Supreme Court American Samoa (US)
American Samoa, an unincorporated U.S. territory, does not have a separate Supreme Court. Its judicial system operates under the broader framework of the United States federal judiciary, with the highest appellate authority being the United States Supreme Court. However, the territory maintains local courts to handle matters specific to its community.
Judicial Structure in American Samoa:
High Court of American Samoa:
- This court serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction, handling both civil and criminal cases.
- It operates under the authority of the U.S. District Court for the District of Hawaii.
Appellate Division of the High Court:
- Functions as the appellate court for decisions made by the High Court.
- Decisions from this division can be appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and, ultimately, to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Citizenship and Legal Status:
Individuals born in American Samoa are recognized as U.S. nationals but not citizens at birth. This distinction has been the subject of legal challenges, notably in the case of Fitisemanu v. United States. In December 2019, a federal district court ruled that American Samoans should be granted birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment. However, this decision was overturned by the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2021, reaffirming the current status of American Samoans as U.S. nationals. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case, leaving the appellate court's decision in place.
Recent Legal Developments:
- Fitisemanu v. United States (2021): This case challenged the citizenship status of individuals born in American Samoa. The Tenth Circuit Court's decision upheld the classification of American Samoans as U.S. nationals, not citizens by birth.
Conclusion:
While American Samoa does not have a Supreme Court of its own, its judicial matters are addressed through local courts and the broader U.S. federal judicial system. The citizenship status of American Samoans remains a complex legal issue, with ongoing debates and legal challenges reflecting the unique relationship between the territory and the United States.
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