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IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs20\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f2\fs18\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3021792 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 MATAO YOKENO aka
 EDDIE M. YOKENO,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Plaintiff and Counterclaim Defendant-Appellee,
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3021792 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 v.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3021792 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 EMIL LAI; 
SAWAKO SEKIGUCHI; MASAAKI HAMAMOTO; SHUICHI ABE; JOSEPH P. PEREZ; JOEL TESS; KAZUHIRO SAKURAI; MAYUMI SHIINA; FAI FAI BEACH ASSOCIATES; and JOHN DOES 1-10.
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Defendants and Counterclaim Plaintiffs-Appellants.
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3021792 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Supreme Court Case No.: 
CVA13-013
\par Superior Court Case No.: CV0935-06
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3021792 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 OPINION
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3021792 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Filed:}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 August 11, 2014
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3021792 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs28 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Cite as: 2014 Guam 18

\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\s15\qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3021792 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam
\par Argued and submitted on February 11, 2014
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \ab\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Hag\'e5t\'f1a}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , Guam
\par }\pard\plain \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs22\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs22\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par \ltrrow}\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ltrrow\ts11\trgaph108\trleft-108\trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 
\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid12785105\tbllkhdrrows\tbllkhdrcols\tbllknocolband\tblind0\tblindtype3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrtbl 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5148\clshdrawnil \cellx5040\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4428\clshdrawnil \cellx9468\pard \ltrpar
\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Appearing for Counterclaim 
\par Plaintiff-Appellant Sawako Sekiguchi:
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Carlos L. Taitano, }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Esq.}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par Taitano & Taitano LLP
\par La Case de Colina, Third Floor
\par 200 Chichirica St.
\par Tamuning, GU 96913\cell }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Appearing for Counterclaim 
\par Defendant-Appellee:
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Matao Yokeno, }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 pro se}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par P.M.B. Box 213
\par 425 Chalan San Antonio
\par Tamuning, GU 96913 
\par Oral argument waived\cell }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ltrrow\ts11\trgaph108\trleft-108\trbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw10 
\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tblrsid12785105\tbllkhdrrows\tbllkhdrcols\tbllknocolband\tblind0\tblindtype3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrtbl 
\cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth5148\clshdrawnil \cellx5040\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrnone \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4428\clshdrawnil \cellx9468\row }\pard \ltrpar
\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 BEFORE: ROBERT J. TORRES, Chief Justice; F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Associate Justice; KATHERINE A. MARAMAN, Associate Justice.
\par 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 TORRES, C.J.: 
\par [1]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Appellant Sawako Sekiguchi appeals the trial court
\rquote s decision and order granting judgment on the pleadings against Sekiguchi\rquote s counterclaim for slander.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Sekiguchi argues that the trial court erred by }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  entering judgment on the pleadings without giving her notice and an opportunity to be heard on her slander counterclaim.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
Additionally, she argues that the trial court erred substantively as a matter of law, because Sekiguchi\rquote s counterclaim properly stated a claim for slander per se.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Appellee Matao Yokeno did not file a brief. }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [2]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Sekiguchi\rquote s counterclaim could not support a claim for slander or slander per se, and although the trial court\rquote s failure to give notice and an 
opportunity to be heard before dismissing the counterclaim was improper, the failure is not per se reversible error.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Because}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 no additional argument or fact-presentation could have converted Yokeno\rquote s non-slanderous statement into actionable slander, we affirm the trial court\rquote s decision
 to dismiss the counterclaim.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079\contextualspace {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 I.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [3]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 This appeal is part of a large
 business dispute involving many separate parties and claims, but the facts relevant to the counterclaim at issue here are relatively limited.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 After being sued by Matao Yokeno, Sekiguchi and her co-defendants filed an answer and set of counterclaims.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 In that answer\emdash as well as the Amended Answer and Counterclaim\emdash Sekiguchi 
stated a counterclaim alleging that Yokeno had spoken defamatory words against her.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [4]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 In support of this counterclaim, Sekiguchi presented the following facts.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 In 2006, Sekiguchi was elected Director and Vice President of both Fai Fai Beach Associates and Powder Sand, Inc.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 On May 13, 2006\emdash the day after Sekiguchi was elected Director and Vice Preside
nt of Powder Sand, Inc.\emdash Yokeno allegedly stated:}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par Ms. Sekiguchi does not necessarily like Fai Fai Beach.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
I, Mr. Abe, and Joel, we all like Fai Fai Beach.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
Therefore, because Ms. Sekiguchi does not necessarily like Fai Fai Beach, if it is determined to not be profitable, the beach will be sold off.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 If that happens, Mr. Abe and Joel, won\rquote t that be a problem for you.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 She is probably not thinking about the employees.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Why didn\rquote t you think of that before taking on the General Manager\rquote s position?
}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Ms. Sekiguchi
 has a large business in Japan and it will not pose any problem to her even if she does not have Fai Fai Beach.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Therefore, if it is thought that it will not be profitable, it will be sold off right away.
\par 
\par RA, tab 30 at 11 (Am. Answer & Countercl., Sept. 5, 2006).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 This statement was made in the presence of Shuichi Abe, who was a business associate and co-defendant of Sekiguchi\rquote s in Yokeno\rquote s initial lawsuit.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079\contextualspace {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [5]}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
Sekiguchi and her co-defendants in the underlying action filed a motion for summary judgment to dismiss all of Yokeno\rquote s causes of action.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 This motion did not specifically seek summary judgment on Sekiguchi\rquote s slander counterclaim.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [6]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The trial court issued a decision and order granting Sekiguchi and her co-defendants summary judgment on Yokeno\rquote s claims 
but rendering judgment on the pleadings against Sekiguchi\rquote s slander counterclaim.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs22\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 \chftn {\footnote \ltrpar \pard\plain \ltrpar
\s20\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa120\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs20\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\cs22\f0\super\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 \chftn }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531  The trial court also denied summary judgment in Sekiguchi\rquote 
s favor.   The trial court did not, however, render summary judgment against Sekiguchi\rquote s counterclaim.  Because this case was disposed by }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 sua}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531  judgment on the pleadings and not by summary judgment, Sekiguchi\rquote 
s argument that the trial court should not have considered summary judgment will not be discussed.}}}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The trial court later entered a judgment, which included judgment on the pleadings against Sekiguchi\rquote s slander counterclaim.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Sekiguchi filed a timely notice of appeal.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
\par II.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [7]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 This court has jurisdiction over appeals from a final judgment pursuant to 
{\*\bkmkstart OLE_LINK1}48 U.S.C.A. \'a7 1424-1(a)(2) (Westlaw through Pub. L. 113-125 (2014)) and 7 GCA \'a7\'a7 3107 and 3108(a) (2005).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  {\*\bkmkend OLE_LINK1}

\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079\contextualspace {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 III.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 STANDARD OF REVIEW
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [8]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Dismissals under Guam Rules of Civil Procedure (\'93GRCP\'94) Rule 
12(c) are reviewed }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 de novo}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 .}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Ramos v. Docomo Pac., Inc.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 2012 Guam 20 \'b6 7.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 \'93Issues which are purely legal issues are reviewed }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 de novo}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 .\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 People v. Rios}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 2008 Guam 22 \'b6 8.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079\contextualspace {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 IV.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 ANALYSIS
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [9]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Sekiguchi challenges both the procedure and substance of the trial court
\rquote s decision.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 She argue
s that the trial court erred procedurally by failing to give her notice that it was considering judgment on the pleadings against her counterclaim.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Appellant\rquote s Br. at 9-11 (Sept. 3, 2013).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Furthermore, she argues that the trial court erred substantively, because her counterclaim stated a claim for slander per se.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Id.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  at 13-16.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Because we would not need to reach the procedural issue of notice\emdash an issue of first impression in our court\emdash if the trial court erred in its slander determination, we
 will address Sekiguchi\rquote s substantive argument first.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079\contextualspace {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 A.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Yokeno\rquote s Statement Cannot
 Support a Claim of Slander or Slander Per Se
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [10]}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Sekiguchi argues that Yokeno\rquote 
s statement was slander per se, because it \'93tend[s] directly to injure Sekiguchi . . . in respect to her office as Director and Vice President.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Id.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  at 15.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 In particular, Sekiguchi argues that the statement imputed to Sekiguchi \'93
general disqualification\'94 for the position as it pertains to \'93the affirmative duty to manage the affairs and protect the financial interests\'94 of the corporation.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Id.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  at 15-16.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [11]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Close examination of the duties owed by a corporate director makes clear that Yokeno\rquote s statement did not impute to Sekiguchi any disqualification to serve as director.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
First, the statement claimed that Sekiguchi did not like Fai Fai Beach.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Directors of corporations have no legal duty to personally like the corporation or its business interests.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Revlon, Inc. v. MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings, Inc.}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 506 A.2d 173, 179-80 (Del. 1986) (noting the duties of care and loyalty as those that directors owe a corporation).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Second, the statement claimed \'93
if [Fai Fai Beach] is determined not to be profitable, it will be sold off.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 RA, tab 30 (Am. Answer & Countercl.).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 As a director of Fai Fai Beach, Sekiguchi had a duty to further the best interests of Fai Fai Beach and its shareholders by trying to make it profitable.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Cede & Co. v. Technicolor, Inc.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 634 A.2d 345, 361 (Del. 1993) (describing duty of loyalty).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Yokeno\rquote s statement does not claim or imply that Sekiguchi will make no such attempt.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Instead, it simply suggests that if the venture proves not to be profitable,
 the beach will be sold.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The law does not prohibit the 
selling of the assets of Fai Fai Beach, }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 see}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  18 GCA \'a7 4111 (2005) (concerning sale of assets in regular course of business); 18 GCA \'a7 4112 (2005) 
(concerning the sale of all or substantially all of a corporation), and nothing in Yokeno\rquote s statement states or implies that if any or all of the assets of Fai Fai Beach 
were to be sold that there would not be compliance with the statutory procedural requirements.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [12]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Yokeno allegedly further stated that Sekiguchi was \'93probably not thinking about the employees.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 RA, tab 30 (Am. Answer & Countercl.).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 This statement is not slanderous, as Sekiguchi had no legal duty as a d
irector of the corporation to \'93think[] about\'94 employees of Fai Fai Beach\emdash her legal duties as officer and director are owed to the shareholders of the corporation.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Guth v. Loft, Inc.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 5 A.2d 503, 510 (Del. 1939) (explaining that officers and directors have a \'93fiduciary relation to the corporation and its stockholders.\'94).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [13]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 None of Yokeno\rquote s statements, nor his statement taken as a whole, can be read as tending to directly injure Sekiguchi
 in respect to her business, because the statement neither imputes \'93general disqualification\'94 to be a director nor imputes anything that has a \'93natural tendency to lessen\'94 Sekiguchi\rquote s profits.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 19 GCA \'a7 2104(c) (2005).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
Therefore, the trial court was correct that Sekiguchi cannot state a claim for slander or slander per se.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 B.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The Trial Court\rquote s Failure to Give Notice is Not Per Se Reversible Error
\par [14]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Even though the trial court was correct that 
Yokeno\rquote s statement could not support a claim for slander, Sekiguchi still has an argument for remand.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 She argues that because no party moved for judgment on the pleadings under GRCP 12(c), the trial court was required to give her both notice that it was consideri
ng rendering judgment on the pleadings and an opportunity to be heard on the issue.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Appellant\rquote s Br. at 9-11.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Sekiguchi cites a First Circuit case for the proposition that }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissals are \'93erroneous unless the parties have been afforded notice and an opportunity to amend the complaint or otherwise respond.\'94}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Futura Dev. of 
P.R., Inc. v. Estado Libre Asociado de P.R.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 144 F.3d 7, 13-14 (1st Cir. 1998).\chftn {\footnote \ltrpar \pard\plain \ltrpar
\s20\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs20\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\cs22\f0\super\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 \chftn }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531  This case and others discussed deal with }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid16062968 Rule}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531  12(b)(6) dismissals, but such dismissals involve the same standard as 12(c) judgments on the pleadings.  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid9256693 Ramos}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid9256693 2012}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531  Guam 20 \'b6 7; }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 see also Dworkin v. Hustler Magazine, Inc.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 , 867 F.2d 1188, 1192 (9th Cir. 1989) (stating that 12(b)(6) and 12(c) are \'93functionally identical,\'94
 the only difference being the stage of litigation when a motion may be filed under each rule).  Accordingly, though most cases discussed in this analysis dealt with Rule 12(b)(6), they are equally applicable to Rule 12(c). }}}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
This is an accurate description of First Circuit case law, but there is a significant split between jurisdictions on the requirement of notice and opportunity to be heard before a trial judge may }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismiss a case.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 This is a question of first impression in our court, 
so we will examine, analyze, and weigh the three approaches appellate courts appear to take in dealing with such cases.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [15]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The first approach, argued for by Sekiguchi, is that a trial court\rquote s failure to give notice and opportunity to be heard or amend before }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissal is per se reversible error.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  Appellant\rquote s Br. at 10.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The First, Second, Sixth, and Eleventh Circuits follow this approach.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Street v. Fair}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 918 F.2d 269, 272 (1st Cir. 1990);}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  Perez v. Ortiz}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
, 849 F.2d 793, 797-98 (2d Cir. 1988); }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Tingler v. Marshall}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 716 F.2d 1109, 1112 (6th Cir. 1983), }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 superseded by statute 
on other grounds}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 28 U.S.C. \'a7 1915(e)(2) (1996); }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Jefferson Fourteenth Assocs. v. Wometco de P.R., Inc.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
, 695 F.2d 524, 527 (11th Cir. 1983).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
Jurisdictions that follow this approach remand cases regardless of the merits of the underlying claim, with some remanding despite determining that the trial court was correct that no claim had been stated, }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 see, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Fair}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 918 F.2d at 272, and others avoiding the merits altogether, }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 see, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Perez}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 849 F.2d at 793.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [16]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
Second, there is an intermediate approach where failure to give notice is held improper, but the failure is not per se reversible error; instead, the reviewing court determines whether the plaintiff could have possibly stated a claim on the facts of the c
omplaint, and if he or she cannot, the trial court is affirmed.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Smith v. Boyd}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 945 F.2d 1041, 1043 (8th Cir. 1991).}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The Fifth, Seventh, and Eighth Circuits take this approach.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Lozano v. Ocwen Fed. Bank, FSB}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 489 F.3d 636, 643 (5th Cir. 2007) (\'93We do not always require notice prior to }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissal . . . as long as the plaintiff has alleged his 
\lquote best case.\rquote \'94);}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  Joyce v. Joyce}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 975 F.2d 379, 386 (7th Cir. 1992) (\'93[W]hile we reiterate the caution necessary in }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
dismissal without notice of hearing, we find no error in the district court\rquote s action in this case.\'94).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [17]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The third approach followed by some jurisdictions finds that }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissal without notice or opportunity to be heard is not error where the tr
ial court determines that the plaintiff cannot possibly prevail based on the facts in the complaint.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Baker v. U.S. Parole Comm\rquote n}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 916 F.2d 725, 726-27 (D.C. Cir. 1990).
}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
The Ninth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuits follow this approach.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 ,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  id.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 ; }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Wong v. Bell}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 642 F.2d 359, 361-62 (9th Cir. 1981); }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Omar v. Sea-Land Serv., Inc.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
, 813 F.2d 986, 991 (9th Cir. 1987); }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Hall v. Bellmon}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 935 F.2d 1106, 1110-11 (10th Cir. 1991).\chftn {\footnote \ltrpar \pard\plain \ltrpar
\s20\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs20\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\cs22\f0\super\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 \chftn }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531  The Third and Fourth Circuits do not appear to have directly }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079 addressed}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531  the issue.}}}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 This last approach is very similar to the intermediate approach, but courts in these jurisdictions do not caution trial courts to give notice in every case.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [18]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Proponents of the first approach\emdash per se reversible error\emdash argue that dismissals }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 without notice both \'93
deviate from the traditions of the adversarial system by making the judge \lquote a proponent rather than an independent entity\rquote \'94 and \'93may tend to produce the very effect they seek to avoid\emdash a waste of judicial resources\emdash 
by leading to appeals and remands.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Perez}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 849 F.2d at 797.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 While these are worthy concerns, they are not necessarily implicated in every case, and the latter concern can actually be exacerbated by a per se rule.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 For example, in this case, were we to adopt a per se rule, we would remand 
the case for the trial court to hear argument on the same fully argued slander counterclaim it has already correctly dispensed with, only to have the court reach the same conclusion\emdash thus wasting judicial resources. }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [19]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The Eighth Circuit\rquote s approach in }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Smith v. Boyd}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  is a reasonable middle ground.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 There the court stated that \'93[t]hough district courts should provide pre-dismissal notice, we decline to hold that the failure to give such notice mandates reversal.\'94}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Smith}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 945 F.2d at 1043.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 It found the per se reversible error approach \'93too inflexible.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Id.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  at 1043 n.2.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 This intermediate approach properly discourages widespread }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissal without notice but
 does so in a manner that does not hamstring a reviewing court into remanding a case that clearly cannot state a claim.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Therefore, we hold that trial courts should provide notice to litigants before issuing judgments on the pleadings, but that failure to do so is not per se reversible error.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Instead, we will exercise our }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 de novo }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
review to determine whether any additional set of facts or arguments could have created a cognizable claim\emdash if so, we will reverse and remand to offer the appellant an opportunity to present those facts and arguments.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 However,
 if the appellant could not possibly have stated a claim, we will affirm.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [20]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Applying this rule to the facts of this case, we are convinced that Sekiguchi could not state a claim for slander even if given an opportunity to present additional facts or arguments.
}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Judgment on the pleadings cannot be granted unless 
the trial court is convinced \'93beyond doubt that the plaintiff can prove no set of facts in support of his claim which would entitle him to relief.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\cs22\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 \chftn {\footnote \ltrpar \pard\plain \ltrpar\s20\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 \rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs20\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs22\f0\super\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 \chftn }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 
 As noted above, in footnote 2, the substantive standards of Rule 12(b)(6) and Rule 12(c) are identical.  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 , }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 Dworkin}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 , 867 F.2d }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079 at }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 1192 (stating that 12(b)(6) and 12(c) are \'93functionally identical,\'94 the only difference being the stage of litigation when a motion may be filed under each rule).  Accordingly, the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531 Conley}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid12148531  standard applies to the determination of whether Rule 12(c) judgment on the pleadings is warranted.}}}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Taitano v. Calvo Fin. Corp.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 2009 Guam 9 \'b6 6.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 When reviewing a counterclaim under this standard, \'93we must . . . take as true the material facts alleged in the counterclaim.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 First Hawaiian Bank v. Manley}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 2007 Guam 2 \'b6 9 (internal quotation marks omitted) (citing }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Hosp.
 Bldg. Co. v. Trs. of Rex Hosp.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 425 U.S. 738, 740 (1976)).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
The trial court took all of the alleged facts as true and was convinced that Sekiguchi could prove no set of facts to state a slander claim; our }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
de novo }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 review yields the same conclusion.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [21]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 By the time the Superior Court made its decision, this case was over six years old, discovery had been completed, and Sekiguchi admitted that there was no need for further discovery.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Oral Argument at 10:17:10-10:17:30 (Feb. 11, 2014).}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Thus, Sekiguchi had
 all of the relevant facts necessary to state her claim and was not deprived of an opportunity to find or present different facts.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Additionally, nothing in Sekiguchi\rquote s appellate brief or presentation during oral argument indicated an additional fact or ar
gument that could possibly create a cognizable slander claim.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 As explained above, the material facts\emdash as alleged in the counterclaim, as presented on appeal, and as they exist\emdash 
are not sufficient to state a claim for slander or slander per se.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 In sum, t
his is a particularly apt case to refuse to remand, because the record was fully developed and we are presented with the purely legal issue of whether these facts can state a claim for slander; thus, our decision conserves judicial resources.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See, e.g.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Catz v. Chalker}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 142 F.3d 279, 286-87 (6th Cir. 1998), }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 amended on denial of reh\rquote g
 on other grounds}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 243 F.3d 234 (6th Cir. 2001). }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 

\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [22]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 We see our holding as only marginally different from the dissent\rquote s preferred per se rule.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 This difference is amply borne out by one of the dissent\rquote s leading cases\emdash }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Jefferson Fourteenth}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 695 F.2d 524.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 In }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Jefferson Fourteenth}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , the Eleventh Circuit panel reversed a }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissal because the \'93
showing made by [the appellant] could not be more incomplete,\'94 and the appellant \'93had no opportunity to develop the facts supporting its claim or to complete its pleadings.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Jefferson Fourteenth}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 695 F.2d at 527.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 In reaching its decision, the panel distinguished two decisions affirming }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
sua}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissals where the appellants had completely presented their best case, but the case was meritless and could not be remedied by any amendment or additional evidence.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Id.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  at 526-27 (discussing }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Mast, Foos & Co. v. Stover Mfg. Co.}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 177 U.S. 485, 495 (1900) and }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 A
erojet-General Corp. v. Am. Arbitration Ass\rquote n}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 478 F.2d 248, 253 (9th Cir. 1973)).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 If Sekiguchi\rquote 
s slander claim were capable of amendment to remedy its lack of merit, then we would reverse and remand this case to give Sekiguchi that opportunity.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 However, the dissent agrees that no such remedying amendment is possible in this case.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [23]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The rule we establish today is that a trial judge should always give notice before granting judgment on the pleadi
ngs, but in order to conserve judicial resources, we will affirm those cases where it is clear that the appellant had presented his or her best case prior to dismissal.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 We stress that this review will be thorough and will give the benefit of any doubt abo
ut the efficacy of amendment or additional evidence to the claimant.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [24]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 In a footnote, the dissent claims that we have \'93created two different rules for essentially the same action.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The dissent points to our decision in }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Cristobal v. Siegel}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 2014 Guam 16, which involved }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  amendment of a judgment.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 We do not agree that judgment on the pleadings and amendment of judgment are \'93
essentially the same action.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
A judgment may be amended pursuant to GRCP 59(e) or GRCP 60, whereas judgment on the pleadings is granted pursuant to GRCP 12(c).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 These actions entail two different analyses\emdash the former requiring examination of whether a mistake or oversight has occurred,
 and the latter involving a comprehensive evaluation of the merits of a claim to determine whether one party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Courts have treated these procedures separately when crafting rules regarding when a trial court may }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  amend a judgment or enter judgment on the pleadings.}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Compare Dow v. Baird}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 389 F.2d 882, 884-85 (10th Cir. 1968) (holding that trial court may not }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  amend judgment under FRCP 60(b)),}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  with Hall}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 935 F.2d at 1110 (making no mention of }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Dow v. Baird }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
or any other judgment amendment opinion and providing for }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissal where the complainant could not prevail and amendment would be futile).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See also Pierson v. Dormire}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
, 484 F.3d 486, 491-92 (8th Cir. 2007) (making no mention of the Circuit\rquote s intermediate approach cases for }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissal when confronting the question of }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua
 sponte }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 amendment of judgment), }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
overruled on other grounds}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 276 F. App\rquote x 541 (8th Cir. 2008).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 With our opinion in }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Cristobal}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  and our opinion in this case, we have crafted particularized 
rules for distinct procedures. }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079\contextualspace {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 V.}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 CONCLUSION
\par }\pard \ltrpar\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [25]}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Yokeno\rquote s statement cannot found a slander claim 
because it did not impute to Sekiguchi any disqualification for the office of Vice President or director, nor did it have a natural tendency to harm her profits.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }
{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 19 GCA \'a7 2104(c).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 As discussed above, each aspect of the statement was reconcilable with Sekiguchi\rquote s legal duties as a corporate officer and director. }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [26]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 On the procedural question of notice, in an effort to balance judicial efficiency with affording plaintiffs every opportunity to be heard, we stress that 
notice should be given in every case but hold that failure to provide notice is not per se reversible error.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Instead we will exercise our }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 de novo }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 review to determine whether any additional set of facts or arguments could have created a cognizable claim.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Applying that approach to the facts of this case, although the trial court\rquote 
s failure to give notice and opportunity to be heard before dismissing the counterclaim was improper, the failure is not per se reversible error.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 The material facts for Sekiguchi\rquote s slander counterclaim were fully presented
, and no additional argument or fact-presentation could have converted this non-slanderous statement into actionable slander.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Because additional argument would be futile, remanding this case would be a waste of judicial resources.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [27]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Therefore, we }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 AFFIRM}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  the Superior Court\rquote s dismissal.
\par 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 MARAMAN, J., dissenting: }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [28]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 I agree with this court\rquote s analysis of Sekiguchi\rquote s substantive claim, and agree that Yokeno\rquote s statement cannot support a claim for slander per se.}{\rtlch\fcs1 
\af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 However, I believe that a trial court\rquote 
s failure to give notice and an opportunity to be heard before }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissing a complaint is per se reversible error.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [29]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Plaintiffs have a due process right to litigate their claims, which is violated by }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
 dismissals issued without giving the parties notice or an opportunity to be heard.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See Jefferson Fourteenth}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 695 F.2d at 527.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 I am persuaded by the reasoning of the First, Second, Sixth, and
 Eleventh Circuits, which find that a }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissal of a complaint without notice or an opportunity to be heard, regardless of the merits, hinders a just determination of that claim by preventing parties from \'93
present[ing] their best arguments in opposition.\'94}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
Perez}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 849 F.2d at 797.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 I agree with these circuits and find that the majority\rquote 
s approach places undue emphasis on the judge, rather than the parties, and could create judicial waste by leading to appeals and remands of such dismissals.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 See id.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 ; }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Ricketts v. Midwest Nat\rquote l Bank}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 874 F.2d 1177
, 1184 (7th Cir. 1989); }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Tingler}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 
716 F.2d at 1111-12, }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 superseded by statute on other grounds}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 , 28 U.S.C. \'a7 1915(e)(2) (1996).}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 An approach that views all such }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079  dismissals without notice or an opportunity to be heard as per se reversible 
error, regardless of the merits of the claim, provides a clear rule in keeping with the requirements of due process.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \cs22\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 \chftn {\footnote \ltrpar 
\pard\plain \ltrpar\s20\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9581079 \rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs20\alang1025 \ltrch\fcs0 \f37\fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 
\ltrch\fcs0 \cs22\f0\super\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685 \chftn }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid7287877 In }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\i\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid7287877 Cristobal v. Siegel}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid401693 , }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid7287877 2014}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079  }{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid7287877 Guam}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079  16,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685  this court recently adopted the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\insrsid9581079 First}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685  Circuit\rquote s reasoning in a case where a trial court amended a judgment }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685 sua sponte}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685 without notice to the parties.  In my opinion, the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079 c}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685 ourt created two different rules for essentially the same action}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079 , entering judgment }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\insrsid9581079 sua sponte}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685 .  The }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079 First}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685  Circuit\rquote s requirement of 
notice applies when a judge amends a judgment but the }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079 Fifth}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079 C}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685 ircuit\rquote s rule applies when a court issues a judgment on the pleadings.  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685 Id}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \i\f0\insrsid9581079 .}{
\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid5272466   }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685 In the interest of clarity}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\insrsid9581079 ,}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\insrsid9581079\charrsid6624685  I believe they should be the same.}}}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3021792\charrsid9581079 
\par }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \b\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 [30]}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 
\f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 Accordingly, I would adopt the approach of the First, Second, Sixth, and Eleventh Circ
uits, and would remand this case to allow the plaintiffs notice and an opportunity to be heard on the substance of their claims.}{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 \ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079  }{\rtlch\fcs1 \af0\afs24 
\ltrch\fcs0 \f0\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9581079\charrsid9581079 
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