The final national court of the federation, with power to hold national legislation unconstitutional and to resolve disputes between the national government and the four states. There is no appeal to any United States court. Where a case turns on custom, the court may seek the assistance of traditional leaders or the guidance of a state court better placed to determine the question.
How the court is constituted
- Tier
- supreme
- Court type
- Court of final appeal and constitutional court
- Jurisdiction
- Final appeals from the Trial Division and from state supreme courts on questions of national law, and constitutional review of national legislation and executive action.
- Seat
- Palikir, Pohnpei
- Established
- 1981
- Composition
- The Chief Justice and associate justices, sitting in panels of three; a trial justice does not sit on appeal from their own decision.
- Appointment
- Appointed by the President with the advice and consent of Congress; justices serve during good behaviour.
- Languages
- English
Where an appeal goes next
None. This is the final court.
Filing at this court
- Notice of appeal
- Within 42 days of the judgment appealed from
- Constitutional question
- May be certified from a state court where national law is in issue
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