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Francis L. Gill, et al vs. Jeffrey R. Siegel, et al,}{\fs20\insrsid8937092  Opinion\tab Page }{\field{\*\fldinst {\fs20\insrsid8937092 PAGE }}{\fldrslt {\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid3170701 5}}}{\fs20\insrsid8937092  of 7
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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\insrsid3170701 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 FRANCIS L. GILL,}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701  }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 and CORAL PIT, INC.}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
\par }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Plaintiffs-Appellants}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 vs.
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 JEFFREY R. SIEGEL, RICHARD G. CRUZ,
\par ROGER S. MORAN, and INVESTMENTS INTERNATIONAL, INC.,}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
\par }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Defendants-Appellees}{\insrsid3170701 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tqc\tx4680\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Supreme Court Case No. CVA99\_017
\par Superior Court Case No. CV1172-97}{\insrsid3170701 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Filed: February 16, 2000}{\insrsid3170701 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Cite as: 2000 Guam 10}{\b\insrsid3170701 
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\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam
\par Submitted on the briefs December 9, 1999
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam}{\insrsid3170701 
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\par }{\ul\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Appearing for Plaintiffs-Appellants}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 :}{\ul\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
\par }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Francis L. Gill (}{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 In Propria Personam}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 )
\par 123 Hernan Cortes Ave.
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910\cell 
\par }{\ul\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Appearing for Defendants-Appellees}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 :}{\ul\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
\par }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 William C. Bischoff, Esq.
\par Suite 600D, GCIC Bldg.
\par 414 W. Soledad Ave.
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow 
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\par BEFORE: BENJAMIN J. F. CRUZ, Chief Justice; RICHARD H. BENSON and JOHN A. MANGLONA, Designated Justices.}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 CRUZ, C.J. :}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
\par }{\b\insrsid3170701 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [1]}{\b\insrsid3170701 \tab }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Plaintiff-Appellant, Francis L. Gill (hereinafter }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Gill}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
) appeals the final judgment rendered against him by the Superior Court.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 The matter of the timeliness of Gill}{\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
s Notice of Appeal and thus our jurisdiction was raised by this court }{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 sua}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701  }{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 sponte}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 .}{\insrsid3170701  }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 At our request, Gill submitted}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 a supplemental brief asserting timeliness.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 After review of Gill}{
\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 s supplemental brief and review of the procedural record we hold that Gill}{\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
s Notice of Appeal was untimely filed and is hereby dismissed for want of jurisdiction.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [2]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab Final Judgment as t
o the last remaining Defendant in this case, was filed in the Superior Court on March 26, 1999.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 On April 23, 1999, this Final Judgment was entered on the docket by the Clerk of the Superior Court.}{
\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 On April 23, 1999, the Notice of Entry on Docket was mailed to Gill.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
Thirty-two calendar days later, on May 25, 1999, Gill filed his Notice of Appeal in the Superior Court. The Notice of Entry on Docket was not served personally upon Gill by the Clerk of the Superior Court.}{\insrsid3170701  }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 The actual date of receipt of this Notice is unknown.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 However, Gill states that he received the Notice on or about April 26, 1999, or thereafter. }{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [3]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab Gill cites to rule 4(a) of the Guam Rules of Appellate Procedure which sets the time limit for filing an appeal in a civil case at thirty da
ys from the date of entry of judgment and defines entry of judgment as when judgment is entered on the docket and }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 notice is given to the parties of this entry by the Clerk of the Superior Court.}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid3170701  }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Gill argues that this rule requires his actual receipt of the Notice of Entry on Docket and that the time limit for filing an appeal does not commence until receipt of the}{\insrsid3170701  }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Notice of Entry on Docket.}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [4]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab Gill claims that although he cannot recall exactly when he received the notice, he must have received it on or after April 26, 1999.}{\insrsid3170701  }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 To support this claim, Gill provided the declaration of a U.S. Postal employee,}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 George U. Diaz, who works in the Hag\'e5t\'f1a Post Office.}{\insrsid3170701  }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 In his declaration, Mr. Diaz states that, at the very least, it takes two days for mail to be delivered from one point in Hag\'e5t\'f1a to another point in Hag\'e5t\'f1
a. Essentially, Gill claims that the Notice of Entry on Docket was mailed to him on Friday April 23, 1999 and, allowing for a two day delivery time and not including Sunday, he received the notice on or after April 26, 1999.}{\insrsid3170701  }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Gill argues that April 26, 1999 is the earliest day}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 that the GRAP 4(a) time limit could have started and therefore 
his filing of the Notice of Appeal on May 25, 1999 was timely.}{\b\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 ANALYSIS}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [5]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab 
The filing of a timely notice of appeal to take an appeal as of right is an absolute requirement from which this court has no discretion to digress.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 The United States Supreme Cou
rt has held that a timely notice of appeal is }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 mandatory and jurisdictional.}{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701  }{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 United States. v. Robinson}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
, 361 U.S. 220, 224, 80 S. Ct. 282, 285 (1960).}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 The purpose of the rule is clear:}{
\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 It is }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
to set a definite point of time when litigation shall be at an end, unless within that time the prescribed application has been made; and if it has not, to advise prospective appellees that they are freed of the appellant}{\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 
'}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 s demands. . . .}{\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701  }{
\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Browder v. Director, Department of Corrections of Illinois}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 , 434 U.S. 257, 264, 98 S. Ct. 556, 561}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 (1978) (citation omitted).}{
\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 We are guided by these decisions and hold that pursuant to GRAP 3 and 4 a timely notice of appeal from a civil action}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
must be filed within thirty days from the date of entry of judgment or this court cannot obtain jurisdiction.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 The issue raised by Gill is whether, pursuant to GRAP 4(a),}{\insrsid3170701  }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 the date of entry of judgment includes the date an appellant receives the notice of entry of the judgment on the docket.}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [6]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab In }{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Merchant v. Nanyo Realty, Inc}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 ., 1997 Guam 16, }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst 
SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701  15, this court adopted strict adherence to the }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt
\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 separate document rule}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
 which interprets rule 58 of the Guam Rules of Civil Procedure as requiring a formal, separate judgment prior to this court}{\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 s ability to obtain jurisdiction on appeal.}{
\cs15\super\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid8937092 \chftn }{\insrsid8937092  }{
\fs20\insrsid8937092 Rule 58 states:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid8937092 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid8937092 Entry of Judgment.  Subject to the provisions of Rule 54(b): (1) upon a general verdict of a jury, or upon a 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; (2) upon a decision by t
h
e court granting other relief, or upon a special verdict or a general verdict accompanied by answers to interrogatories, the court shall promptly approve the form of the judgment, and the clerk shall thereupon enter it. Every judgment shall be set forth o
n a separate document. A judgment is effective only when so set forth. Entry of the judgment shall not be delayed for the taxing of costs. Attorneys shall submit forms of judgment except upon direction of the court. Guam R. Civ. P. 58.
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid8937092  }}}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Rule 58 also requires the Clerk of the Superior Court to enter the judgment on the docket which }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 unequivocally indicates a final judgment.}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL
 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid3170701  }{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Id.}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701  at }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols"
 \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701  11.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Pursuant to GRCP 77(d), provided in full below,}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
the Clerk must thereafter provide notice of the entry of judgment to the parties.}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [7]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab The actual filing of a notice of appeal is governed by GRAP 3 and 4.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 In relevant part, GRAP 3(a) provides: }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
[a]n appeal permitted by law as of right from the Superior Court to the Supreme Court shall be taken by filing a notice of appeal with the Clerk of the Superior Court within the time allowed by Rule 4 of these Rules.}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
{\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Rule 4 provides in relevant part:}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
When an appeal is permitted by law from the Superior Court to the Supreme Court, the time within which an appeal may be taken in a civil case shall be
 thirty (30) days from the date of entry of judgment. . . . A judgment or order is entered within the meaning of this subdivision when it is entered in the civil or criminal docket and notice is given to the parties of this entry by the Clerk of the Super
ior Court.}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid3170701 
\par }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Guam R. App. P. 4(a).}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [8]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab It is the last sentence of rule 4(a) which Gill claims requires receipt of the notice of entry of judgment prior to the commencement of the time limit for filing an appeal.}{
\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 However, GRCP 58 and 77 govern entry of judgment and notice of entry of judgment.}{\cs15\super\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid8937092 \chftn }{\insrsid8937092  }{\i\fs20\insrsid8937092 See supra}{\fs20\insrsid8937092  note 1.}}}{\insrsid3170701 
 }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Rule 77(d)}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 provides:}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
Notice of Orders or Judgments. Immediately upon the entry of an order or judgment the clerk shall serve a notice of the entry by mail in the manner provided for in Rule 5 upon each party who is not in default for failure to appear, and shall make a note i
n
 the docket of the mailing. Such mailing is sufficient notice for all purposes for which notice of the entry of an order is required by these rules; but any party may in addition serve a notice of such entry in the manner provided in Rule 5 for the servic
e of papers. }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Lack of notice of entry by the clerk does not affect the time to appeal or relieve or authorize the court to relieve a party for failure to appeal within the time allowed}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
, except as permitted by Rule 4(a) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure or in the Appellate Rules of the District Court of Guam.}{\cs15\super\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain 
\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid8937092 \chftn }{\insrsid8937092  }{\fs20\insrsid8937092 
With the establishment of the Supreme Court of Guam, Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure 4(a) or the Appellate Rules of the District Court of Guam, as used herein, are now substituted with GRAP 4(a)}}}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid3170701 
\par }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Guam R. Civ. P. 77(d)}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 (emphasis supplied).}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [9]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab 
Rule 77(d) of the GRCP expressly states that lack of notification by the clerk of the entry of judgment has no effect whatsoever on the start of the allowable time for filing an appeal.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 With respe
ct to an appeal, all that matters under this rule is that the judgment be entered.}{\cs15\super\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid8937092 \chftn }{\fs20\insrsid8937092  The exception, }{\fs20\insrsid8937092 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 65 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{
\fs20\insrsid8937092 as permitted by the provided by Rule 4(a),}{\fs20\insrsid8937092 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 64 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\fs20\insrsid8937092  is in reference to the 
filing of a notice of appeal prior to the entry of the judgment on the docket and is not relevant to the issue presented in this case.}}}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
Moreover, this rule also expressly states that mailing is sufficient notice.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 In the instant case, the Notice of Entry 
on the Docket also contains a declaration by the Clerk that the notice was mailed to Gill on the same date that the judgment was entered.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 As mailing, in and of itself is sufficient notice, Gill}{
\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 s argument that receipt of notice is required to start the time limit must fail.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
Further, and in a practical sense, the position advocated by Gill is unworkable.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
The record would not show when the notice of entry of judgment was received and thus when the time for the filing of a notice of appeal begins to run.}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [10]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab 
We note that the federal counterpart rule, Federal Rules of Civil Procedure 77(d), is nearly identical to GRCP 77(d) and is interpreted similarly to mean that lack of notice does not effect the time to appeal.}{\insrsid3170701  }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 The Advisory Committee Notes on FRCP 77(d) state that notice upon the parties is not required to start the time limit.}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [N]otification by the clerk of the entry of a judgment has nothing to do with the starting of the time for appeal; }{
\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 that time starts to run from the date of entry of judgment and not from the date of notice of the entry}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
. Notification by the clerk is merely for the convenience of litigants. And lack of such notification in itself has no effect upon the time for appeal; . . .}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid3170701 
\par }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Fed. R. Civ. P. 77(d) advisory committee}{\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 s note (emphasis supplied).}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [11]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab 
The issue of whether the time for filing a notice of appeal begins on entry of judgment or upon notice of entry of judgment was addressed by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In }{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Calvo v. Look}{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
, 597 F.2d 1267 (9th Cir. 1979), the court of appeals held that although [the old] GRAP 2(a) established a fifteen day limit to file a notice of appeal from the entry of judgment, it did not on its face require notice of entry be given to parties.}{
\insrsid3170701  }{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Id.}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701  at 1268.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 The fifteen day period therefore began upon entry of judgment, not upon notice given.}{\insrsid3170701 
 }{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Id.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Appellant}{\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
s argument that GRCP 77(d) required notice be given to the parties in order for the fifteen day period to begin running was rejected by the court of appeals.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Id.}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [12]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab In }{\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Calvo}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
, the court of appeals also held that appellant was afforded ample opportunity to file an appeal when he received the notice of entry of judgment with nine days remaining on his fifteen day time limit to file an appeal. }{
\i\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Id.}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701  at 1269.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Similarly in Gill}{\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
s case, judgment was entered on the docket on April 23, 1999.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 The thirtieth day thereafter was Sunday, May 23, 1999, and pursuant to GRAP 11, Gill}{\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 s last day to file his notice of appeal fell to Monday May, 24, 1999.}{\cs15\super\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid8937092 \chftn }{\insrsid8937092  }{\fs20\insrsid8937092 
Section 11(a) provides in part that the last day of the period shall be included in the computation of time unless it is a Saturday, a Sunday, a legal holiday, or when the court is closed.  Guam R. App. P. 11(a).}}}{\insrsid3170701  }{
\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 By Gill}{\insrsid4934055\charrsid3170701 '}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 s own admission, he received the notice on or about April 26, 1999.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
Gill therefore had some twenty-eight days to file his notice of appeal.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 This was more than ample time to file a timely notice of appeal.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
Further, this was more than ample time for Gill to move the Superior Court pursuant to GRAP 4(c) to}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 enlarge time to file a notice of appeal.}{\cs15\super\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \chftn {\footnote 
\pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\super\insrsid8937092 \chftn }{\insrsid8937092  }{\fs20\insrsid8937092 Section 4(c) provides:
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid8937092 
\par }\pard \qj \li720\ri720\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin720\lin720\itap0 {\fs20\insrsid8937092 
Upon a showing of excusable neglect, the Superior Court may extend the time for filing the notice of appeal by any party for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days 
from the expiration of the time otherwise prescribed by this subdivision.  Such an extension may be granted before or after the time otherwise prescribed by this subdivision has expired; but if a request for an extension is made after such time has expire
d, it shall be made by motion with such notices as the court shall deem appropriate.  Guam R. App. P. 4(c).}}}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 This was also not done.}{\insrsid3170701 
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 CONCLUSION}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 [13]}{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 \tab 
The time limit for filing an appeal commenced on the date Final Judgment was entered on the docket, April 23, 1999.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 
Gill filed his Notice of Appeal on May 25, 1999 and did not meet the thirty day time limit.}{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Therefore, this court is without jurisdiction and this appeal is }{\b\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 DISMISSED}
{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 .}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 RICHARD H. BENSON\tab \tab \tab \tab }{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 JOHN A. MANGLONA}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Designated Justice\tab \tab \tab \tab }{\insrsid3170701  }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Designated Justice}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx-1440\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid3170701 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3170701 {\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 BENJAMIN J. F. CRUZ}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }{\insrsid8937092\charrsid3170701 Chief Justice}{\insrsid3170701 
\par }}