Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate on Friday unanimously confirmed the appointment of Jon Clemens as District Court Judge of American Samoa in a 15-0 vote.

Judges of the District Court are appointed by the Governor of American Samoa upon the recommendation of the Chief Justice and confirmed by the Senate.

Addressing the Senate Judiciary Committee during his confirmation hearing before the Senate session, Clemens thanked the chairman and committee members for convening the hearing and for considering his nomination.

He also acknowledged with thanks the governor and Chief Justice for the recognition accorded to him by nominating him to the District Court Judge position, and the support of his family.

“…I’ve always regarded the High Court and District Court with reverence,” he stated. “As a child, ignorant in the ways of the world and much less of the courts, my reverence came from my dad whose faith and trust in our courts was unfailing.

“As a lawyer, my reverence and respect came from the realization and understanding of the function of the court as an institution charged with the responsibility for ensuring that constitutional rights are honored and protected, and justice is handed out in equal measure.

“From my tenure serving as the High Court staff attorney for more than 11 years and my most recent experience as a Pro Temp Judge since March 2022, I recognize that this position comes with significant responsibility.

  “Multiple times each day a District Court Judge is called upon to make decisions that directly impact the lives not only of those who come before the court, but also their family members and friends. Our society as a whole is also affected because court decisions also shape how laws are interpreted and subsequently followed and enforced.

“If confirmed, I face an awesome responsibility. This committee also faces a heavy responsibility with respect to my nomination. I hope to be as helpful as possible in responding to your questions,” Clemens declared.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean commented that as a former Samoan Judge, he noticed that Clemens has very little litigation experience as an attorney in court.

“Do you think it is important for you to have litigation experience as an attorney prior to becoming a judge?” Tuaolo asked.

“I think experience in being a judge comes in many forms, the most common form is getting litigation experience. However, the position I was fortunate to be in as a staff attorney for the High Court has given me an opportunity to look at how the court operates and how the judges make their decisions.

“I have had litigation experience defending the court on several property damage suits. I’ve also defended the Chief Justice in several issues, and also represented the court in helping the Department of Justice in the lawsuits that were pending last year at the federal level.”

Committee members noted that Clemens is a product of the local education system and was awarded an ASG scholarship enabling him to pursue higher education off-island.

They thanked him for coming back to serve the people and government of American Samoa in his chosen field.

He achieved his Juris Doctor from the University of California’s Davis School of Law in 2010 and began working in the High Court as Judicial Clerk in 2011.

Clemens has served as Staff Counsel of the High Court since 2012.

He previously held prosecutorial positions and received several professional awards for outstanding service.

In 2022, Mr. Clemens was appointed District Court Judge pro tempore and gained further learning and experience in a judicial environment.