The Attorney General’s conflict case is going before justices in the Supreme Court of Guam today.

AG Doug Moylan and the Governor’s legal counsel Leslie Travis along with others appeared virtually to find out what happens next.

The case is over the AG’s withdrawal to provide legal representation for 22 Government of Guam agencies who he confirmed his office is investigating based on audits from the public auditor.

He argues that’s a clear conflict but Governor Lou Leon Guerrero argued, “To allow the Attorney General to stymie agency activity by refusing to do his part would unreasonably hinder the performance of agency duties under the law and the governor's duties under the Organic Act.” 

Parties are scheduled to argue before the high court on May 20, less than one month away.

Attorneys agreed with the panel that consists of Chief Justice Robert Torres and Justices Katherine Maraman and Phillip Carbullido.

Travis said, “Your Honor, on behalf of petitioner, no objections to the panel as constituted or the day of oral arguments.”

And AG Moylan added, “Your Honor, the Attorney General’s Office has no objection. Thank you.”

The high court noted how long each party will have to speak in the courtroom.

Torres said, “So the oral argument will be split 30 minutes between the Governor and the Attorney General’s Office.”

“Would the court consider a request from the amicus? We are still contemplating our position and when would they like a written request for oral argument if necessary,” asked Jordan Pauluhn. 

Torres said, “We would require that request be submitted no later than Friday the 3rd in advance of the briefing filed with specific information on how much time would be requested. Then we would have to see if we give the ag an expanded opportunity for argument based on amicus request.”

The AG has until April 29 to file his response to the Governor’s brief, giving her until May 6 to reply.