Former CNMI Gov. Ralph Torres was back in Superior Court today on Saipan for a hearing before Guam Judge Arthur Barcinas, who was appointed to preside over the Attorney General’s criminal case against Torres. 

Torres’ legal team motioned to disqualify or dismiss the AG’s special prosecutor James Kingman due to unauthorized practice of law. Defense attorney Anthony Aguon argued that Kingman did not take a mandatory oath before practicing law on Saipan.

However, Kingman, who later took an oath after being hired as an Assistant AG, argued that the law does not require pro hac vice attorneys to take the oath while they work on specific cases. Pro hac vice attorneys are not licensed to practice law in a jurisdiction but can work on a particular case.

"[It’s] frivolous. Should not have had a hearing, but the judge wanted one and that is fine. Happy to make the argument," Kingman told KUAM News. He added, "Things get hearings here, that’s fine. It is very clear how you interpret statutes. If the provision is in one place and not in other, it does not apply."

Judge Barcinas questioned whether the law does not require an oath for pro hac vice attorneys or if it was an oversight. He took the matter under advisement.

Torres declined to comment but has previously denied the allegations of misconduct in public office since they were first filed in April 2022. His attorneys argued that Kingman should face strict sanctions for his actions.

Torres’s jury trial has yet to be scheduled but is expected to be held next year.