A new chapter is beginning for Guam’s Judiciary as a familiar leader returns to the helm. Today, Katherine Maraman was formally installed as chief justice-elect of the Supreme Court of Guam, pledging her renewed commitment to justice, integrity, and public trust. Surrounded by fellow justices, island leaders, court staff, and her family, Her Honor was sworn-in, marking the beginning of her second term in the role.

A “adopted daughter of Guam” as Maraman says, she has built a legacy of service to the island over the past four decades –  from an attorney to legislative counsel, a trial judge in the Superior Court of Guam, and later as an associate justice. Her career has also included service as a part-time associate justice for the Supreme Court of Palau and as an adjunct professor at the University of Guam.

And from 2017 to 2020, she served her first term as chief justice, becoming the first woman in Guam and Micronesia to hold the position.

As the gavel was passed, outgoing chief justice Robert J. Torres expressed his confidence in Maraman’s leadership and the future of the courts, highlighting her work to reform how they address cases, saying, “She has a history of admiration for therapeutic courts and her commitment to therapeutic courts, and to the approaches that address the underlying harms – or causes of harm for families – I think, will strengthen them and help with lasting accountability.”

After swearing-in, Chief Justice Maraman gave her first remarks from the bench, laying out her vision and reaffirming her commitment to the rule of law and equal justice. “The Rule of Law is not an abstract concept: it is the foundation of public trust, democratic stability, and justice itself. It demands that every person who comes before our courts is treated fairly, impartially, and with dignity – regardless of status, circumstances, or belief," she stated.

She emphasized that judging requires more than applying precedent – it also requires compassion, fairness, and an understanding of the human realities behind each case. “I am proud that Guam’s Judiciary has expanded our approach to justice based on the very recognition that sometimes, but not always, a person’s criminality is rooted in something bigger – drug or alcohol addiction, mental health challenges, trauma stemming from armed service to our country," she said.

The chief justice shared her intentions to push meaningful reform of Guam’s juvenile justice system forward, stressing collaboration across all branches of government. She continued, "Our young people represent not only our future, but our responsibility. A system that focuses solely on punishment fails them and ultimately fails society.” 08:44

Finally, Chief Justice Maraman thanked court employees for their dedication and the people of Guam for their trust – setting the course for a Judiciary grounded in the rule of law, judicial independence, and service with integrity, compassion, and purpose.