Gonzaga Alum Sworn In for Second Term in Northern Marianas Islands

The Hon. Joseph James Norita Camacho (’01) was recently sworn in to his second term as an associate judge of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands. After winning 80 percent of the vote, Judge Camacho stated that “It is an honor and a privilege to serve as a judge,” he said. “I humbly extend my gratitude to the people of the CNMI for their overwhelming support.”

This Gonzaga Law alum is known for arriving to work early and staying late. Along with presiding over numerous civil and criminal cases, Judge Camacho chairs several committees, revising and updating court rules and procedures for rules of evidence, jury instructions, probate, small claims, criminal justice information system, and time standards. Off the bench, Camacho has supported a local school mock trial program for the past 15 years. He also regularly visits public and private schools to talk to students about legal concepts and issues. Camacho also teaches college-level constitutional law courses to public safety officers and cadets as well as customs officers in Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Before becoming an associate judge, Camacho served as floor leader of the House of Representatives. He is a former prosecutor for the Office of the Attorney General, an adjunct instructor of business law at Northern Marianas College, and a police officer with the Department of Public Safety.