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{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (} {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4620183 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid2778326 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid6573737\charrsid2778326 COMMONWEALTH OF THE }{\b\fs24\insrsid8731780\charrsid2778326 NORTHERN }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 MARIAN}{\b\fs24\insrsid3820942\charrsid2778326 A}{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 ISLANDS}{ \b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4620183 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li3600\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin3600\itap0\pararsid5983719 {\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 ADA}{\b\fs24\insrsid7502552\charrsid2778326 v}{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 . SABLAN \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4620183 {\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2033597 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2033597 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Appeal No. 90}{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -006 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Civil Action No. 89}{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -0419 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 November 16, 1990}{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4620183 {\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2033597 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx864\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 1.}{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Appeal and Error }{ \b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Standard of Review }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Customary Law}{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid9644102\charrsid2033597 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Whether the law as found by Superior Court in case concerning married woman's rights in property acquired during marriage was consistent with local customary law was a question of law, reviewable de novo. 7 CMC \'a73401. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\tx864\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 2. }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Appeal and Error }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Standard of Review }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{ \b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Common Law \par }{\fs24\insrsid9644102\charrsid2033597 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Whether the law as found by Superior Court in case concerning married woman's rights in property acquired during marriage was the common law as understood and applied in the United States was a question of law, reviewable de novo. 7 CMC }{ \fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 \'a7340}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 1. \par }{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl276\slmult0\widctlpar\tx864\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 3.}{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Appeal and Error }{ \b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Standard of Review }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Common Law \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid9644102\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl264\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Whether at common law a married woman was entitled to an equitable distribution, upon divorce, of property acquired during marriage was a ques}{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 tion of la}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 w, reviewable de novo. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl288\slmult0\widctlpar\tx1008\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 4.}{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Appeal and Error }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Standard of Review }{ \b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Constitutional Questions \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid4944195\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Whether the common law }{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 doctrine that a wife has no leg}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 al existence separate from her husband violated a married woman's equal protection rights under the NMI Constitution and the U.S. Constitution was a question of law, reviewable de novo. \par }{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl288\slmult0\widctlpar\tx1008\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 5.}{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Appeal and Error }{ \b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Standard of Review }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Constitutional Questions \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid10424549\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\sl276\slmult0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Whether Superior Court must take into account a constitutional prohibition in rules it devises governing determination of marital property and distribution of such property upon dissolution was a question of law, reviewable de novo. \par }{\fs24\insrsid4872827\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10637259 {\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 6.}{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Family Law }{ \b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Marital Property }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Custom }{\b\fs24\insrsid4872827\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid4932779\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid4872827\charrsid2778326 Since NMI }{\fs24\insrsid10637259\charrsid2778326 "written law"}{\fs24\insrsid4872827\charrsid2778326 did not expressly touch upon spousal rights with respect to property acquired during marriage, NMI Supreme Court would follow the dictates of 7 CMC \'a7 3401 and consult local customary law. \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 7.}{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Family Law }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid4872827\charrsid2778326 Marital Property -}{ \b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Custom }{\b\fs24\insrsid4872827\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid11173505\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Because, until recent decades, there was no divorce (as currently understood) among the Chamorro, there was no occasion in Chamorro society to consider ownership and distribution, upon divorce, of property acquir}{ \fs24\insrsid8610283\charrsid2778326 ed by a husband and wife during}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 marriage. \par }{\fs24\insrsid4872827\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid4872827\charrsid2778326 8. Family Law \endash Marital Property \endash Custom Probate}{\b\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 \endash Custom}{\b\fs24\insrsid4872827\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid1910081\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Under Chamorro custom both husband and wife retain individual ownership over property that each brings into a marriage. \par }{\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 9. }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Deeds and Conveyances }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Partida Probate }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{ \b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Custom }{\b\fs24\insrsid6709217\charrsid2778326 \endash }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Partida \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid6709217\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Under Chamorro custom husband and wife may convey individually}{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 owned property that each brings into a marriage to their children by partida, along with land acquired during marriage. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid10425490\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 10. }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Courts }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Common Law}{\b\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 Cases }{ \b\fs24\insrsid485067\charrsid2778326 \endash }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid485067\charrsid2778326 Particular Cases }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Family Law }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{ \b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Marital Property }{\b\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Common Law \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid10792\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Since neither NMI written law nor Chamorro customary law resolved the issue of spousal ownership rights in property acquired during marriage, 7 CMC \'a73401 required applicati}{\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 on of the common law \'93}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 as expressed in the restatements of the law approved by the American Law Institute and to the extent not so expressed as generally understood an}{\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 d applied in the United States.\'94}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 11. Appeal and Error \endash Issues Not Presented Below \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid7014800\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 Generally, an appellate court may not consider argument raised for the first time on appeal. There are three narrow exceptions to this rule: (1) a new theory or issue arises because of a change in the law while the appeal was pending; (2) the issue is onl y }{\fs24\insrsid4154478\charrsid2778326 one of law not relying on any factual record; or (3) plain error occurred and in injustice right otherwise result if the appellate court does not consider the issue.}{\fs24\insrsid3230452\charrsid2778326 \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4154478 {\b\fs24\insrsid4154478\charrsid2778326 12. Constitution (NMI) \endash Equal Protection \endash Sexual Discrimination \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid15215148\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid11928806\charrsid2778326 Because NMI Conts. Art. I, \'a7}{\fs24\insrsid4154478\charrsid2778326 6 expressly prohibits discrimination based on sex, any discrimination based thereon is suspect and must withstand strict judicial scrutiny. Unless it is justified by a compelling state interest, it is invalid. \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid4154478\charrsid2778326 13. Constitution (NMI) \endash Equal Protection \endash Marital Property}{\b\fs24\insrsid5574595\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid4154478\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid5574595\charrsid2778326 Family Law \endash Marital Property \endash Common Law \par \par }{\fs24\insrsid4154478\charrsid2778326 Antiquated common law principles under which married women have no interest in property }{\fs24\insrsid5602690\charrsid2778326 acquired}{\fs24\insrsid4154478\charrsid2778326 during marriage discriminate on the basis of sex; NMI Supreme Court could not find any compelling state interest to justify their application as NMI rules of decision. Trial court erred in applying them. NMI Const. art. }{ \fs24\insrsid9468936\charrsid2778326 I, \'a7 6.}{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 14. Constitution (NMI) \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid9133531\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid4154478\charrsid2778326 NMI Constitution is a paramount source of Commonwealth law, guaranteeing basic rights for all persons, both male and female.}{\fs24\insrsid4078406\charrsid2778326 NMI }{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 Court}{ \fs24\insrsid4078406\charrsid2778326 s}{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 must be ever watchful when considering the application of c}{\fs24\insrsid15165550\charrsid2778326 ommon law principles that either}{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 on their face or as applied violate such rights. \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 15. Family Law \endash Marital Property \endash Presumption \par }{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 \par There is a presumption that property acquired by either spouse subseque}{\fs24\insrsid5602690\charrsid2778326 nt to the marriage and before its termination is marital property, and the burden of overcoming this presumption is upon the party seeking to exclude property from division between the parties.}{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5602690\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7695671 {\b\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 16. Constitution (NMI) - Equal Protection - Marital Property \par Family Law - Marital Property \par }{\fs24\insrsid5602690\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 By virtue of the prohibition on discrimination based on sex under art. I, \'a76 of the NMI Constitution, the abolition of the common law principles under which married women have no interest in property acquired during marriage, and Chamorro custom, both husband and wife have an ownership interest in any property acquired during marriage}{ \fs24\insrsid5602690\charrsid2778326 unless it is shown that such property belongs solely to}{\fs24\insrsid6901124\charrsid2778326 one party. }{\fs24\insrsid9468936\charrsid2778326 Upon divorce, this "marital property" is subject to equitable distribution under 8 CMC \'a71311.}{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5602690\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 17. Statutes }{\b\fs24\insrsid12137110\charrsid2778326 \endash }{\b\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 Presumptions \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid12137110\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 In the construction of a }{\fs24\insrsid9468936\charrsid2778326 statute,}{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 the general law is that a statute should be so interpreted as to give it effect. Court must start with the presumption that the legislature intended to enact an effective law, and it is not to be presumed that legislation is a vain effort, or a nullity. \par }{\fs24\insrsid5602690\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 18. Family Law - Marital Property }{\b\fs24\insrsid7035671\charrsid2778326 \endash }{\b\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 Presumption \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid7035671\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4154478 {\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 The presumption that both husband and wife have an ownership interest in any prop}{\fs24\insrsid10637259\charrsid2778326 erty acquired during marriage ("marital property"}{\fs24\insrsid7695671\charrsid2778326 ) is not conclusive; upon presentation of sufficient evidence, it may be rebutted. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid5460501\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14368749 {\b\fs24\insrsid2778326 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS}{\b\fs24\insrsid5460501\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14368749 {\fs24\insrsid14368749\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14368749 {\fs24\insrsid14368749\charrsid2778326 APPEAL NO. 90-006 \par CIVIL ACTION NO. 89-419 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid14368749\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5460501 {\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 JOSEPH .C. ADA, \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Plaintiff/Appellee, \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5460501 {\fs24\insrsid5460501\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5460501 {\b\fs24\insrsid5460501\charrsid2778326 vs}{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 . \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5460501 {\fs24\insrsid5460501\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9468936 {\b\fs24\insrsid5460501\charrsid2778326 ELISA PANGELINAN SABLAN,}{\b\fs24\insrsid9468936\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 fka ELISA S. ADA,}{ \b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5460501 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Defendant/Appellant. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14368749 {\fs24\insrsid14368749\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4398334 {\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 OPINION \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par Argued and Submitted October 4, 1990 \par }{\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\ts18\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb \brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx4512\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx9132\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid4872827\yts18 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 Counsel for Appellant:\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid4355381\yts18 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 Michael A. White, Esq. \par White, Novo-Gradac & Manglona \par P.O. Box 222 CHRB \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid4872827\yts18 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 Saipan, MP 96950\cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 \trowd \irow0\irowband0 \ts18\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx4512\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx9132\row }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid4872827\yts18 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 Counsel for Appellee:\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid4355381\yts18 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 Miguel S. Demapan, Esq. \par Demapan & Atalig \par P.O. Box 1638 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid4872827\yts18 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 Saipan, MP 96950\cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 \trowd \irow1\irowband1 \ts18\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx4512\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx9132\row }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid4355381\yts18 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 Counsel for Amicus Curiae \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\pararsid4355381\yts18 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 Patte Pareho}{\fs24\insrsid14497426\charrsid2778326 :}{\fs24\super\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 1}{ \fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid4872827\yts18 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 \cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid4355381\yts18 { \fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 Marybeth Herald, Esq, \par Bergsma & Herald \par Caller Box PPP 654 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\pararsid4872827\yts18 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 Saipan, MP 96950\cell }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 \trowd \irow2\irowband2\lastrow \ts18\trgaph108\trleft-108\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trautofit1\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tbllkhdrrows\tbllklastrow\tbllkhdrcols\tbllklastcol \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx4512\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrtbl \clbrdrl\brdrtbl \clbrdrb\brdrtbl \clbrdrr\brdrtbl \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4620\clshdrawnil \cellx9132\row }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13261193 {\fs24\insrsid4355381\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 BEFORE: DELA CRUZ, Chief Justice, VILLAGOMEZ and BORJA, Justices. \par }{\fs24\insrsid8403993\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 DELA CRUZ, Chief Justice: \par }{\fs24\insrsid15532682\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid1312387\charrsid2778326 Elisa P. Sablan ("}{\fs24\insrsid15532682\charrsid2778326 Sablan}{\fs24\insrsid1312387\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid15532682\charrsid2778326 ) appeals from an adverse ruling in a divorce action filed }{ \fs24\insrsid1312387\charrsid2778326 by her husband, Joseph C. Ada ("}{\fs24\insrsid15532682\charrsid2778326 Ada}{\fs24\insrsid1312387\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid15532682\charrsid2778326 ). The appeal raises a fundamental issue concerning the property rights of married women in the Northern Mariana Islands. \par \par The Superior Court held that Sablan did not have an ownership interest in certain real property acquired during the marriage. The ruling was based upon the antiquated common law principle that all property acquired duri}{ \fs24\insrsid10637259\charrsid2778326 ng marriage becomes the husband'}{\fs24\insrsid15532682\charrsid2778326 s separate property. The trial court felt compelled to apply this principle chiefly because 7 CNC \'a7 3401 requires }{ \fs24\insrsid7279697\charrsid2778326 that "the rules}{\fs24\insrsid1249516\charrsid2778326 of common law\'85}{\fs24\insrsid15532682\charrsid2778326 shall be the rules of decision in the courts of the Commonwealth, in the absence of written law or customary local law to the contrary}{\fs24\insrsid8135872\charrsid2778326 \'85"}{\fs24\super\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 2}{ \fs24\super\insrsid399046\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8860462 {\fs24\insrsid399046\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid399046\charrsid2778326 Sablan and Ada married on August 1, 1964. They separated on January}{\fs24\insrsid8797774\charrsid2778326 4}{ \fs24\insrsid399046\charrsid2778326 , 1970, and have not lived together since. They have several children, all of whom are now adults. \par }{\fs24\insrsid10492397\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid399046\charrsid2778326 Some six months after their separation, on June 16, 1970, they executed a document enti}{\fs24\insrsid8067907\charrsid2778326 tled "}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 AGREEMENT FOR CUSTODY OF MINOR CHILDREN AND DI }{\fs24\insrsid8067907\charrsid2778326 VISION OF COMMUNITY PROPERTY" ("}{\fs24\insrsid399046\charrsid2778326 Agreement}{\fs24\insrsid8067907\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 ). The Agreement provided, }{ \fs24\ul\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 inter alia}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 , that Ada was to have custody }{\fs24\insrsid15354187\charrsid2778326 of two of the children and the "}{\fs24\insrsid5252783\charrsid2778326 exclusive use and occupancy}{\fs24\insrsid15354187\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 of their house lot in Chalan Kanoa (Lot 14, Block 16, since redesignated as Lot 015 H}{\fs24\insrsid8728750\charrsid2778326 37, the "Chalan Kanoa property"}{\fs24\insrsid5252783\charrsid2778326 ).}{\fs24\super\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 3}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid15532682\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 The Chalan Kanoa property was acquired during the parties' marriage through the government homesteading, program. Ada was the homestead permittee and Sablan the beneficiary (in the event that Ada died before the homestead matured). The government issued Ada a quitclaim deed for the property on June 30, 1969, and subsequently issued a determination of ownership in his name on October 14, 1982. Title to the Chalan Kanoa property was issued in Ada's name on May 25, 1983. \par }{\fs24\insrsid5252783\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 There was no mention in the Agreement of the other }{\fs24\insrsid9651556\charrsid2778326 parcel}{\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 at}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 issue in this action (South Garapan Lot 1, Block 28, since red}{\fs24\insrsid5252783\charrsid2778326 esignated as Lot 009 D 55, the }{\fs24\insrsid12197375\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 South Garapan}{ \fs24\insrsid5252783\charrsid2778326 property}{\fs24\insrsid12197375\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 ). The South Garapan property was purchased by Ada from Soledad T. Tenorio on November 11, 1969, approximately}{ \fs24\insrsid5252783\charrsid2778326 two months before the parties }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 separated. A determination of ownership was issued in Ada's name}{\fs24\insrsid10492397\charrsid2778326 on June 30, 1971.}{ \fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid287971\charrsid2778326 \par On April 12, 1989, Ada filed for divorce. In her answer, Sablan asserted that the two parcels of real property were not disposed of by the Agreement. Requesting that rights to the parcels be determined by the court, she asked that Ada be given the Chalan Kanoa property but that the South Garapan property be sold }{ \fs24\insrsid12197375\charrsid2778326 with the "}{\fs24\insrsid287971\charrsid2778326 value of the land}{\fs24\insrsid12197375\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid287971\charrsid2778326 given to her. \par \par The trial court issued a divorce decree on January 10, 1990, but reserved jurisdiction over the two parcels and ordered further proceedings to determine their value and ownership. Following a hearing, the court ruled t hat Sablan had no interest in either parcel and that full title and possession remained with Ada. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid287971 {\fs24\ul\insrsid287971\charrsid2778326 The Superior Court Ruling \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid287971\charrsid2778326 \par In its analysis, the court noted that 8 CMC \'a7 1311, the statute cited by Sablan as authority for equitable distribution of the parcels, applied only to }{\fs24\insrsid10638225\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid287971\charrsid2778326 property in which both [parties] have interests.}{\fs24\insrsid10638225\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\super\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 4}{\fs24\insrsid5522187\charrsid2778326 Accordingly, it addressed the issue of whether both parties had interests in the parcels. Citing }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5522187\charrsid2778326 Matagolai v. Pangelian}{\fs24\insrsid5522187\charrsid2778326 , 3 CR 591 (D.N.M.I. App. Div}{ \fs24\insrsid2448289\charrsid2778326 .}{\fs24\insrsid5522187\charrsid2778326 1988) and 7 CMC \'a7 3401, the court determined that in d}{\fs24\insrsid2448289\charrsid2778326 eciding the issue it was, first}{\fs24\insrsid5522187\charrsid2778326 prohibited from applying community property principles and, second, compelled to utilize common law rules.}{\fs24\super\insrsid16348982\charrsid2778326 5}{\fs24\insrsid287971\charrsid2778326 \par \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 The court interpreted the common law to provide: (1) that the}{\fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 wife's legal existence is }{\fs24\insrsid12011818\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 for most purposes\'85}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 suspended during}{\fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 marriage an}{\fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 d merged in that of the husband}{ \fs24\insrsid12011818\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 ; (2) that the wife has}{\fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 a duty to render service to her husband, entitling him to her}{ \fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 outside earnings; (3) that property purchased by the husband in his}{\fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 own name with the wife's property (to which he is entitled by}{\fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 right) becomes his property; (4) that without any agreement for}{\fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 reimbursement, the wife cannot claim an interest in the property}{\fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 purchased by the husband; and, finally, (5) that all property acq uired by the husband during the marriage becomes his separate}{\fs24\insrsid6160996\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 property. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Ada v. Sablan}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 , Civil Action No. 89}{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 419, findings and order at 3 (N.M.I. Super. Ct. Feb. 7, 1990). \par }{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Relying exclusively on these principles, the court concluded that Sablan had no interest in either the Chalan Kanoa or South Garapan properties. Since both parcels were not jointly owned, the}{ \fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 court decided that the language of 8 CMC \'a7 3401 permi}{\fs24\insrsid3372313\charrsid2778326 tting equitable disposition of "}{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 real property in which both have interests}{ \fs24\insrsid3372313\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 was inapplicable.}{\fs24\super\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 6}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6828915 {\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 II \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 [1,}{\b\fs24\insrsid144368\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 2,}{\b\fs24\insrsid144368\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 3,}{\b\fs24\insrsid144368\charrsid2778326 }{ \b\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 4,}{\b\fs24\insrsid144368\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 5]}{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 Sablan frames for our review the following issues: \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 1.}{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 Whether the law as found by the Superior Court is inconsi}{\fs24\insrsid9134716\charrsid2778326 stent with local customary law i}{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 n the NMI; \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 2.}{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 Whether the law as found by the Superior Court is the common law as understood and applied in the United States; \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 3.}{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 Whether at common law Sablan is entitled to an equitable distribution of property acquired during marriage; \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid2571226\charrsid2778326 4.}{\fs24\insrsid2571226\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 Whether the common law doctrine that a wife has no legal existence, separate f}{\fs24\insrsid11470855\charrsid2778326 rom her husband, violate Sablan'}{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 s equal protection rights under the NMI Constitution and the United States Constitution; and \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid2571226\charrsid2778326 5.}{\fs24\insrsid2571226\charrsid2778326 Whether the trial court must take into account th e constitution prohibition in rules it devises governing the determination of marital property and its distribution upon dissolution of marriage. \par \par All of the issues involve questions of law and are therefore reviewable }{\i\fs24\insrsid2571226\charrsid2778326 de novo. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid2912447\charrsid2778326 Loren v. E' Saipan Motors, Inc.}{\i\fs24\insrsid2912447\charrsid2778326 , }{ \fs24\insrsid2912447\charrsid2778326 No. 89-006 (N.M.I. April 16, 1990); }{\fs24\ul\insrsid2912447\charrsid2778326 Boria v. Rangamar}{\fs24\insrsid2912447\charrsid2778326 , No. 89-009 (N.M.I. Sept. 17, 1990).}{\fs24\insrsid2571226\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid6828915\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13724971 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 III. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid10492397\charrsid2778326 [}{\b\fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 6}{\b\fs24\insrsid10492397\charrsid2778326 ]}{\fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 What is the ownership status of property acquired during marriage? This is the fundamental question raised by}{\fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 this appeal. We note that NMI }{\fs24\insrsid8408780\charrsid2778326 "}{ \fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 written l}{\fs24\insrsid8408780\charrsid2778326 aw"}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 does not expressly touch upon spousal ownership rights with respect to such property. Therefor}{ \fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 e}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 , following the dictates of 7 CMC \'a7 3401, we next consult local customary law}{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 --}{\fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 specifically, Chamorro custom.}{\fs24\super\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 7}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13724971 {\fs24\ul\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 Chamorro }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Custom \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid10492397\charrsid2778326 [7]}{\fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Until recent decades, there was no divorce among the Chamorros}{\fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 as we understand it today.} {\fs24\super\insrsid207450\charrsid2778326 8}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Although separations between spouses}{\fs24\insrsid13724971\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 did occur, they were infrequent. A. Spoehr,}{ \fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\ul\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 Saipan: The Ethnology of a War Devastated}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 266}{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 67 (Chicago Natural History Museum,}{\fs24\insrsid1862493\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 1954; hereafter }{\fs24\insrsid12206828\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 Spoehr}{ \fs24\insrsid12206828\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 ). There was therefore no occasion in}{\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Chamorro society to consider the ownership and distribution, upon}{\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 divorce, of property acquired by}{\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 a husband and wife du}{ \fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 ring}{\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 marriage. \par }{\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 However, according to Spoehr: \par }{\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7361574 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 When a Chamorro woman who own s land marries, the land does not become her husband's and she retains ownership of it. But the husband becomes the manager of the land and it is he who decides the use to which it will be put. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12731105 {\fs24\ul\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 Id}{\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 .}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 at 135.}{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 } {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Spoehr further notes that in making a partida of land}{\fs24\insrsid7361574\charrsid2778326 to his children, a father "[}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 g}{\fs24\insrsid7361574\charrsid2778326 ]}{ \fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 enerally include}{\fs24\insrsid15621138\charrsid2778326 [s]}{\fs24\insrsid13509599\charrsid2778326 in the land}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 so}{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 divided\'85 any land the mother may have owned at the time of her marriage, as well as that owned by the father, }{\fs24\ul\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 together with land}{\fs24\ul\insrsid97503\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\ul\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 acquired during their married years}{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 .}{\fs24\insrsid3884969\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 Spoehr at 136 (emphasis}{\fs24\insrsid1066032\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 added) .}{\fs24\super\insrsid8549800\charrsid2778326 9}{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 Unfortunately, Spoehr does not elaborate on spousal}{\fs24\insrsid1066032\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 ownership rights in land acquired during marriage. \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 [8,}{\b\fs24\insrsid97503\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 9]}{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 Nonetheless, his study supports the fact (and it is not really disputed b y the litigants) that under Chamorro custom both husband and wife retain individual ownership over property that each brings into a marriage.}{\fs24\super\insrsid16015705\charrsid2778326 10}{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 They may convey such property, together with}{\fs24\insrsid97503\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 land acquired during marriage, to their children by partida. \par \par As Spoehr notes, apart from separate property which a husband or wife bring into a marriage, there is in Chamorro custom a second type of property, that acquired by a married couple during marriage. Since this property is not the separate property of}{ \fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 either person, and because it is acquired during marriage, we shall}{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 refer to it as }{\fs24\insrsid13842441\charrsid2778326 "marital property."}{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\b\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 [10]}{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 Since neither NMI written law nor Chamorro customary law}{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 resolves the issue of spousal ownership rights in property acquired during marriage, 7 CMC \'a7 34 01 requires application of the common}{\fs24\insrsid2981236\charrsid2778326 law "}{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 as expressed }{\fs24\insrsid2981236\charrsid2778326 in}{\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 the}{ \fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 restatements of the law approved by the}{\fs24\insrsid1862493\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 Am}{\fs24\insrsid2981236\charrsid2778326 erican Law Institute and to the}{ \fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 extent not so expressed as generally understood and applied in the United States}{\fs24\insrsid2981236\charrsid2778326 ."}{\fs24\insrsid12731105\charrsid2778326 \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16077835 {\fs24\ul\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 The Common Law \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 We note that there is no Restatement provision addressing the issue of what }{\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 interest either}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 or both spouses }{ \fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 have in }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 property acquired during marriage.}{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 It is therefore neces}{ \fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 sary to consult the common law }{\fs24\insrsid8062686\charrsid2778326 "as generally understood and}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 applied in the United States}{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 .}{ \fs24\insrsid8062686\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 The law con cerning spousal interest in property acquired during marriage has undergone substantial transformation in the United States over the past century. The ancient common law in this area has been almost completely discarded. \par }{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Long ago, when a woman married, he r separate legal identity was perceived to be merged into her husband's legal identity. Under this common law theory of unity, a married woman was incapable of acquiring or disposing of property without her husband's consent. }{ \fs24\ul\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 See}{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 41 Am.}{\fs24\insrsid144368\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 Jur.}{\fs24\insrsid144368\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 2d }{\fs24\ul\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 Husband and Wife}{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 \'a7 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 16 (1968). }{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 Over}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 the past }{ \fs24\insrsid10899345\charrsid2778326 century,}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 reform legislation largely abolished such restrictions, which are now the exception rather than the rule. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Id}{ \fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 . \'a7 17. \par }{\fs24\insrsid16077835\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10961887 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Also almost entirely abolished is the common law principle that property acquired duri ng marriage by the husband is his separate property. Generally, both husband and wife are c}{\fs24\insrsid13067069\charrsid2778326 onsidered to have interests in }{\fs24\insrsid10693781\charrsid2778326 "marital property"}{ \fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 -}{\fs24\insrsid144368\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 property acquired during marriage. As of 1988, 40 states, Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands}{\fs24\insrsid687929\charrsid2778326 had altered the ancient common}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 law by permitting equitable distribution of either all property or marital property in divorce proceedings.}{\fs24\insrsid4620183\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 See Freed & Walker, }{\fs24\ul\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Family Law in the Fifty States}{\fs24\ul\insrsid687929\charrsid2778326 : }{\fs24\ul\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 An Overview}{ \fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 , 21 Fam.L. Q. 417 (1988).}{\fs24\super\insrsid3635818\charrsid2778326 11}{\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 Mississippi is the only state in which t itle alone still controls the ownership and distribution of property upon divorce. Even in that state, recent decisions have meliorated the harsh effect of this rule}{\b\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 . }{\fs24\ul\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 Id} {\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 . Thus, it is no longer true that the common law principles which the trial court applied in this case are those which are }{\fs24\insrsid4070294\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 generally understood and }{\fs24\ul\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 applied}{\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 in the United states}{\fs24\insrsid4070294\charrsid2778326 ."}{\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 (Emphasis added.) \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid4070294\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 Apart from the foregoing considerations, we believe that it is important for us to consider a paramount source of NMI law in determining whether the trial court's application of the antiquated common law principles at issue is justifiable. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4740144 {\fs24\ul\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 The NMI }{\fs24\ul\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 Constitution}{\fs24\ul\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4740144 {\b\fs24\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 [11] }{\fs24\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 Our constitution provides: \par \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7622819 {\fs24\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 No person shall b e denied the equal protection of the law. No person shall be denied the enjoyment of civil rights or be discriminated against in the exercise}{\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 thereof on account of race, color, religion, ancestry or sex. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4740144 {\fs24\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 \par N.M.I. }{\fs24\insrsid7622819\charrsid2778326 C}{\fs24\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 onst. art. I, \'a7 6. The appellants contend (and amicus urges) that the common law principles adopted by the trial court run afoul of this provision. We agree.}{ \fs24\super\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 12}{\fs24\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 [12]}{\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 Because Article I, }{\fs24\insrsid8733729\charrsid2778326 \'a7 6, expressly prohibits discrimination based on sex, any discrimination based thereon is suspect and must withstand strict judicial scrutiny. Unless it is justified by a compelling state interest, it is invalid.}{ \fs24\super\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 13}{\fs24\insrsid10961887\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid6910372\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid6910372\charrsid2778326 [13]}{\fs24\insrsid6910372\charrsid2778326 The antiquated common law principles at issue in this appeal clearly discriminate on the basis of sex. We cannot find any compelling state interest t o justify their application as our rules of decision.}{\fs24\super\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 14}{\fs24\insrsid5788735\charrsid2778326 They are an anomaly in today'}{\fs24\insrsid6109637\charrsid2778326 s society, which has transformed its laws with the aim of according women the same basic rights enjoyed by men. The trial court erred in applying them.}{\fs24\insrsid6910372\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid6109637\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid6109637\charrsid2778326 [14]}{\fs24\insrsid6109637\charrsid2778326 The NMI Const itution is a paramount source of Commonwealth law, guaranteeing basic rights for all persons, both male and female. Our courts must be ever watchful when considering the application of common law principles that either on their face or as applied violate such rights. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6109637 {\fs24\ul\insrsid6109637\charrsid2778326 Marital Property \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\fs24\insrsid4740144\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid6109637\charrsid2778326 [15]}{\fs24\insrsid6109637\charrsid2778326 As we have discussed, under modern domestic relations law both husband and wife are considered to have an interest in marital property. This is so because both have made contributions to the marriage, which is regarded a s a shared enterprise or partnership.}{\fs24\super\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 15}{\fs24\insrsid4926523\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid7946517\charrsid2778326 There is a presumption that property acquired by either spouse subsequent to the marriage and before its termination is marital property, and the burden of overcoming this presumption is upon the party seeking to exc lude property from division between the parties.}{\fs24\super\insrsid994485\charrsid2778326 16}{\fs24\insrsid6109637\charrsid2778326 \par \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 [16,}{\b\fs24\insrsid11108266\charrsid2778326 }{\b\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 17]}{\fs24\insrsid5972333\charrsid2778326 W}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 e now hold that, by virtue of the prohibition on discrimination based on sex under Article I, \'a7 6 of the NMI Constitution, the abolition of the common law principles }{\fs24\insrsid5972333\charrsid2778326 at issue, and Chamorro custom,}{ \fs24\super\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 17}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 both husband and wife have an ownership interest in any property acquired during marriage unless it is shown that such property belongs solely to}{ \fs24\insrsid5972333\charrsid2778326 one party. Upon divorce, this }{\fs24\insrsid11108266\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid5972333\charrsid2778326 marital property}{\fs24\insrsid11108266\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 is subject to equitable d}{\fs24\insrsid5972333\charrsid2778326 istribution under 8 CMC \'a7 1311.}{\fs24\super\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 18}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid5972333\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5972333 {\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 IV. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10492397 {\b\fs24\insrsid10492397\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4872827 {\b\fs24\insrsid10492397\charrsid2778326 [18]}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Because both the Chalan Kanoa and South Garapan properties were acquired during Sablan and Ada's marriage they are pre}{\fs24\insrsid5972333\charrsid2778326 sumptively marital properties.}{\fs24\super\insrsid6230728\charrsid2778326 19}{ \fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 Consequently, the trial court may, after a hearing and after considering any submitted evidence, equitably distribute the same pursuant to 8 CMC \'a7 1311. We REVERSE the order of the trial court determining that the parcels belong}{\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 solely to Ada, and REMAND the matter for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 \par Dated at Saipan, MP, this 16}{\fs24\super\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 th}{\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 day of November, 1990. \par \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13661692 {\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 ______________________________}{\fs24\insrsid5798288\charrsid2778326 \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 Jose S. Dela Cruz, Chief Ju}{\b\fs24\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 s}{\b\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 tice \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10492397 {\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13661692 {\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 ______________________________ \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 Ramon G. Villagomez, Associate Justice \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10492397 {\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13661692 {\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 _______________________________ \par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 {\b\fs24\insrsid13661692\charrsid2778326 Jesus C. Borja, Associate Justice}{\b\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 {\b\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\ul\insrsid13763652\charrsid2778326 ENDNOTES \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid13763652\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\super\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 1}{\b\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 Patt}{\fs24\insrsid12261342\charrsid2778326 e Pareho is an organization of "}{\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 persons who believe that the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands\'85should have a fair and just marital property scheme.}{\fs24\insrsid12261342\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 Amicus brief at 1. It advocates reversal of the Superior Court's ruling. \par \par }{\fs24\super\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 2}{\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 The full text of the statue is as follows: \par }{\b\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid12261342 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 In all proceedings, the rules of the common law, as expressed in the restatements of the law approved by the American Law Institute and to the extend not so expressed [a]s generally understood and applied in the United States, shall be the rules of decision in the courts of the Common wealth, in the absence of written law or local customary law to the contrary; provided, that no person shall be subject to criminal prosecution except under the written law of the Commonwealth. \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 {\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 \par 7 CMC \'a73401. \par \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\super\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 3}{\fs24\super\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 The Agreement also provided for the distribution of the parties' personal property. Sablan received the family car, Ada the household furnishings, and a joint savings account was distributed in three equal parts to Sablan, Ada and the children (wh o were to equally share their portion).}{\fs24\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 \par \par }{\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 Sablan voluntarily waived her rights to spousal and child support.}{\fs24\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 \par \par }{\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 According to the Agreement, any property acquired after its execution was to be }{\fs24\insrsid12261342\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 considered a separate property or properties of the parties, and\'85 neither party shall claim such as community property.}{\fs24\insrsid12261342\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 Agreement at 2. \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\super\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 4}{\fs24\super\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 This statute provides, in pertinent part: \par \par }\pard \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4069777 {\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 In granting or }{\fs24\insrsid9468936\charrsid2778326 denying}{\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 an annulment or a divorce, the Court may make such orders\'85for the disposition of either or both have interests, as it deems justice and the best interests of all concerned may require. \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12261342 {\fs24\insrsid12261342\charrsid2778326 \par 8 CMC \'a73401. \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 {\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12331990 {\fs24\super\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 5 }{\fs24\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 The }{\fs24\ul\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 Matagolai}{ \fs24\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 court rejected the application of community property principles in the NMI in the absence of legislation: \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 {\fs24\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1790546 {\fs24\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 Because community property is a product of civil law rather than common law, it appears that [7 CMC] \'a7 3401 would not authorized judicial adoption of community property law. Of some note, we are aware of no state which has adopted a community property system by way of judicial, rather than legislative, decision. \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid12331990 {\fs24\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 \par 3 CR at 597. The propriety of the application of ancient common law rules by the trial court is another matter that will be examined }{\fs24\ul\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 infra}{\fs24\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 . However, it is worth noting here that since neither party suggested their application, issues concerning the substance and applicability of the common law }{\fs24\insrsid1790546\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 as generally understood and applied in the United States}{\fs24\insrsid1790546\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid12331990\charrsid2778326 are addressed by the parties for the first time in this appeal. 7 CMC \'a7 3401 \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid11299747\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15494220 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 6 }{\fs24\insrsid13462992\charrsid2778326 "}{ \fs24\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 While the court recognizes the harsh results its determination works on [Sablan], in the absence of legislative intervention it is powerless to rea}{\fs24\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 c}{ \fs24\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 h a different result in this matter.}{\fs24\insrsid13462992\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\ul\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 Ada}{\fs24\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 , findings and order at 5. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15494220 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\super\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 7}{\fs24\super\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 Although the record is silent on this point, we note that both Sablan and Ada are of Chamorro ancestry. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid15494220\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid207450 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\super\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 8}{\fs24\super\insrsid207450\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\insrsid207450\charrsid2778326 Divorce, a creature of statute, was not legally recognized in the NMI until the enactment of the Trust Territory Code after WWII. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid207450\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8549800 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\super\insrsid8549800\charrsid2778326 9}{\fs24\insrsid8549800\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\ul\insrsid8549800\charrsid2778326 See also}{\fs24\insrsid8549800\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\ul\insrsid8549800\charrsid2778326 Blas v. Blas,}{\fs24\insrsid8549800\charrsid2778326 3 TTR 99 (High Ct. Tr. Div. 1966). \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid8549800\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid16015705 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\super\insrsid16015705\charrsid2778326 10 }{\fs24\insrsid16015705\charrsid2778326 This custom is contrary to the antiquated common law principle giving the husband on his marriage a freehold estate in his wife}{\fs24\insrsid10899345\charrsid2778326 '}{\fs24\insrsid16015705\charrsid2778326 s separate property, as well as in any land acquired by her during marriage. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid16015705\charrsid2778326 See}{\fs24\insrsid16015705\charrsid2778326 41 Am. Jur. 2}{\fs24\insrsid6042828\charrsid2778326 d}{ \fs24\insrsid16015705\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\ul\insrsid16015705\charrsid2778326 Husband and Wife}{\fs24\insrsid16015705\charrsid2778326 \'a7 44 (1968). \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid16015705\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3635818 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\super\insrsid3635818\charrsid2778326 11}{\b\fs24\insrsid3635818\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\insrsid3635818\charrsid2778326 Nine states and Puerto Rico had adopted community property laws permitting equal or equitable division of property. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid3635818\charrsid2778326 Id}{\fs24\insrsid3635818\charrsid2778326 . \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid3635818\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4000718 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\super\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 12}{\b\fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 We note that this argument was raised for the first time on appeal. Generally, an appellate court may not consider such arguments. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 Camacho v. Civil Service Commission,}{ \fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 No. 9}{\fs24\insrsid5117925\charrsid2778326 0-007 (N.M.I. Sept, 21, 1990). "}{\fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 There are three narrow exceptions to this rule: \par }{\fs24\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1536746 {\fs24\insrsid5117925\charrsid2778326 (}{\fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 1) a new theory or issue arises because of a change in the law }{ \fs24\insrsid12802240\charrsid2778326 while the appeal was pending; }{\fs24\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1536746 {\fs24\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1536746 {\fs24\insrsid12395512\charrsid2778326 (2) the issue is only one of law }{\fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 not rel}{\fs24\insrsid5117925\charrsid2778326 ying on any factual record; or (}{\fs24\insrsid12395512\charrsid2778326 3)}{\fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 plain error occurred and an injustice might otherwise result if the appellate court does not consider the issue.}{ \fs24\insrsid16608057\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\ul\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 Camacho}{\fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 , slip op. at 9. Exceptions (2) and n. 12 (cont.): \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4000718 {\fs24\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1536746 {\fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 (3) are applicable in this case. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid4000718\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1536746 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\super\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 13}{\fs24\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 According to pertinent analysis of Article I, \'a7 6, \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11103289 {\fs24\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1536746 {\fs24\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 classifications based on race, color, religion, ancestry or sex\'85are invalid, unless compelling reasons, sufficient to withstand the strictest scrutiny, are adduced to sustain them. This section applies to private action as well as to government action. The interest for which the classification is used must be legitimate and very important and there must be no less res trictive classification that could accomplish that objective. \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11103289 {\fs24\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\ul\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 Analysis of the Constitution of the Northern Mariana Islands}{\fs24\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 22 (1976). This analysis is consistent with judicial interpretation of similar provisions in state constitutions. }{\fs24\ul\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 See}{\fs24\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\ul\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 Hewitt v. State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation}{\fs24\insrsid9317021\charrsid2778326 , 653 P. 2d}{\fs24\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 970 (Ore. 1982) and cases cited therein at 977. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid11103289\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13265033 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\super\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 14}{\fs24\super\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 See }{\fs24\ul\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 DiFlorido v. DiFlorido}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 , 331 A. 2d 174 (Pa. 1975) (common law presumption that ownership of property used and possessed by both spouses is in the husband violates state equal rights amendment). \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13265033 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\super\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 15}{\fs24\super\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 }{ \fs24\ul\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 See}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 , }{\fs24\ul\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 e.g.}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 , }{\fs24\ul\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 In re Marriage of Komnick}{ \fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 , 417 N. E. 2d 1305 (I}{\fs24\insrsid4594939\charrsid2778326 11}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 .1981). According to recent commentary: \par }\pard \s16\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7369570 {\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 The rise of the equitable distribution doctrine parallels and embodies the idea that marriage is a voluntary partnership, with each partner contributing to the marital estate in the manner in which the partners themselves have chosen. Un der that view, there is little room for the idea that prevailed only a few years ago that one spouse was entitled to ownership of all property titled in his or, more rarely, her name simply because that spouse took care of the }{ \fs24\insrsid7369570\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 books}{\fs24\insrsid7369570\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 of the marital partne rship, while the other spouse kept the premises clean and raised the children. The idea that a }{\fs24\insrsid7369570\charrsid2778326 "homemaker"}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 contrib}{\fs24\insrsid7369570\charrsid2778326 utes as much o a marriage as a "}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 breadwinner}{\fs24\insrsid7369570\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 was first adopted in the community property jurisdictions. In more recent }{ \fs24\insrsid9468936\charrsid2778326 years,}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 the majority of jurisdictions have abandoned the idea that legal title to property is determinative of its ownership upon divorce. \par }\pard \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid13265033 {\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 \par Annotation, }{\fs24\ul\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 Divorce: Equitable Distribution Doctrine}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 , 41 A. L.R. 4}{\fs24\insrsid6569937\charrsid2778326 th}{\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 481, 485-86 (1995). \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid13265033\charrsid2778326 \par }{\fs24\super\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 16}{\fs24\insrsid994485\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\ul\insrsid994485\charrsid2778326 See}{\fs24\ul\insrsid1461872\charrsid2778326 ,}{\fs24\insrsid994485\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\ul\insrsid994485\charrsid2778326 e.g.}{\fs24\insrsid994485\charrsid2778326 , }{\fs24\ul\insrsid994485\charrsid2778326 In the re Marriage of }{\fs24\ul\insrsid9468936\charrsid2778326 Schriner}{\fs24\insrsid994485\charrsid2778326 , 410 N.E.2d 572 (I11. App. Ct. 1980). \par }{\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard\plain \s16\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8855213 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\fs24\super\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 17 }{\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 As noted }{ \fs24\ul\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 infra}{\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 , the common law principles at issue are inconsistent with the Chamorro custom that married women are capable of retaining separate ownership of property that they bring into a marriage. \par }\pard\plain \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 \fs20\lang1033\langfe5129\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp5129 {\b\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8855213 {\fs24\super\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 18}{\fs24\super\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 The tria l court's application of the common law principles at issue would render this statute a nullity. Since the principles prevent a married woman from owning property acquired during marriage, there could never be }{\fs24\insrsid15737074\charrsid2778326 "}{ \fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 property in which both have interests}{\fs24\insrsid15737074\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 for the trial }{\fs24\insrsid15737074\charrsid2778326 court to equitably distribute. "}{ \fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 In the construction of a statute the general law is that a statute should be so interpreted to give it effect . . .}{\fs24\insrsid15737074\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 we must start with the presumption that }{\fs24\insrsid15737074\charrsid2778326 [}{\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 the] legislature intended to enact an effective law, and it is not to be presumed that legislation is a vain effort, or a nullity.}{ \fs24\insrsid15737074\charrsid2778326 "}{\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\ul\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 Levy v. Kimball}{\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 , 465 P.2d 580, 583 (Haw. 1970). \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11299747 {\b\fs24\insrsid8855213\charrsid2778326 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6230728 {\fs24\super\insrsid1536746\charrsid2778326 19}{\fs24\super\insrsid6230728\charrsid2778326 }{\fs24\insrsid6230728\charrsid2778326 We note that this presumption is not conclusive. Upon presentation of sufficient evidence, it may be rebutted. \par }}