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{\author Supreme Court of Guam}{\operator Administrator}{\creatim\yr2007\mo11\dy11\hr22\min28}{\revtim\yr2007\mo11\dy11\hr22\min32}{\printim\yr2007\mo10\dy16\hr10\min53}{\version4}{\edmins5}{\nofpages4}{\nofwords1614}{\nofchars9206}
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IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 PEOPLE OF GUAM,
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Plaintiff,}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 vs.
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 BENJAMIN KING GAY,
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Defendant.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Supreme Court Case No. CRQ07-001
\par Superior Court Case}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 No. CF}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311 00}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 69-03}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9588823\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 OPINION
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5331429\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16080930\charrsid7946311 Filed:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16080930\charrsid7946311 October 16, 2007
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5331429\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5331429\charrsid7946311 Cite:}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5331429\charrsid7946311 2007 Guam 11
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Certified question from the Superior Court of Guam
\par Submitted on July 23, 2007
\par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam
\par 
\par BEFORE:}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Chief Justice; ROBERT J. TORRES, Associate Justice; RICHARD H. BENSON, Justice }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Pro Tempore}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 .
\par 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 C}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311 ARBULLIDO}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , C.J.:}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311 [1]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 \tab This matter comes before the court upon the filing of a certified question of law by the Superior Court on Ju
ly 23, 2007.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
The Superior Court is currently supervising a plea negotiation in a criminal trial and requests that this court determine whether it has the power to suspend a fifteen year minimum sentence for First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct mandated under 9 GCA 
\'a7 25.15(b).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
This request is made despite the fact that: (1) the defendant has not yet agreed to the plea agreement; (2) no sentencing hearing has yet been held; and (3) the lower court has indicated it would likely sentence the defendant to at l
east fifteen years on other grounds regardless of how this court answers the certified question.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
For the reasons set forth herein, we deny the request to answer the certified question.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311\charrsid7946311 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 I.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311 [2]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 \tab On February 21, 2003, defendant Benjamin King Gay (\'93Gay\'94
) was indicted on multiple counts of First and Second Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, in violation of 9 GCA \'a7\'a7 25.15(a)(1) and 25.20(a), as well as multiple counts of Child Abuse in violation of 9 GCA \'a7 31.30(a)(2)(C).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 The indictments resulted from incidents alleged to have occurred between 1996 and 2003 between Gay and his step-children.
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311 [3]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 \tab On January 26, 2005, Gay\rquote 
s wife, speaking for herself and her daughters, expressed through an affidavit her wish that Gay not be incarcerated.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 On December 13, 2005, 
a plea agreement was received by the Superior Court that included, among other things, an agreement by Gay to plead guilty to one count of First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct under 9 GCA \'a7\'a7 25.15(a)(1) and (b).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Also relevant to this discussion was Gay\rquote s agreement to abide by any imprisonment sentence decided by the court.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 According to 9 GCA \'a7 25.15(b), a person convicted of First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct \'93
shall be sentenced to a minimum of fifteen (15) years imprisonment.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 9 GCA \'a7 25.15(b)}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 (2005).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
The People filed a memorandum expressing their view that the plea agreement was appropriate.
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311 [4]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 \tab On June 1, 2006, Gay filed a memorandum regarding the court\rquote 
s authority to suspend the mandatory minimum sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 He argued that 9 GCA \'a7 80.10(a) gives the
 court the authority to suspend the minimum sentence for First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 The court orally rejected Gay\rquote 
s argument.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 On August 17, he filed a motion to certify the question of suspending minimum sentences to this court.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 On September 22, the lower court issued a decision agreeing to certify the question of law but leaving it to Gay to submit the certification.}
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 In its decision, the court indicated that it would not suspend the mandatory minimum sentence because: (1) it felt it lacked t
he authority under 9 GCA \'a7 80.60(a); and (2) the statutory factors of 9 GCA \'a7 80.60(b) as applied to the facts of the case justified not suspending the sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 On July 2, 2007, Gay submitted the question for certification to the lower court, but that court, believing its own arguments to be misrepresented, wrote its own certification.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 The following question was finally certified on July 23, 2007: must Defendant be sentenced to a minimum of fifteen years under 9 GCA \'a7
 25.15(b) or would 9 GCA \'a7 80.10 and 9 GCA \'a7 80.60 permit a suspension of the sentence.
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 II.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311 [5]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 \tab This court has jurisdiction over requests to hear certified questions pursuant to 7 GCA \'a7
 4105 and Rule 20(a) of the Guam Rules of Appellate Procedure.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Section 4105 states in part that \'93[a]ny judg
e of the Superior Court of Guam may certify a question of law to the Supreme Court of Guam for its opinion as to the interpretation of any law, federal or local, lying within the jurisdiction of the courts of Guam to decide, and arising in a case or proce
eding then pending before the Superior Court.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 7 GCA \'a7 4105 (2005).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Furthermore, Rule 20(a)(1) states in pertinent part:
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Only questions or propositions of law may be certified, and they must be distinct and definite . . . .}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 If the Chief Justice determines that the local law has not been clearly determined, and it is necessary and desirable to ascertain the local law in order to dispose of the Superior Court
\rquote s proceeding, then th}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 e certificate will be accepted.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Guam R. App. P. 20(a)(1).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 To be accepted, 
a certified question must meet all four of the following requirements: (1) the question must be a question of law; (2) the question must have not yet been clearly determined; (3) the question must be distinct and definite; and (4) the resolution of the qu
estion must be necessary and desirable to dispose of a pending case or proceeding.
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 III.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 A.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Questions Unnecessary to the Decision}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311 [6]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 \tab 
The United States Supreme Court, in discussing its own power to accept certified questions, has held that it will not accept questions that are unnecessary to the decision of the case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 See Busby v. Elec. Utils. Emp}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311 l. }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Union,}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311  323 U.S. 72, 75 (1944).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
Nor will it accept certified questions that are academic, hypothetical, or speculative.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 See Triplett v. Lowell}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , 297 U.S. 638, 649 (1936) (\'93We are not required to answer academic questions, or questions which may not arise in the pending controversy.\'94); }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 United States v. Mayer}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , 235 U.S. 55, 66 (1914) (\'93It is a familiar rule that this court cannot be required . . . t
o answer questions of objectionable generality . . . or questions that are hypothetical and speculative.\'94).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
Many state courts have also refused to accept certified questions that are likely to be unnecessary to a resolution of the case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 See, e.g.}
{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Butz v. World Wide, Inc}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
., 472 N.W.2d 757, 759 (N.D. 1991); }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Empire Equip. Eng\rquote g Co. v. Sullivan}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , 565 A.2d 527, 529 (R.I. 1989); }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Shell v. Metro. Life Ins. Co.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , 380 S.E.2d 183, 192-93 (W. Va. 1989).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14626217\charrsid7946311 [7]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 \tab It is possible that Gay will receive at least a fifteen year s
entence should he accept the current plea agreement, regardless of how the certified question is answered by this court.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
The Court expressed its intention to not suspend the minimum sentence regardless of the answer to the certified question, stating:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637414 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
[E]ven if the Supreme Court finds the Court was incorrect on how to deal with sentence suspensions, 9 G.C.A. \'a7
 80.60(b) would justify a denial of suspension because there is a risk that Defendant might commit the same crime, because Defendant is in need of correctional treatment, and because a suspension would \'93depreciate the seriousness\'94 of Defendant
\rquote s crime.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par Certification of Question of Law, at 5 (July 23, 2007).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
Even if acceptance of the current plea agreement was a certainty, the answer to the certified question would be unnecessary to the case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
Although resolving the certified question might change the dynamics of the plea negotiations or redefine possible avenues of appeal, these considerations fall into the categories of academic, hypothetical, or speculative outcomes.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 We therefore find that our answer to the certified question is unnecessary to \'93dispose of the Superior Court\rquote s proceeding\'94
 in this case.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 GRAP 20(a)(1).
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 B.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Ripeness}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311 [8]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
Additionally, we decline to hear the question because to do so would exceed prudential limits imposed by the ripeness doctrine.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
The ripeness doctrine exists for the purpose of preventing courts from entangling themselves in \'93abstract disagreements.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
See Abbott Labs. v. Gardner}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , 387 U.S. 136, 148 (1967).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Two factors
 must be considered in determining whether or not a controversy is ripe for adjudication: (1) whether the issue is fit for judicial consideration, and (2) the \'93hardship to the parties of withholding court consideration.\'94}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Id.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311  at 149; }{
\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Thomas v. Anchorage Equal Rights Comm'n}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , 220 F.3d 1134, 1141 (9th Cir. 2000) (quoting 387 U.S. at 149).}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 A question or claim is fit for judicial consideration when \'93
the issues raised are primarily legal, do not require further factual development, and the challenged action is final.\'94}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
Verizon California Inc. v. Peevey}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , 413 F.3d 1069, 1075 (9th Cir. 2005) (Bea, J., concurring) (quoting 387 U.S. at 149).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 On the other hand, \'93[a]n issue is not \lquote fit\rquote  for judicial review when it involves \lquote contingent future events that may not occur a
s anticipated, or indeed may not occur at all.\rquote \'94 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 United States. v. Dibiase}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
, 687 F. Supp. 38, 42 (D. Conn. 1988) (quoting }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Thomas v. Union Carbide Agricultural Prod\rquote s Co.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
, 473 U.S. 568, 580 (1985)) (finding a constitutional challenge to sentencing guidelines to be ripe because the defend}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 ant had already plead guilty).}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543 
\par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311\charrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311 [9]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
The certified question here is one of pure statutory interpretation that requires no factual development.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
However, the instant case concerns an event that has not yet occurred, that is, the potential failure of the Superior Court to suspend the minimum sentence.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 In fact, one cannot say with certainty whether this event will occur at all.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
It is entirely possible that the certified question could be answered by this court but never utilized in the proceedings of the court below.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 For example, if the final plea agreement were revised to include only charges without minimum sentences, our decision on the certified question would become entirely academic.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Because Gay challenges a \'93contingent future event[] that may not occur as anticipated, or indeed may not occur at all,\'94
 the certified question cannot yet be considered fit for judicial consideration.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Dibiase}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , 687 F. Supp. at 42; }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 New Mexicans for Bill Richardson v. Gonzales}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 , 64 F.3d 1495, 1499 (10th Cir. 1995) (quoting 13A Wright, Miller & Cooper, }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Federal Practice & Procedure}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311  \'a7 3532 at 112).
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311 [10]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311 \tab }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
With regard to hardship to the parties, withholding judicial consideration of the certified question may have the effect of delaying its consideration until Gay can appeal from a final judgment.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 True, Gay may experience diminished hope of avoiding incarceration until he can bring up the question again on appeal, but the actual final p
lea agreement and sentence are only future possibilities at this point.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
We cannot make a finding of hardship by simply entertaining speculative scenarios as to how Gay eventually may be sentenced.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
Thus, considering both the fitness and hardship factors, the certified question fails the }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Abbott Labs}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311  test for ripeness.

\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 IV.}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7946311 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311 
\par }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311 [11]}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 \tab 
Because an answer to the certified question would not dispose of the proceedings below, and because the question has not yet ripened into a justiciable controversy, we hold that this court cannot accept certification.}{
\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7946311  }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 Therefore, the Superior Court\rquote s request to answer the certified question is hereby }{
\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4792621\charrsid7946311 DENIED.}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11275543\charrsid7946311 
\par }}