Data modernization, a newly-redesigned website, the launch of a new program, and facility expansion are some of the topics brought before the people of Guam by Chief Justice Katerine Maraman during her State of the Judiciary Address.

"Today is a day in our country where we honor the rule of law. So May 1 is Law Day, so I wish everyone a Happy Law Day and hope they remember the importance of the rule of law in our country," Her Honor announced. Those were the words Chief Justice Maraman told KUAM following her Address earlier today.

Held at the Guam Legislature, the chief justice gave updates on data modernization through the e-court and e-supervision, which are integrated case management systems designed to combine all the difference facets of judicial work into a single secure platform.

Also in her address was the redesign of the Judiciary of Guam's website that launched today, which according to the chief justice, is a "deliberate effort to lower the threshold of entry." Another highlight is the Judiciary's grand funded "court navigator program" which will be a real person assisting with access to the court for more niche questions.

The chief justice continued, "The navigator is not an attorney and does not provide legal advice. Instead, the navigator is a guide – explaining processes, helping identify appropriate forms, assisting with basic procedural tasks, and connecting individuals to community resources legal aid where appropriate, social services, counseling, or victim assistance."

The chief justice also mentioned that the Judiciary's Northern Satellite Court in Dededo will be expanding services, which include providing probation services and hosting group counseling programs for those on supervision or those engaged in court-ordered services. The Judiciary will also be utilizing electronic monitoring more aggressively.

Chief Justice Maraman explained how ankle monitors are tools that can assist with overcrowding at the Department of Corrections, saying, "It's a very effective tool to supervise people who are not necessarily have to be in the Department of Corrections. It's important to help keep families together. If someone's in a family, they're working they're supporting their family, and this type of supervision is effective. Even during the typhoon was very effective. Its a way to keep the children supported the family together and also free up room in the Department of Corrections for people that really need to be there."