American Samoa § 3.0502 - Jurisdiction and quorum.

§ 3.0502. Jurisdiction and quorum.

(a) The Chief Justice may, by rule or order or both, transfer jurisdiction from the trial division of the High Court and District Court to the Family, Drug, and Alcohol Court Division to hear and decide the following matters: (1) any or all juvenile cases including traffic offenders; (2) any or all domestic relations cases, including but not limited to, divorce, legal separation, child support, spousal support, paternity, U.R.E.S.A., and domestic violence protective orders, relinquishment/termination of parental rights, and adoptions; (3) any or all domestic violence crimes except homicides or other class A felonies; and (4) any or all criminal cases in which alcohol or other substance abuse is involved, including serious traffic offenses, except those cases charging possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and those cases otherwise excluded by the above subsections. (b) Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, hearings before the Family, Drug, and Alcohol Court Division shall be closed to the general public, when so required by existing statutes or by order of the Court in conformance with the rules of criminal or civil procedure. (c) The Chief Justice, Associate Justice or Acting Associate Justice and two associate judges shall conduct sessions before the Family, Drug, and Alcohol Court Division of the High Court, the presence of one justice and one associate judge shall constitute a quorum for the trial and determination of a case or controversy, including trials by jury. (d) Neither this section nor any other part of this Act may be construed to amend or alter the exclusive jurisdiction of the Land and Titles Division of the High Court in all matters relating to matai titles and controversies relating to land as set forth in section 3.0208 (b). (e) Neither this section nor any other part of this Act may be construed to amend or alter legislatively established penalties for use, possession, or sale of controlled substances.