Each of the four states has its own supreme court under its own constitution, and each is final on questions of state law. Because land tenure and inheritance are state matters and the four states differ substantially, there is no single Micronesian answer to most property questions — Yap in particular gives its Councils of Pilung and Tamol a formal role over legislation affecting custom.
How the court is constituted
- Tier
- appellate
- Court type
- State courts of final appeal
- Jurisdiction
- All matters of state law in their state, including land tenure, inheritance, probate and local offences, with appellate jurisdiction over municipal courts.
- Seat
- Weno, Tofol, Kolonia and Colonia
- Composition
- A chief justice and associate justices in each state, with trial and appellate divisions.
- Appointment
- Appointed by each state governor with the consent of that state's legislature.
- Languages
- English, Chuukese, Kosraean, Pohnpeian, Yapese
Where an appeal goes next
Final on state law; questions of national law may be certified to the FSM Supreme Court.
Filing at this court
- Land claim
- Filed in the state court or land commission of the state where the land lies
- Certification
- Questions of national law may be certified to the FSM Supreme Court
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