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\fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9846181\charrsid9048666 Notice: This slip opinion has not been certified by the Clerk of the Supreme Court for publication in the permanent law reports.}{ \i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9048666 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9846181\charrsid9048666 Until certified, it is subject to revision or withdrawal. In the event of discrepancies between this slip opinion and the opinion certified for publication, the certified opinion controls.}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9048666 }{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9846181\charrsid9048666 Readers are requested to bring errors to the attention of the Clerk of the Supreme Court, PO Box 502165 Saipan, MP 96950, phone (670) 236-9715, fax (670) 236-9702, e-mail SupremeCourtClerk@justice.gov.mp}{ \lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9846181\charrsid9048666 .}{\i\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9846181\charrsid9048666 \par }{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12189711\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid23959\charrsid9048666 IN THE}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3293355 }{ \b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid23959\charrsid9048666 SUPREME COURT}{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3293355 }{\b\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid23959\charrsid9048666 OF THE \par COMMONWEALTH OF THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 COMMONWEALTH DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, \par }{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 Plaintiff-Appellee, \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 V \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 SEQ CHAPTER \\h \\r 1}}{\fldrslt }}{\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 FELIPE Q. ATALIG}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 , individually & dba }{\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 CASA DE FELIPE,}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 and }{\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 ELVIRA CUSTODIO ATALIG,}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 \par Defendants-Appellants. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid3293355 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft1980\shptop4\shpright6660\shpbottom4\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz1\shplid1026{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 20}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}} {\sp{\sn shapePath}{\sv 4}}{\sp{\sn fFillOK}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFilled}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fArrowheadsOK}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fPseudoInline}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8193 \dpline\dpptx0\dppty0\dpptx4680\dppty0\dpx1980\dpy4\dpxsize4680\dpysize0\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 SUPREME COURT NO. 2007-SCC-0024-CIV \par }{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 SUPERIOR COURT NO. 04-0242 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid3293355 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft1980\shptop256\shpright6660\shpbottom256\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz2\shplid1027{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 20}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}} {\sp{\sn shapePath}{\sv 4}}{\sp{\sn fFillOK}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFilled}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fArrowheadsOK}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fPseudoInline}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8194 \dpline\dpptx0\dppty0\dpptx4680\dppty0\dpx1980\dpy256\dpxsize4680\dpysize0\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 \par }{\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 DISMISSAL FOR FAILURE TO PROSECUTE \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\b\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 Cite as: 2009 MP 5 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 Decided June 16, 2009}{\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9048666 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5899379 {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid3293355 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft1980\shptop60\shpright6660\shpbottom60\shpfhdr0\shpbxcolumn\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt0\shpz0\shplid1028{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 20}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}} {\sp{\sn shapePath}{\sv 4}}{\sp{\sn fFillOK}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFilled}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fArrowheadsOK}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fPseudoInline}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 1}}}{\shprslt{\*\do\dobxcolumn\dobypara\dodhgt8192 \dpline\dpptx0\dppty0\dpptx4680\dppty0\dpx1980\dpy60\dpxsize4680\dpysize0\dplinew15\dplinecor0\dplinecog0\dplinecob0}}}}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid5899379 \par }{\fs22\insrsid5899379 Ramon K. Quichocho}{\insrsid2319156\charrsid5899379 , Saipan}{\insrsid3943998\charrsid5899379 , Northern Mariana Islands, for }{\insrsid7932649\charrsid5899379 Defendants-A}{\insrsid2319156\charrsid5899379 ppellants}{ \insrsid3943998\charrsid5899379 .}{\insrsid2319156\charrsid5899379 \par }{\insrsid3943998\charrsid5899379 F. Mathew Smith, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands}{\insrsid2319156\charrsid5899379 , for }{\insrsid7932649\charrsid5899379 Plaintiff-A}{\insrsid2319156\charrsid5899379 ppellee}{\insrsid3943998\charrsid5899379 .}{ \insrsid8667895\charrsid5899379 \par }{\insrsid14765146\charrsid5899379 BEFORE:}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid5899379 }{\insrsid14765146\charrsid5899379 Alexandr}{\insrsid8678364\charrsid5899379 o C. Castro, Associate Justice; Katherine A. Mar}{\insrsid7886165\charrsid5899379 aman, Justice Pro Tem; Herbert D}{\insrsid8678364\charrsid5899379 . Soll, Justice Pro Tem }{\insrsid10965145\charrsid5899379 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\insrsid7886165\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid6248868\charrsid9048666 Per Curiam}{\insrsid7886165\charrsid9048666 :}{\insrsid7886165 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid6448320\charrsid9048666 \'b6 1\tab }{\insrsid13061673\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid3943998\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid4661368\charrsid9048666 Felipe Q. Atalig, Casa De Felipe, and Elvira Custodio}{\insrsid15290001\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid13061673\charrsid9048666 motion}{\insrsid15290001\charrsid9048666 ed the Court}{\insrsid3943998\charrsid9048666 to extend time to file their}{\insrsid13061673\charrsid9048666 brief}{\insrsid6759800\charrsid9048666 , but their}{ \insrsid10367669\charrsid9048666 motion failed}{\insrsid13061673\charrsid9048666 to comply }{\insrsid10242433\charrsid9048666 with Commonwealth }{\insrsid13061673\charrsid9048666 Rule}{\insrsid10242433\charrsid9048666 of Appellate Procedure}{ \insrsid6759800\charrsid9048666 31(d).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid6759800\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid148317\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid6759800\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid3547072\charrsid9048666 motion also }{ \insrsid10367669\charrsid9048666 failed}{\insrsid13061673\charrsid9048666 to}{\insrsid10242433\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid13708441\charrsid9048666 adequately }{\insrsid3547072\charrsid9048666 j}{\insrsid6759800\charrsid9048666 ustify their}{ \insrsid148317\charrsid9048666 requested relief, and}{\insrsid3547072\charrsid9048666 instead indicated a }{\insrsid148317\charrsid9048666 desire to improperly stall the appella}{\insrsid6759800\charrsid9048666 te process through misuse of}{ \insrsid148317\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1924155\charrsid9048666 Rule 13 settlement proceedin}{\insrsid6759800\charrsid9048666 gs.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid6759800\charrsid9048666 The Court denied appellant}{ \insrsid1924155\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid6759800\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid1924155\charrsid9048666 motion to extend time, and appellant}{\insrsid6759800\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid1924155\charrsid9048666 failed to file a timely brief.}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid13708441\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid15882111\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid13708441\charrsid9048666 took no other action to further this}{\insrsid1130174\charrsid9048666 appeal.}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1130174\charrsid9048666 Accordingly, we DISMISS}{\insrsid13708441\charrsid9048666 this matter for failure to prosecute.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid13061673 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5899379 {\b\insrsid10965145\charrsid5899379 I \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid6448320\charrsid9048666 \'b6 2\tab }{\insrsid1071103\charrsid9048666 On March 13, 2008, appellant}{\insrsid15882111\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid1071103\charrsid9048666 requested a settlement conference pursuant to Com. R. App. P. }{ \insrsid15484137\charrsid9048666 13(b).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid12325908\charrsid9048666 Before g}{\insrsid15882111\charrsid9048666 ranting appellant}{\insrsid12325908\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid15882111\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{ \insrsid12325908\charrsid9048666 request}{\insrsid852856\charrsid9048666 , howe}{\insrsid9140011\charrsid9048666 ver, the}{\insrsid852856\charrsid9048666 Cour}{\insrsid12604966\charrsid9048666 t }{\insrsid15748951\charrsid9048666 determined it }{ \insrsid14235344\charrsid9048666 necessary}{\insrsid15748951\charrsid9048666 to }{\insrsid13660078\charrsid9048666 establish}{\insrsid12325908\charrsid9048666 whether settlement was a realistic possibility}{\insrsid1713001\charrsid9048666 or }{ \insrsid15882812\charrsid9048666 whether it }{\insrsid1713001\charrsid9048666 would merely cause added delay and expense.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid13186125\charrsid9048666 Consequently}{\insrsid9140011\charrsid9048666 , the}{ \insrsid8347405\charrsid9048666 matter }{\insrsid9140011\charrsid9048666 was set }{\insrsid8347405\charrsid9048666 for a preliminary settlement conference.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid9140011\charrsid9048666 The Court}{ \insrsid5261204\charrsid9048666 ordered the parties }{\insrsid10648081\charrsid9048666 to appear before the Clerk }{\insrsid5994065\charrsid9048666 of the Supreme Court }{\insrsid13382086\charrsid9048666 to discuss the feasibility of settlement}{ \insrsid8347405\charrsid9048666 , and instructed}{\insrsid10181735\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid8347405\charrsid9048666 the }{\insrsid10181735\charrsid9048666 Clerk }{\insrsid8347405\charrsid9048666 to}{\insrsid10181735\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid13382086\charrsid9048666 file a report }{\insrsid15412244\charrsid9048666 \'93}{\insrsid13382086\charrsid9048666 addressing the likelihood of settlement and rec}{\insrsid15412244\charrsid9048666 ommending whether further settlement negotiations would be beneficial.\'94}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1130174\charrsid9048666 Commonwealth Dev. Auth.}{\insrsid15929655\charrsid9048666 v. Atalig,}{\insrsid15412244\charrsid9048666 No. 2007-SCC-0024-CIV (NMI Sup. Ct. March 27, 2008) (}{\insrsid11479480\charrsid9048666 Order Setting Preliminary Settlement Conference}{\insrsid15412244\charrsid9048666 \'b6 1).}{\insrsid852856\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1071103 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid5899379 \'b6 3\tab }{\insrsid13518929\charrsid9048666 At the preliminary settlement conference,}{\insrsid146523\charrsid9048666 the parties }{\insrsid856819\charrsid9048666 identified a potential}{\insrsid12810587\charrsid9048666 settlement option and }{\insrsid146523\charrsid9048666 agreed to }{\insrsid12810587\charrsid9048666 pursue }{\insrsid11828064\charrsid9048666 it informally, outside t}{\insrsid4138665\charrsid9048666 he strictures of a court-facilitated}{ \insrsid11828064\charrsid9048666 settlement conference.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid16071199\charrsid9048666 Commonwealth Dev. Auth. v. }{\insrsid996187\charrsid9048666 Atalig, No. 2007-SCC-0024-CIV (NMI Sup. Ct. April 1, 2008) (Clerk \rquote s Preliminary Settlement Conference Report at 1).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1602875\charrsid9048666 Based}{\insrsid2702951\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1602875\charrsid9048666 on }{\insrsid2702951\charrsid9048666 the narrow scope of the identified }{\insrsid613863\charrsid9048666 settlement option }{\insrsid7238702\charrsid9048666 and the }{\insrsid613863\charrsid9048666 parties\rquote }{\insrsid2710064\charrsid9048666 history of }{\insrsid613863\charrsid9048666 unsuccessful settlement attempts, the Clerk recommended}{\insrsid1602875\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid9770863\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid14881158\charrsid9048666 etting}{\insrsid7865260\charrsid9048666 a briefing schedule }{\insrsid1602875\charrsid9048666 that would provide the parties adequate time to }{\insrsid2710064\charrsid9048666 pursue}{\insrsid1602875\charrsid9048666 settlement, yet }{\insrsid7865260\charrsid9048666 avoid further delay i}{\insrsid1602875\charrsid9048666 f}{ \insrsid7865260\charrsid9048666 settle}{\insrsid1602875\charrsid9048666 ment failed}{\insrsid7865260\charrsid9048666 .}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid13700129\charrsid9048666 Id.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid9249890\charrsid9048666 The Clerk recommended granting appellant}{\insrsid6360778\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid5441570\charrsid9048666 an additional thirty}{\insrsid2710064\charrsid9048666 days}{\insrsid5441570\charrsid9048666 \endash or a total of seventy}{\insrsid16609579\charrsid9048666 days from the date of the preliminary settlement conference \endash }{\insrsid12787716\charrsid9048666 to file their}{\insrsid2710064\charrsid9048666 opening brief in the event }{ \insrsid16609579\charrsid9048666 settlement was unsuccessful}{\insrsid2710064\charrsid9048666 .}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid992348\charrsid9048666 Id.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4916861\charrsid9048666 The Court accepted the Clerk\rquote s recommendation and }{\insrsid4880299\charrsid9048666 ordered appellant}{\insrsid12787716\charrsid9048666 s to file their}{\insrsid4880299\charrsid9048666 brief by June 10, 2008.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid2237723\charrsid9048666 On that date, however,}{\insrsid7502482\charrsid9048666 r}{\insrsid13990252\charrsid9048666 ather t}{\insrsid16599766\charrsid9048666 han filing a }{\insrsid7502482\charrsid9048666 brief, }{ \insrsid13990252\charrsid9048666 appellant}{\insrsid12787716\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid13990252\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid16599766\charrsid9048666 filed a }{\insrsid5406312\charrsid9048666 motion to extend}{\insrsid7502482\charrsid9048666 time}{ \insrsid16599766\charrsid9048666 .}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid12787716\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid1049569\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid12787716\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid1659063\charrsid9048666 mot}{ \insrsid3477196\charrsid9048666 ion was deficient, both procedurally and on the merits, and the Court denied it.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid3477196\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid13315864\charrsid9048666 s}{ \insrsid3477196\charrsid9048666 did not move the cour}{\insrsid6361322\charrsid9048666 t to file a late brief, and }{\insrsid16594399\charrsid9048666 took no other action to }{\insrsid6361322\charrsid9048666 further this appeal. }{\insrsid4880299 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5899379 {\b\insrsid16594399\charrsid5899379 II}{\b\insrsid4880299 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5899379 {\b\insrsid5899379\charrsid5899379 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\insrsid5899379 \'b6 4\tab }{\insrsid1461428\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid14556193\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid5406312\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{ \insrsid1469971\charrsid9048666 motion to extend}{\insrsid12987243\charrsid9048666 time}{\insrsid1461428\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid5406312\charrsid9048666 to file their}{\insrsid1469971\charrsid9048666 brief }{\insrsid14556193\charrsid9048666 was }{ \insrsid1469971\charrsid9048666 based }{\insrsid9786637\charrsid9048666 on}{\insrsid1461428\charrsid9048666 Com. R. App. P. 26(b).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1461428\charrsid9048666 However, as we have previously noted, }{ \insrsid10250470\charrsid9048666 Rule 31(}{\insrsid12987243\charrsid9048666 d), not Rule 26(b), governs}{\insrsid10250470\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid14556193\charrsid9048666 such motions}{\insrsid10250470\charrsid9048666 .}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1461428\charrsid9048666 In Re the Estate of Taisacan, 2008 MP 6 \'b6 13.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid15824452\charrsid9048666 The difference between the rules is one of scope and specificity.}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1325545\charrsid9048666 Rule 26(b) }{\insrsid8856174\charrsid9048666 is c}{\insrsid14101653\charrsid9048666 oncerned with the Court\rquote s }{\insrsid8856174\charrsid9048666 authority to extend or ci}{ \insrsid14101653\charrsid9048666 rcumvent time limits in general}{\insrsid8856174\charrsid9048666 .}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid12081646\charrsid9048666 By contrast, Rule 31(d) }{\insrsid1128149\charrsid9048666 deals exclusively with motions to extend time for filing briefs, and }{\insrsid5143280\charrsid9048666 prescribes specific}{\insrsid16658190\charrsid9048666 filing requirements for}{\insrsid5143280\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1128149\charrsid9048666 such }{\insrsid16658190\charrsid9048666 motions.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1128149\charrsid9048666 As a basic tenant of }{\insrsid15933533\charrsid9048666 statutory construction, and as}{\insrsid2125444\charrsid9048666 clearly evi}{ \insrsid3218766\charrsid9048666 denced}{\insrsid2125444\charrsid9048666 from the structure of our rules themselves, the specific req}{\insrsid3218766\charrsid9048666 uirements of Rule 31(d) control}{\insrsid2125444\charrsid9048666 over the gen}{ \insrsid3218766\charrsid9048666 eral language of Rule 26(b) regarding motions to extend time for filing briefs.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid11491423\charrsid9048666 Taisacan, 2008 MP 6 \'b6 13; see also}{\insrsid12661378\charrsid9048666 Com. R. App. P. 27(a) (}{\insrsid16071199\charrsid9048666 stating that }{\insrsid12661378\charrsid9048666 a}{\insrsid11491423\charrsid9048666 \'93motion shall contain or be accompanied by any matter required by a specific provision of these rules}{ \insrsid5794108\charrsid9048666 governing such a motion . . .}{\insrsid8091133\charrsid9048666 .}{\insrsid11491423\charrsid9048666 \'94).}{\insrsid15824452 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid5899379 \'b6 5\tab }{\insrsid7765783\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid9524814\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid7765783\charrsid9048666 incorrectly cited Rule 26(b) as the proper authority }{\insrsid4423307\charrsid9048666 for}{ \insrsid7765783\charrsid9048666 seek}{\insrsid4423307\charrsid9048666 ing}{\insrsid7765783\charrsid9048666 an extension of time}{\insrsid9524814\charrsid9048666 to file their}{\insrsid4423307\charrsid9048666 brief}{\insrsid7765783\charrsid9048666 .}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid7765783\charrsid9048666 However, }{\insrsid4423307\charrsid9048666 an improper citation}{\insrsid7997520\charrsid9048666 by itself, or any number of other procedural }{\insrsid7077933\charrsid9048666 flaws, will not necessarily render a party\rquote s motion inadequate.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid5587338\charrsid9048666 Technical deficiencies may be considered by the Court, but }{\insrsid9524814\charrsid9048666 they }{ \insrsid5587338\charrsid9048666 do not control our decision whether to grant the requested relief.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid5587338\charrsid9048666 See, e.g., Commonwealt}{\insrsid526743\charrsid9048666 h v. Pua, 2006 MP 19 \'b6 18 (}{ \insrsid5587338\charrsid9048666 regarding jurisdictional prerequisites, \'93it is the substance and timeliness of pleadings, rather than strict adherence to procedure that controls}{\insrsid8091133\charrsid9048666 . . . .}{ \insrsid5587338\charrsid9048666 \'94).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid8091133\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid8084207\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid8091133\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid8084207\charrsid9048666 misplaced reliance on Rule 26(b)}{\insrsid8091133\charrsid9048666 did not directly lead to their}{\insrsid16655883\charrsid9048666 motion\rquote s denial}{\insrsid4277250\charrsid9048666 .}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid4277250\charrsid9048666 Rather,}{\insrsid3759006\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid9073675\charrsid9048666 denial was premised on }{\insrsid1864229\charrsid9048666 appellant}{\insrsid268688\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid1864229\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{ \insrsid268688\charrsid9048666 failure to}{\insrsid8915762\charrsid9048666 comply with}{\insrsid268688\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4094569\charrsid9048666 the specific requirements of }{\insrsid268688\charrsid9048666 Rule 31(d), and }{ \insrsid8915762\charrsid9048666 the }{\insrsid1727042\charrsid9048666 meritless claims}{\insrsid4989084\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1864229\charrsid9048666 underlying their}{\insrsid11017811\charrsid9048666 request}{\insrsid268688\charrsid9048666 .}{ \insrsid4423307\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid15824452 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid5899379 \'b6 6\tab }{\insrsid7427191\charrsid9048666 Rule 31(d) }{\insrsid1864229\charrsid9048666 states that a motion to extend}{\insrsid9327098\charrsid9048666 time for filing a brief \'93may be granted only upon written motion supported by a showing of diligence and substantial need . . . .\'94}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid9327098\charrsid9048666 Com. R. App. P. 31(d).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid11680229\charrsid9048666 The motion must be supported by an affidavit that includes, among other things, \'93a statement that opposing counsel does or does not object to the extension or why the moving party has been unable to determine any such party\rquote s position.\'94}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid11171040\charrsid9048666 Com. R. App. P.}{\insrsid11680229\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4796610\charrsid9048666 31}{\insrsid11680229\charrsid9048666 (d)(7).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid10433244\charrsid9048666 In the present case, appellant}{\insrsid12927043\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid16731664\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid12927043\charrsid9048666 motion was supported by counsel\rquote s declaration, which did not include such a statement.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid12927043\charrsid9048666 Instead, }{\insrsid8867910\charrsid9048666 appellant\rquote s }{\insrsid12927043\charrsid9048666 counsel opined that he did \'93 not see any unfair prejudice to opposing counsel as a result of }{\insrsid5117718\charrsid9048666 th[e}{\insrsid10438136\charrsid9048666 ] request for extension }{\insrsid12927043\charrsid9048666 of time.\'94}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid11171040\charrsid9048666 Commonwealth Dev. Auth. v. }{\insrsid2100434\charrsid9048666 Atalig, No. 2007-SCC-0024-CIV (NMI Sup. Ct. June 10, 2008) (Declaration of Ramon K. Quichocho in Support of Motion to Enlarge Time to File Appellants\rquote Brief at 2).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid5117718\charrsid9048666 Counsel\rquote s opinion regardi}{\insrsid16731664\charrsid9048666 ng the propriety of granting the}{\insrsid5117718\charrsid9048666 motion, while arguably relevant, is no substitute for the}{\insrsid8277585\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid6713923\charrsid9048666 opposing counsel\rquote s }{\insrsid15090664\charrsid9048666 opportunity }{\insrsid11744419\charrsid9048666 to object, and}{ \insrsid4347835\charrsid9048666 it clearly fails to satisfy}{\insrsid11744419\charrsid9048666 the plain languag}{\insrsid16734184\charrsid9048666 e of Com}{\insrsid12981240\charrsid9048666 . R. App. P. 31(d)(7).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid12981240\charrsid9048666 Moreover, it calls counsel\rquote s }{\insrsid12583082\charrsid9048666 and appellants\rquote }{\insrsid12981240\charrsid9048666 motives into question.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4796610\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid9124866\charrsid9048666 s brought their}{\insrsid4796610\charrsid9048666 motion }{\insrsid10905402\charrsid9048666 pursuant to Rule 26(b)}{\insrsid16659854\charrsid9048666 , which does }{\insrsid6438131\charrsid9048666 not requi}{ \insrsid10905402\charrsid9048666 re specific factual allegations}{\insrsid6438131\charrsid9048666 and does not require a supporting affidavit.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid6438131\charrsid9048666 However, counsel\rquote s declaration contains }{\insrsid16068034\charrsid9048666 six of the seven }{\insrsid14693765\charrsid9048666 statements}{\insrsid16068034\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid1336361\charrsid9048666 required by Rule 31(d).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid1336361\charrsid9048666 It strains logic to assume that counsel }{\insrsid3027492\charrsid9048666 coincidentally included }{\insrsid1118652\charrsid9048666 the six required statements.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid1118652\charrsid9048666 A }{\insrsid5853828\charrsid9048666 more likely scenario is that counsel purposefully excluded the seventh.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid12981240 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid5899379 \'b6 7\tab }{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 In addition to its pro}{\insrsid13450304\charrsid9048666 cedural deficiencies, appellant}{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid13450304\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{ \insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 motion also lacked merit.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid13450304\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 requested an ad}{ \insrsid13450304\charrsid9048666 ditional ninety days to file their}{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 brief, more than double the forty days provided by rule.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid2754235\charrsid9048666 See }{ \insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 Com. R. App. P. 31(a).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 Although such a generous request might be justified in extreme circumstances, it is clearly unjustified here.}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid8284908\charrsid9048666 Rule 31(d) requires }{\insrsid1801249\charrsid9048666 \'93}{\insrsid8284908\charrsid9048666 a showing of }{\insrsid1801249\charrsid9048666 diligence and substantial need\'94 before a motion to enlarge time is granted.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid13450304\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid13450304\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 counsel, in his supporting declaration, state}{\insrsid1801249\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 , \'93[d]ue to other pending criminal and civil cases that I am involved in, Appellants need additional time to file the Brief.\'94}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid2168274\charrsid9048666 Commonwealth Dev. Auth.}{\insrsid6380246\charrsid9048666 v. Atalig, No. 2007-SCC-0024-CIV (NMI Sup. Ct. June 10, 2008) (}{\insrsid10381194\charrsid9048666 Declaration of Ramon K. Quichocho in Support of Motion to Enlarge Time to File Appellants\rquote Brief at 2).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 Counsel\rquote s language amounts to little more than saying, \'93I\rquote m }{\insrsid8520942\charrsid9048666 too}{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 busy}{\insrsid8520942\charrsid9048666 right now}{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 .\'94}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 It }{ \insrsid5773594\charrsid9048666 shows a lack of respect for the}{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 Court and the opposing party, and it certainly lacks the detailed explanation}{\insrsid5773594\charrsid9048666 necessary to support appellant}{ \insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid5773594\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid2168274\charrsid9048666 requested ninety-}{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 day extension.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 The solution for an attorney\rquote s busy schedule is reduced workload or improved time management.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4941683\charrsid9048666 Wasting the Court\rquote s and opposing parties\rquote time through excessive extensions is unacceptable.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid4941683 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid5899379 \'b6 8\tab }{\insrsid3937781\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid3937781\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 motion is even more egregious in light of the additional time }{ \insrsid3937781\charrsid9048666 t}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 he}{\insrsid3937781\charrsid9048666 y were}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 already given.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 In its briefing schedule issued April 1, 2008, the Court granted appellant}{\insrsid2718881\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 an additional thirty days beyond what }{\insrsid2718881\charrsid9048666 t}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 he}{ \insrsid2718881\charrsid9048666 y were otherwise entitled, giving the}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 m a t}{\insrsid2718881\charrsid9048666 otal of seventy days to file their}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 brief.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 The additional time was granted pursuant to the Clerk\rquote s recommendation, which, in turn, was based on the parties\rquote discussion during the preliminary settlement conference.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 The parties identified a single, narrow settlement option and agreed to pursue it.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 However, because previous settlement attempts had failed, and to prevent settlement negotiations }{\insrsid2718881\charrsid9048666 from being}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 used as a stall tactic, the Clerk recommended a briefing schedule be implemented to avoid unnecessary delay.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 Vi}{\insrsid2699784\charrsid9048666 ewed in this context, appellant}{ \insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid2699784\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid2168274\charrsid9048666 requested ninety-}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 day extension is, in effect, an attempt to circumvent the Court\rquote s precautions against dilatory conduct.}{\insrsid6060603\charrsid9048666 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6060603 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 { \cs16\super\insrsid9403574 \chftn }{\insrsid9403574 \tab }{\fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid6060603 When a party files a timely request for a settlement conference, briefing is suspended by operation of Rule 13(c). Although Rule 13 does not specify how or when briefing resumes, Rule 13\rquote s import makes clear that briefing is only suspen ded until such time as settlement n}{\fs20\insrsid10968818 egotiations run their course. To suspend}{\fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid6060603 briefing beyond the failure of settlement negotiations would invite abuse by parties not interested in settling, but rather seeking to delay the appellate process. Such reasoning is evident in the rule\rquote s language, as the settlement judge may refuse to suspend briefing, Com. R. App. P. 13(c), thus preventing parties the benefit of bad faith settlement requests. Likewise, even good faith requests should not provide a pretext for pa rties to cause, or be subjected to, undue delay if settlement negotiations fail. However, Rule 13 provides little direction to parties, the appointed settlement judge, or the Court in preventing such abuses. Although the settlement judge may refuse to s uspend briefing at the outset, whether, when, and how briefing may be reinstated for failed or failing settlements is unclear. \par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6060603 {\fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid6060603 Both the language and policy of Rule 13 make clear that briefing should be suspended only so long as good faith settlement negotia tions continue. Thus, briefing should be reinstated if the settlement judge determines negotiations have reached impasse or a party is engaged in dilatory tactics. However, not only is Rule 13 silent regarding the reinstatement of briefing, it does not p rovide for, much less require, regular communication between the settlement judge and the Court. Rather, the settlement process occurs with virtually no Court oversight. While an independent procedure ensuring confidentiality is necessary for meaningful settlement negotiations, settlement proceedings also require an appropriate level of integration with the overall appellate process. The Court uses various mechanisms to provide such integration and prevent the potential pitfalls of a settlement process i nsulated from effective Court supervision. One such mechanism is a contingent briefing schedule, whereby a briefing schedule is set by the Court before settlement negotiations begin and requires parties to brief the case if they have not settled within a certain time. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid10819275 See}{\fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid6060603 , }{\i\fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid10819275 e.g.}{\fs20\insrsid9403574 ,}{\fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid6060603 }{\i\fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid10819275 In Re the Estate of Taisacan}{\fs20\insrsid9403574 , App. No. CV-06-0001-GA (NMI Sup. Ct. Nov. 1, 2006) (Order Appointing Justice Pro Tempore for Settlement Purposes; Order Concerning Statement of Record for Settlement Purposes \'b6 6)}{ \fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid6060603 . Another option is ordering the settlement judge to report the progress of settlement efforts to the Court. }{\i\fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid10819275 Id}{\fs20\insrsid9403574 . \'b6 3}{ \fs20\insrsid9403574\charrsid6060603 . \par }\pard\plain \s15\qj \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid3234277 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\insrsid9403574\charrsid6060603 The Court\rquote s responsibility to supervise settlement proceedings also requires a mechanism to assess the merits of a settlement conference request before acting on it. A bad faith request can be used as a stall tactic, subjecting opposing parties to additional cost and delay. The Court\rquote s limited resources also suffer, particularly }{\insrsid3298281 its }{\insrsid9403574\charrsid6060603 financial resources, because it is the Court, rather than the parties, that compensates the settlement judge. To guard against abuses, the Court should deny a bad faith settlement conf erence request. Similarly, the delay and expense of a court-ordered settlement conference is unwarranted if any party is unwilling to entertain settlement offers. Rule 13 is silent on these issues, but requiring all parties to act in good faith and thro ugh a common desire to find areas of agreement only furthers its policy. Consequently, in the present case, the Court ordered a preliminary settlement conference to gauge the parties\rquote intent and determine whether settlement was feasible. }}}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid2189551 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid5899379 \'b6 9\tab }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 T}{\insrsid4348271\charrsid9048666 he}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 Court is}{\insrsid2699784\charrsid9048666 unable to understand appellant}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 s}{ \insrsid2699784\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 actions as anything other than a bad faith attempt to delay the appellate process.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 If appellant}{ \insrsid2699784\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 had requested an additional day, two}{\insrsid12529927\charrsid9048666 days}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 , or even a week, this }{\insrsid2699784\charrsid9048666 Court might be persuaded that they}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 honestly desired to file a timely brief.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 However, requesting an additional ninety days makes clear that appellant}{ \insrsid6840921\charrsid9048666 s were}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 not}{\insrsid6840921\charrsid9048666 diligently laboring to meet their}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 deadline.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 A party will rarely be able to justify needing 160 days to file a brief.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 See Taisacan, 2008 MP 6 \'b6\'b6 10-12 (}{\insrsid15477555\charrsid9048666 finding that }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 counsel\rquote s litany of nonconforming and substantively deficient motions to extend time did not excuse a 152-day delay in filing his brief); Babauta v. Babauta}{\insrsid1900801\charrsid9048666 , 2004 MP 2 \'b6 8 (Manglona, J.)}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 (noting \'93that ninety-two days is sufficient time to research, draft, and file a presuma}{\insrsid6840921\charrsid9048666 bly routine brief\'94).}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{ \insrsid6840921\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid6840921\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid2189551\charrsid9048666 motion, based on an unsubstantiated claim of need that was virtually devoid of detail, does not justify any additional time, much less ninety days. }{\insrsid2189551 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid5899379 \'b6 10\tab }{\insrsid8153597\charrsid9048666 Over nine months have past since the Court denied }{\insrsid13175709\charrsid9048666 appellant}{\insrsid8153597\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid13175709\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{ \insrsid8153597\charrsid9048666 motion to extend time.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid16187979\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid13175709\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid16187979\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid15947863\charrsid9048666 did not file a timely brief, and }{\insrsid13175709\charrsid9048666 have}{\insrsid16187979\charrsid9048666 not filed a Rule 31(e) motion }{\insrsid3552683\charrsid9048666 requesting permission }{\insrsid13175709\charrsid9048666 to file a late brief.}{ \insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid13175709\charrsid9048666 Nor have}{\insrsid16187979\charrsid9048666 appellant}{\insrsid13175709\charrsid9048666 s sought to explain their}{\insrsid16187979\charrsid9048666 delay or otherwise }{ \insrsid5309577\charrsid9048666 pursue this appeal.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid13175709\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid3552683\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid13175709\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid3552683\charrsid9048666 continued}{ \insrsid13175709\charrsid9048666 procrastination is unjustified}{\insrsid3552683\charrsid9048666 and }{\insrsid15601673\charrsid9048666 provides ample rea}{\insrsid2100434\charrsid9048666 son for the Court to dismiss their}{ \insrsid15601673\charrsid9048666 appeal.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid15601673\charrsid9048666 Com. R. App. P. 31(e), }{\insrsid13061673\charrsid9048666 42(c).}{\insrsid8153597 \par }{\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5899379 {\b\insrsid3636755\charrsid5899379 III}{\b\insrsid4941683\charrsid5899379 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9048666 {\insrsid5899379\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid5899379 \'b6 11\tab }{\insrsid2100434\charrsid9048666 Appellant}{\insrsid3636755\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid2100434\charrsid9048666 \rquote }{\insrsid3636755\charrsid9048666 motion to ex}{\insrsid2100434\charrsid9048666 tend time to file their} {\insrsid6625637\charrsid9048666 brief }{\insrsid9045794\charrsid9048666 was denied because it }{\insrsid6625637\charrsid9048666 failed to comply with Com. R. App. P. 31(d), and}{\insrsid9045794\charrsid9048666 because it }{ \insrsid6625637\charrsid9048666 was based on a meritless claim of need }{\insrsid15214917\charrsid9048666 that indicates bad faith.}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid5658731\charrsid9048666 Since that time, a}{\insrsid9045794\charrsid9048666 ppellant}{\insrsid2100434\charrsid9048666 s}{\insrsid9045794\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid2100434\charrsid9048666 have}{\insrsid10574844\charrsid9048666 not }{\insrsid2098929\charrsid9048666 acted to further}{\insrsid9045794\charrsid9048666 this appeal}{ \insrsid5658731\charrsid9048666 .}{\insrsid9048666\charrsid9048666 }{\insrsid5658731\charrsid9048666 Accordingly, this matter is DISMISSED for failure to prosecute.}{\insrsid6033896\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid9403574\charrsid9048666 \par }{\insrsid2452388\charrsid9048666 Concurring: \par Castro, J., Maraman, J.P.T., Soll, J.P.T. \par }}