Koror ( Pacific Note) —Two new associate justices were sworn in on Oct. 28 to formally take their seat in the Appellate Division of the Palau Supreme Court. Justices John K. Rechucher and Barrie Michelsen took their oaths before President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. at the chief justice’s chamber.
In his brief remarks, Remengesau said Palau stands to benefit from the two knowledgeable legal minds.
After the oath-taking, Chief Justice Arthur Ngiraklsong called up a special session for the two new appellate court judges to take their seats with him in the bench.
“Ibedul, I would like to announce to you and the council of chiefs that Rechucher is no longer your friend,” Ngiraklsong said in jest to a burst of laughter in the room. To take up the associate justice position, Rechucher had to vacate his top ranking traditional title, Beouch, of Ngardmau.
Barrie Michelsen served at one time as an associate justice of the Palau Supreme Court from 1996-2004. (Ongerung Kambs Kesolei)