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab Because the statute is silent as to what procedure must be followed to designate a judge to perform the duties of assigning cases in a situation such as this, the Court hereby invokes its inherent}{\insrsid16068275 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 power in so designating a judge.}{\insrsid9587007 \par }{\insrsid16068275\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Undoubtedly, courts of justice possess powers which were not given by legislation and which no legislation can take away.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 These are }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 inherent powers}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 resident in all courts of superior jurisdiction.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 These powers spring not from legislation but from the nature and constitution of the tribunals themselves. . . .}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 inherent powers}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 of a court are such as result from the very nature of its organization and are essential to its existence and protection and to the due administration of justice.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 It is fundamental that every court has inherent power to do all things that are reasonably necessary for the administration of justice within}{\insrsid16068275 the scope of its jurisdiction.}{\insrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin0\itap0\pararsid16068275 {\insrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 State v. Superior Court of Maricopa County}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , 275 P.2d 887, 889 (Ariz. 1954).}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Further support for the invocation of the inherent powers doctrine lies in the case of }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Cruz v. Abbate}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 , 812 F.2d 571 (9}{ \super\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 th}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Cir. 1987).}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The issue involved in }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Cruz}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 was the Presiding Judge}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s practice of assigning cases in an arbitrary and un fair manner to the judge of his choice.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The Ninth Circuit remanded the case for more specific details to support the allegations made by the petitioner.}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Id.}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 at 574.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 However, the court did recognize the supervisory power of the appellate court to correct the matter should it determine, on remand, whether an abuse of discretion was occurring.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\i\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Id.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 The interest of justice requires ensuring that there is no abuse of discretion in the assignment of cases.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Although case assignment is largely an administrativ e function, when abused it can become a substantively judicial function which may have direct bearing upon a party}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s, particularly a criminal defendant}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 61 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f169\fs24}}}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 s, constitutional rights.}{ \insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 Therefore, similarly, thi}{\insrsid16068275 s Court invokes the same power.}{\ul\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }{\insrsid7754413 \par }{\b\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 [19]}{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \tab The Court hereby assigns the next most-senior judge to hear the case.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 In this case the next}{\insrsid7754413 }{ \insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 senior judge is Judge Maraman.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 However, given that Judge Maraman and Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood, the next senior judge to Judge Maraman, have disqualif ied themselves from sitting on CF0380-95, the assignment of the case will fall on Judge Manibusan as the next in line.}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 In the event that this judge is unavailable due to illness, absence, disqualification, conflict or recusal, the assignment shall then proceed to the next senior judge to him and so on and so forth as necessary. \par }{\insrsid16068275 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16068275 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 JOAQUIN C. ARRIOLA, Associate Justice}{\insrsid7754413 }{\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 JOSE I. LEON GUERRERO, Associate Justice \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7754413 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16068275 {\insrsid9587007\charrsid7754413 PETER C. SIGUENZA, Chief Justice \par }}