AMERICAN SAMOA DIGEST [2008 edition]
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AMERICAN SAMOA
DIGEST
2008 Edition
Covering Opinions
From Divisions of the
High Court of
American Samoa
as Reported in the
American Samoa Reports
(through 7 A.S.R.3d)
Published by the High Court of American Samoa
Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799
Edited by Sean Coletti, Michael Weaver, Thad Brady & Julia A.H. Harty
Law Clerks
PREFACE
In 1900, the Samoan Islands of Tutuila and Aunu’u were ceded to the United States, and the Territory of American Samoa came into being. The High Court of American Samoa was established in that year and since then has been the court of highest jurisdiction in the Territory, and the only court which regularly writes opinions. The Court’s first published decision appears at 1 A.S.R. 15.
In 1977, the first volume of the American Samoa Reports, covering decisions from 1900-1938 was published. This was followed in quick succession by the publication of Volumes 2, 3 and 4 of the Reports, which include decisions of the High Court through 1975.
In 1983, the Court began publication of American Samoa Reports, second edition. Since then, thirty-one volumes of A.S.R.2d have been published, coverning decisions from 1978-1997.
In 2006, Volume 1 of the third edition of the American Samoa Reports was published. This volume begins where 31 A.S.R.2d left off, with court decisions beginning in 1997 through the present.
Each of these published decisions are printed with headnotes coverning the legal points made by the decisions. The 2008 American Samoa Digest categorizes all of the headnotes in the decisions published in American Samoa Reports, American Samoa Reports, second edition, and published cases for the American Samoa Reports, third edition. Each headnote is placed in one or more of 29 different topics. Each major topic is broken down into subtopics, each of which is further broken down to more narrowly pinpoint the law in the headnote. The Digest is best used by locating a headnote one is interested in, referring to the American Samoa Reports appearing at the end of the headnote, and comparing the wording of the headnote in the Digest with the wording of the headnotes at the beginning of the case to determine where the Court discusses the legal point of interest in the case.
DIGEST TOPICS
Administrative Law
Admiralty
Agency and Principal
American Samoa Government
Bankruptcy
Civil Procedure
Constitutional Law
Contracts
Corporation and Partnership
Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure
Elections
Employment Law
Environmental Law
Evidence
Family Law
Immigration
Insurance
International Law
Legal Profession
Matai Title Disputes
Real Property
Religion
Samoan Customs
Secured Transactions
Taxation
Torts
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Worker’s Compensation
THE JUDICIARY
Listed below are the names and dates of service of the Justices of the High Court of American Samoa during the period covered by this volume of the Digest. The list commences with the first true, permanent justices, and does not include the early justices, who were primarily officers of the United States Navy, pressed into temporary service as justices.
Harry P. Wood, Chief Justice, 1921-1937
Arthur A. Morrow, Chief Justice, 1937-1966
V.G. Roel, Associate Justice, 1963-1966
Joseph W. Goss, Associate Justice, 1966-1970
H. Edward Hydon, Chief Justice, 1966-1968
Donald C. Crothers, Chief Justice, 1968-1972
Leslie N. Jochimsen, Associate Justice, 1971-1975
Chief Justice, 1975-1976
William J. McKnight, III, Chief Justice, 1972-1975
K. William O’Connor, Associate Justice, 1976-1977
Chief Justice, 1977-1978
Richard I. Miyamoto, Associate Justice, 1976-1978
Chief Justice, 1978-1981
Robert Gardner, Chief Justice, 1981-1986
Thomas Murphy, Associate Justice, 1980-1987
Grover Joseph Rees, III, Chief Justice, 1986-1988
Associate Justice, 1988-1991
F. Michael Kruse, Associate Justice, 1987-1988
Chief Justice, 1988-present
Lyle L. Richmond, Associate Justice, 1991-present
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
§ 1 General Provisions
2 Administrative Agencies, Officers and Agents
3 Separation of Administrative and other Powers
4 Powers & Proceedings of Administrative Agencies, Officer & Agents
4(1) —General Provisions
4(2) —Due Process
4(3) —Rules and Regulations
4(4) —Agency Interpretation of Rules & Regulations
4(5) —Hearings and Adjudications
5 Judicial Review of Administrative Decisions
5(1) —Finality and Exhaustion
5(2) —Procedure
5(3) —Scope of Review
5(4) —Disposition
5(5) —Limitations on Review
ADMIRALTY
§ 1 Jurisdiction and Procedure
2 In Personam and In Rem Actions
3 Preferred Ship Mortgages & Maritime Liens
4 Maritime Contracts
4(1) —General Provisions
4(2) —Leases
4(3) —Employment Contracts
4(4) —Carriage of Goods by Sea
5 Maritime Torts
5(1) —General Principles
5(2) —Negligence
5(3) —Unseaworthiness
5(4) —Maintenance & Cure
5(5) —Limits on Liability
5(6) —Damages
5(7) —Compensation & Recovery
AGENCY AND PRINCIPAL
§ 1 Agency Relationship
1(1) —General Principles
1(2) —Creation
1(3) —Existence
1(4) —Termination
2 Authority of Agent
2(1) —General Provisions
2(2) —Express Authority
2(3) —Implied Authority
2(4) —Apparent Authority
3 Rights, Duties, and Liabilities
3(1) —Between Principal and Agent
3(2) —Between Principal and Third Person
3(3) —Between Principal and Independent Contractor
3(4) —Between Agent and Third Person
4 Powers of Attorney
AMERICAN SAMOA GOVERNMENT
§ 1 The Federal Government, Constitution, & Laws of American Samoa
1(1) —General Principles
1(2) —Territorial Status
1(3) —Applicable Laws
1(4) —Treaties
2 Separation of Powers
3 The Legislature
3(1) —Power and Authority
3(1)(a) —Generally
3(1)(b) —Law-making Powers
3(1)(c) —Duty to Protect Land & Customs
3(1)(d) —Appropriation of Funds
3(1)(e) —Internal Procedural Powers
3(2) —Committees
3(3) —Legislation
4 The Executive
4(1) —The Governor
4(2) —Power and Authority
4(3) —Agencies
4(4) —Administrative Procedures Act
5 The Judiciary
5(1) — Power and Authority
5(2) —Administration of Court
5(3) —Disqualification – Recusal
5(4) —Precedence and Stare Decisis
5(5) —Supervision of Proceedings and Litigation
5(6) —Supervision of Judgments and Settlements
5(7) —Contempt
5(8) —Statutory Construction
6 Sovereign Rights
7 Public Records
8 Government Employees
BANKRUPTCY
§ 1 General Provisions
2 Stay of Proceedings
CIVIL PROCEDURE
§ 1 Jurisdiction
1(1) —General Provisions
1(2) —Personal Jurisdiction
1(3) —Subject Matter Jurisdiction
1(4) —Issues Related to Federal Jurisdiction
1(5) —Bankruptcy
1(6) —Admiralty
1(7) —Right of Action
1(8) —Cause of Action
1(9) —Rules of Civil Procedure Generally
1(10) —Affidavits
2 Service of Process
2(1) —General Provisions
2(2) —By Publication
2(3) —By Posting
2(4) —Under the JIFSA
3 Pleadings
3(1) —General Provisions
3(2) —Liberal Construction
3(3) —Amending Pleadings
3(4) —Rule 11 Sanctions
4 Pretrial Motions
4(1) —Motion to Dismiss
4(1)(a) —General Provisions
4(1)(b) —Failure to State a Claim – 12(b)(6) Motion
4(1)(c) —Court’s Discretion
4(1)(d) —Compared to Summary Judgment Motion
4(1)(e) —Time for Filing Motion
4(2) —Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings
4(2)(a) —Generally
4(2)(b) —Compared to Summary Judgment Motion
4(3) —Motion for More Definite Statement
4(4) —Motion to Strike
4(4)(a) —Generally
4(4)(b) —Relation to Controversy
4(4)(c) —Unduly Prejudicial
4(5) —Dismissal of Actions
4(5)(a) —Generally
4(5)(b) —Voluntary Dismissal by Plaintiff
4(5)(c) —Voluntary Dismissal by Court
4(5)(d) — Failure to Prosecute
4(5)(e) —Time for Filing Motion
4(5)(f) —Costs of Previously Dismissed Action
4(6) —Continuances
5 Parties & Claims
5(1) —General Provisions
5(2) —Joinder
5(3) —Class Actions
5(4) —Substitution of Parties
5(5) —Interpleader
5(6) —Intervention
5(7) —Consolidation
5(8) —Counterclaims
5(9) —Cross-claims
5(10) —Third Party Practice
5(11) —Bifurcated Proceedings
6 Discovery
6(1) —General Provisions
6(2) —Depositions
6(3) —Interrogatories
6(4) —Productions of Documents & Things
6(5) —Physical and Mental Examinations
6(6) —Requests for Admission
6(7) —Protective Orders
6(8) —Sanctions
7 Summary Judgment
7(1) —Standard
7(2) —Opposition to Motion
7(3) —Compared to 12(b)(6) Motion to Dismiss
7(4) —Compared to Motion for Default Judgment
7(5) —Compared to Motion for Partial Summary Judgment
7(6) —Within Court’s Discretion
7(7) —By Affidavit
7(8) —Notice and Hearing
7(9) —Summary Judgment Denied
7(10) —Summary Judgment Granted
7(11) —Appropriate Issues for Summary Judgment
7(12) —Standard of Review
7(13) —Grounds for Appeal
8 Injunctions
8(1) —General Provisions
8(2) —Preliminary Injunctions
8(3) —Injunctions Granted
8(4) —Injunctions Denied
8(5) —Substantial Likelihood of Success
8(6) —Irreparable Injury
8(7) —Permanent Injunctions
8(8) —Compared to Stay Pending Appeal
9 Equitable Remedies
9(1) —General Provisions
9(2) —Estoppel, Unclean Hands
9(3) —Laches
9(4) —Tolling
9(5) ¾Subrogation
9(6) ¾Constructive Trusts
10 Judgments
10(1) ¾Enforcement of Judgments
10(2) ¾Validity of Judgments
10(3) ¾Orders in Aid of Judgment
10(4) ¾Declaratory Judgments
10(5) ¾Default Judgments
10(6) ¾Interlocutory & Collateral Orders
10(7) ¾Res Judicata & Collateral Estoppel
10(8) ¾Merger
11 Post Judgment Motions & Appeals
11(1) —Motion for New Trial or Reconsideration
11(1)(a) —General Provisions
11(1)(b) —Time for Filing
11(1)(c) —Particularity Requirement
11(1)(d) —Grounds for New Trial or Reconsideration
11(2) —Relief from Judgment or Order – Rule 60 Motion
11(3) —Stay of Proceedings
11(3)(a) —General Provisions
11(3)(b) —Likelihood of Appellate Success
11(3)(c) —Irreparable Harm/Balance of Equities
11(3)(d) —Public Interest
11(4) —Appellate Jurisdiction
11(5) —Petition for Rehearing
11(6) —Appellate Procedures
11(6)(a) —Generally
11(6)(b) —Notice of Appeal
11(6)(c) —Appellate Briefs
11(6)(d) —Appellate Motions
11(6)(e) —Failure to Raise Issue Below
11(6)(f) —Transcripts
11(7) —Costs of Appeal
11(8) —Findings of Law – De Novo Review
11(9) —Findings of Fact – Clearly Erroneous
11(10) —Credibility of Evidence and Witnesses
11(11) —Administrative Agency Decisions
11(12) —Abuse of Discretion
11(13) —Harmless and Reversible Error
12 Conflict of Laws
12(1) —Law of the Forum
12(2) —Foreign Courts and Judgments
13 Writs
13(1) —General Provisions
13(2) —Procedural Details
13(3) —Elements
13(3)(a) —Generally
13(3)(b) —Plaintiff’s Specific Legal Right
13(3)(c) —Defendant’s Indisputable Duty
13(3)(d) —Other Avenues of Relief Exhausted
14 Garnishment
15 Alternative Dispute Resolution
15(1) —Mediation
15(2) —Voluntary Arbitration
15(3) —Compulsory Arbitration
15(4) —Condemnation Proceedings
15(5) —Appeal of Arbitrator’s Decision
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
§ 1 Judicial Review
2 Justiciable Case or Controversy
2(1) —Standing
2(2) —Ripeness
2(3) —Mootness
2(4) —Political Questions
2(5) —Advisory Opinions
3 Constitutional and Statutory Interpretation
3(1) —General Provisions
3(2) —Legislative Intent
3(3) —Statutory Construction
3(4) —Conflict of Laws
4 Separation of Powers
5 Full Faith and Credit
6 Due Process
7 Individual Rights
7(1) —Generally
7(2) —Equal Protection
7(3) —Freedom of Speech, Press, and Religion
7(4) —Takings and Just Compensation
7(5) —Cruel and Unusual Punishment
7(6) —Discrimination
8 Contracts
9 Habeas Corpus
CONTRACTS
§ 1 Contract Formation
1(1) —Meeting of the Minds
1(2) —Consideration
1(3) —Offer and Acceptance
1(4) —Requirement of a Writing: The Statute of Frauds
1(5) —Quasi Contract
1(6) —Conditions Precedent and Subsequent
2 Responsibilities and Authority of Parties Forming a Contract
2(1) —Authority
2(2) —Requirement of Capacity
2(3) —Duties of Parties
2(4) —Third Party Beneficiaries
2(5) —Assignment of Rights
2(6) —Delegation of Duties
2(7) —Fiduciary Duties
2(8) —Warranties
3 Unenforceability
3(1) —Public Policy
3(2) —Fraud
3(3) —Unfairness and Unconscionability
3(4) —Mistake and Impossibility
3(5) —Misrepresentation
3(6) —Illegality
3(7) —Impossibility
3(8) —Impracticability
3(9) —Frustration of Purpose
3(10) —Voidable Contracts
3(11) —Void Contracts
3(12) —Undue Influence
4 Contract Modification
4(1) —General Principles
4(2) —Oral Modification
4(3) —Written Modification
4(4) —Ratification
4(5) —Novation4(6) —Mutual Rescission
4(7) —Waiver
4(8) —Repudiation
4(9) —Cancellation
4(10) —Acquiescence
5 Contract Interpretation
5(1) —General Provisions
5(2) —The Uniform Commercial Code
5(3) —The Parole Evidence Rule
5(4) —Plain Meaning Rule
5(5) —Ambiguous Terms
5(6) —Custom & Usage
5(7) —Additional Terms
5(8) —Different Terms
5(9) —CIF Contract Terms
5(10) —Choice of Law Provisions
6 Performance and Breach
6(1) —Breach Generally
6(2) —Material Breach
6(3) —Substantial Performance
6(4) —Partial Performance
6(5) —Divisible Contracts
6(6) —Anticipatory Repudiation
6(7) —Accord & Satisfaction
6(8) —Duty to Mitigate
7 Remedies
7(1) —Statute of Limitations
7(2) —Specific Performance and Injunctions
7(3) —General Measure of Damages
7(4) —Quantum Meruit
7(5) —Liquidated Damages
7(6) —Exemplary Damages
7(7) —Reformation
7(8) —Promissory Estoppel
7(9) —Punitive Damages
7(10) —Attorney Fees
8 Types of Contracts
8(1) —Oral Agreements
8(2) —Bailment Contracts
8(3) —Consignment Contracts
8(4) —Written Contracts
CORPORATION AND PARTNERSHIP
§ 1 Formation of Corporations
1(1) —Generally
1(2) —Distinct Corporate Name
1(3) —Who May Incorporate
1(4) —Fees Required for Incorporation
1(5) —Organizational Meeting
2 Preincorporation Transactions
3 Limited Liability & the Corporate Entity
3(1) —Generally
3(2) —Piercing the Corporate Veil
4 Corporate Financial Structure
4(1) —Generally
4(2) —Books & Accounts
4(3) —Shares
4(4) —Dividends
5 Corporate Management Structure
5(1) —Generally
5(2) —Incorporators
5(3) —Shareholders
5(4) —Officers & Directors
5(5) —Duties of Management
5(6) —Business Judgment Rule
5(7) —Management Compensation
5(8) —Shareholders Meetings
5(9) —Board Meetings
5(10) —Election/Voting Procedures
5(11) —Dissenters & Their Rights
5(12) —Corporate Counsel
6 Types of Corporations
6(1) ¾Generally
6(2) ¾Closely Held Corporation
6(3) ¾Public Corporation
6(4) ¾Foreign Corporations
6(5) ¾Eleemosynary Corporations
6(6) ¾Cooperative Corporations
7 Corporate Powers & Prohibitions
7(1) ¾General Provisions
7(2) ¾Powers
7(3) ¾Transfers of Land
7(4) ¾Prohibitions
8 The Corporation & Litigation
8(1) ¾Generally
8(2) ¾Shareholder Suits
8(3) ¾Third Party Suits
9 Organic Changes: Amendments, Mergers and Dissolution
9(1) —General Provisions
9(2) —Amending Formative Documents
9(3) —Merger
9(4) —Dissolution of the Corporation
10 Partnerships
10(1) —General Provisions
10(2) —Formation
10(3) —Service on a Partnership
10(4) —Dissolution of Partnership
10(5) —Liability for Partnership Debts
CRIMINAL LAW
§ 1 General Provisions
2 Liability
2(1) —Mens Rea (Intent)
2(2) —Actus Reus
2(3) —Causation
3 Defenses
3(1) —Generally
3(2) —Insanity
3(3) —Provocation
3(4) —Self-Defense
3(5) —Justification
4 Specific Crimes
4(1) —Inchoate Offenses
4(2) —Offenses Against the Person
4(3) —Sexual Offenses
4(4) —Prostitution
4(5) —Offenses Against the Family
4(6) —Abortion
4(7) —Robbery, Arson, Burglary and Related Offenses
4(8) —Stealing and Related Offenses
4(9) —Weapons
4(10) —Gambling
4(11) —Pornography and Related Offenses
4(12) —Offenses Against Public Order
4(13) —Offenses Against the Administration of Justice
4(14) —Offenses Affecting Government
4(15) —Traffic Offenses
4(16) —Drug Offenses
4(17) —Miscellaneous Offenses
CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
§ 1 Rules of Criminal Procedure
1(1) —Generally
1(2) —Jurisdiction
1(3) —Prosecutorial Discretion
2 Criminal Complaints, Indictments and Bills of Information
2(1) —Generally
2(2) —Indictments
2(3) —Amending Information
2(4) —Sufficiency of Information
2(5) —Arguments Inconsistent with Information
2(6) —Bill of Particulars
2(7) —Probable Cause Determination
2(8) —Multiplicitous Charging
2(9) —Pro Se Pleadings
3 Pleas
3(1) —Generally
3(2) —Court’s Duties
3(3) —Sufficient Factual Basis
3(4) —Voluntarily Made
3(5) —Interpretation of Plea Agreements
3(6) —Breach of Plea Agreements
3(7) —Withdrawal of Pleas
4 Parties & Procedure
4(1) —Bifurcated Proceedings
4(2) —Severance of Charges or Defendants
4(3) —Joinder of Offenses
4(4) —Joinder of Defendants
5 Pre-Trial Matters
5(1) —Generally
5(2) —Initial Appearance
5(3) —Continuances
5(4) —Competence to Stand Trial
5(5) —Motions to Suppress Evidence
5(6) —Pre-Trial Conferences
5(7) —Notice of Alibi
5(8) —Defense Based on Mental Condition
5(9) —Notice of Intent to Use Evidence
5(10) —Release from Custody
5(11) —Discovery Generally
5(12) —Depositions
5(13) —Disclosure of Information & Witnesses
5(14) —Witness Identifications
5(15) —Subpoena of Witnesses
5(16) —Juveniles
5(17) —Collateral Estoppel
5(18) —Failure to Prosecute
5(19) —Immunity from Prosecution
5(20) —Change of Venue
6 Trial
6(1) —Bifurcated Proceedings
6(2) —Due Process of Law
6(3) —Equal Protection
6(4) —Double Jeopardy
6(5) —Self Incrimination
6(6) —Right to a Speedy Trial
6(7) —Trial by Jury
6(8) —Right to a Public Trial
6(9) —Opening and Closing Arguments
6(10) —Motion for Judgment of Acquittal
6(11) —Mistrial
6(12) —Jury Instructions
6(13) —Sufficiency of the Evidence
6(14) —Record of Proceedings
7 Punishment and Sentencing
7(1) —General Provisions
7(2) —Cruel & Unusual Punishment
7(3) —Constitutional Restrictions on Prisons
7(4) —Deportation
7(5) —Probation
7(5)(a) —Generally
7(5)(b) —Terms of Probation
7(5)(c) —Conditions of Probation
7(6) —Parole
7(7) —Parole Revocation
7(8) —Conditions upon Release
7(9) —Work Release
8 Post-Verdict Motions
8(1) — Motion for New Trial
8(2) —Motion for Arrest of Judgment
8(3) —Motion to Vacate Sentence
8(4) —Motion to Correct or Reduce Sentence
8(5) —Stays of Proceedings
8(6) —Habeas Corpus & Conditions of Confinement
8(7) —Miscellaneous Motions
9 Appeals
9(1) —Generally
9(2) —Power of Appellate Court
9(3) —Time for Appeal
9(4) —Appellate Jurisdiction
9(5) —Good Faith
9(6) —Right to Appeal
9(7) —Appellate Standards of Review
10 Interrogation and Miranda
10(1) —Generally
10(2) —Custody
10(3) —Interrogation
10(4) —Waiver of Rights
10(5) — Invoking Miranda Rights
10(6) —Evidence Obtained in Violation of Miranda
11 Searches & Seizures
11(1) —Generally
11(2) —Privacy Expectations
11(3) —Probable Cause for Search Warrant
11(4) —Execution of Search Warrant
11(5) —Knock and Announce Rule
11(6) —Warrantless Searches
11(7) —Terry Stops
11(8) —Vehicle and Inventory Searches
11(9) —Border and Custom Searches
11(10) —Consensual Searches
11(11) —Search Incident to Arrest
11(12) —Plain View Doctrine
11(13) —Open Fields Doctrine & Curtilage
11(14) —Application of Exclusionary Rule
11(15) —Arrests
11(16) —Detention of Foreign Nationals
12 Counsel
12(1) —General Provisions
12(2) —Right to Counsel
12(3) —Effective Assistance of Counsel
12(4) —Prosecutorial Misconduct
13 Extradition
13(1) —General Provisions
13(2) —Extradition Proceedings
13(3) —of Witneses
13(4) —Evidence
ELECTIONS
§ 1 General Provisions
1(1) —Election Commissioner
2 Registration
2(1) —Generally
2(2) —Appeals
3 Issues – Candidates
3(1) —Nomination of Candidates
3(2) —Challenging of Candidates
3(3) —Certification of Winning Candidate
3(4) —Appeal to High Court
5 Voting Procedures
4(1) —General Provisions
4(2) —Illiterate & Disabled
6 Election Contests
5(1) —Tie Vote
5(2) —Contests for Cause – Generally
5(3) —Contests for Cause – Filing Complaint
6 Elections Offenses
7 Senate Elections
7(1) —Election Procedures
7(2) —Appeal to High Court
EMPLOYMENT LAW
§ 1 General Provisions
2 Hiring And Firing
2(1) — “At Will” Employment
2(2) —Just Cause Termination
2(3) —Wrongful Termination
3 Independent Contractors
4 Government Employees
5 National Labor Relations Board
6 Wages
7 Workmen’s Compensation
8 Fair Labor Standards Act
8(1) —Generally
8(2) —Right of Action
8(3) —Applicability of the FLSA
8(4) —“Opting In” Under the FLSA
8(5) —Rights Provided
8(5)(a) —Generally
8(5)(b) —Rate of Pay
8(5)(c) —Relating to Involvement in Suit
8(6) —Remedies Under the FLSA
9 Remedies
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW
§ 1 General Provisions
2 Standing & Jurisdictional Requirements
3 Coasts & Waters
3(1) ¾General Provisions
3(2) ¾Water Quality
3(3) ¾Coastal Rules & Regulations
EVIDENCE
§ 1 General Provisions
2 Judicial Notice
3 Presumptions
3(1) ¾General Civil Actions
3(2) ¾Land & Titles Division
3(3) —Matai
3(4) ¾Criminal Cases
3(5) ¾Extradition Proceedings
4 Relevance
4(1) ¾General Definition
4(2) ¾Admissibility
4(3) ¾Exclusion of Relevant Evidence
4(4) ¾Inadmissible Character Evidence
4(5) ¾Methods of Proving Character
4(6) ¾Habit; Routine Practice
4(7) ¾Subsequent Remedial Measures
4(8) ¾Compromise and Offers to Compromise
4(9) ¾Payment of Expenses
4(10) ¾Pleas, Plea Discussions
4(11) ¾Liability Insurance
4(12) ¾Victim Behavior in Rape Cases
5 Privileges
5(1) ¾Generally
5(2) ¾Marital Communications
5(3) ¾Lawyer-Client Communications
5(4) ¾Physician-Patient Relationship
5(5) ¾Governmental Secrets
6 Witnesses
6(1) ¾General Rule of Competency
6(2) ¾Credibility and Impeachment
6(3) ¾Form of Direct Examination
6(4) ¾Cross Examination
6(5) ¾Written Document to Refresh Memory
6(6) ¾Prior Statements of Witnesses
6(7) ¾Exclusion of Witnesses
6(8) ¾Witness Fees
7 Opinions and Expert Testimony
7(1) ¾Generally
7(2) ¾Opinions by Lay Witnesses
7(3) ¾Expert Testimony
7(4) ¾Bases of Expert Testimony
8 Hearsay
8(1) ¾General Rule
8(2) ¾Exceptions When Declarant Available
8(2)(a) —General Provisions
8(2)(b) —Present Sense Impression
8(2)(c) —Excited Utterance
8(2)(d) —Then Existing Condition
8(2)(e) —Statements for Medical Purposes
8(2)(f) —Past Recollection Recorded
8(2)(g) —Records of Regularly Conducted Activity
8(2)(h) —Public Records & Reports
8(2)(i) —Vital Statistic Records
8(2)(j) —Religious Organization Records
8(2)(k) —Marriage & Baptismal Certificates
8(2)(l) —Family Records
8(2)(m) —Records Affecting an Interest in Property
8(2)(n) —Ancient Documents
8(2)(o) —Market Reports & Compilations
8(2)(p) —Learned Treatises
8(2)(q) —Reputation of Family History
8(2)(r) —Reputation of Boundaries
8(2)(s) —Reputation of Character
8(2)(t) —Judgment of Prior Conviction
8(2)(u) —Judgment as to History
8(3) ¾Exceptions When Declarant Unavailable
8(3)(a) —General Provisions
8(3)(b) —Former Testimony
8(3)(c) —Dying Declaration
8(3)(d) —Statement Against Interest
8(3)(e) —Statement of Personal, Family History
8(4) ¾Hearsay Within Hearsay
9 Authentication and Identification
9(1) ¾General Rule
9(2) ¾Self-Authentication
10 Contents of Writings, Recordings & Photographs
10(1) ¾Generally
10(2) ¾ Best Evidence Rule
10(3) ¾ Duplicates
10(4) ¾Other Evidence of Lost, Unobtainable, or Other Documents
10(5) ¾Public Records
10(6) ¾Summaries
10(7) ¾Admission of Party
FAMILY LAW
§ 1 Marriage
1(1) —Validity
1(2) —Annulment
2 Divorce
2(1) Grounds
2(2) Property Distribution
2(3) Child Custody
2(3)(a) —General Provisions
2(3)(b) —Jurisdiction
2(3)(c) —Considerations in Awarding Custody
2(4) —Child Support
2(5) Service of Process
2(6) Residency Requirement
3 Children & Minors
3(1) General Provisions
3(2) Involuntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights Termination
3(2)(a) —General Provisions
3(2)(b) —Protections for Parents
3(2)(c) —Best Interests of the Child
3(3) ¾Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights – Adoption
3(3)(a) —General Provisions
3(3)(b) —Samoan Custom Adoptions
3(3)(c) —Protections for Parents
3(3)(d) —Best Interests of the Child
3(3)(e) —Legal Status After Adoption
3(4) —Guardianships
3(5) —Rights in Court
4 Legitimacy & Inheritance
5 Family Purpose Doctrine
6 Records
IMMIGRATION
§ 1 General Provisions
2 Immigration Board
3 Exclusion
4 Deportation
4(1) General Provisions
4(2) Procedures
4(3) Grounds
4(4) Stay of Order
5 Sponsors
INSURANCE
§ 1 Insurance Commissioner & General Insurer Requirements
1(1) —Generally
1(2) —Commissioner’s Authority & Duties
1(3) —Certificates to Transact Insurance
1(4) —Statutory Deposits
1(5) —Orders of the Commissioner
1(6) —Withdrawal from American Samoa
1(7) —Agents & Brokers
1(8) —Bailees as Insurers
2 Policy as a Contract
2(1) —Generally
2(2) —Warranties
2(3) —Interpretation
2(4) —Modification
2(5) —Termination
2(6) —Cancellation
2(7) —Warranties
2(8) —Misrepresentation
2(9) —Applicable Law
3 Parties & Interests
3(1) —General Provisions
3(2) —Role & Authority of Agent
3(3) —Insured’s Duties
3(4) —Insurer’s Duties
3(4)(a) —Generally
3(4)(b) —Duty to Pay
3(4)(c) —Good Faith Attempt to Resolve Dispute
3(4)(d) —Duty to Act on Application
3(5) —Insurer’s Right of Subrogation
3(6) —Beneficiaries
3(7) —Insurable Interests
3(8) —Transfer of Insured Property
3(9) —Reinsurance
3(10) —Double Insurance
3(11) —Stacking Benefits
3(12) —Statutory Right to Sue
4 Coverage
4(1) —Policy Terms & Limitations
4(2) —Proof of Loss
4(3) —Measure of Recovery
4(4) —Exclusions & Exceptions
4(5) —Public Policy Prevent Recovery
5 Automobile Insurance
5(1) —General Provisions
5(2) —Liability
5(3) —Permission by Owner
5(4) —Uninsured & Underinsured Motorists
6 Liability Insurance
7 Property Insurance
INTERNATIONAL LAW
§ 1 General Provisions
1(1) —Generally
1(2) —Comity
1(3) —Jurisdictional Immunities for Foreign States Act
2 Air Transportation
2(1) —Generally
2(2) —Applicability
2(3) —Baggage Claims
3 International Banking
4 Customs
4(1) —General Principles
4(2) —Applicable Law
4(3) —Searches & Seizures
LEGAL PROFESSION
§ 1 The Office of Attorney
1(1) —Generally
1(2) —Public Service
1(3) —Special Role of Prosecutor
2 Scope of Representation
3 Duty to Client
3(1) —General Provisions
3(2) —Conflict of Interest
3(3) —Malpractice
3(4) —Ineffective Assistance of Counsel
4 Duty to Court
4(1) —General Provisions
4(2) —Sanctions
4(3) —Contempt of Court
5 Compensation
5(1) —Compensation From Client
5(2) —Litigation Expenses
6 Practice of Law Without a License
MATAI TITLE DISPUTES
§ 1 Territorial Registrar Procedures
2 Procedural Rules
2(1) —General Provisions
2(2) —Exempt from Rules of Civil Procedure
2(3) —Judges & Justices
2(4) —Family Meeting Requirement
2(5) —Counterclaims
2(6) —Retrials
2(7) —Stays of Proceedings
3 Appellate Review
4 Traditional Determination of Matai
4(1) —General Provisions
4(2) —Split Titles
4(3) —Joint Title Holders
4(4) —Holding Two Titles
5 Initial Qualifications for Title
6 Statutory Qualifications for Title
6(1) —General Provisions
6(2) —Best Hereditary Right
6(3) —Clan Support
6(4) —Forcefulness, Character&Personality,Knowledge of Customs
6(5) —Value to Family, Village and County
7 Priority of Statutory Criteria
8 Determination of Prevailing Candidate
9 Enforcement of Matai Title Decisions
10 Removal of Matai
REAL PROPERTY
§ 1 Public Lands
1(1) —Generally
1(2) —Cession
1(3) —Eminent Domain
1(3)(a) —Generally
1(3)(b) —Notice and Hearing
1(3)(c) —Arbitrated Condemnation Proceedings
1(4) —Leases
2 Communal Lands
2(1) —Public Policy
2(2) —Evidence of Communal Ownership
2(3) —Role of Matai
2(4) —Assignment of Land to Family Members
2(4)(a) —Generally
2(4)(b) —Occupation, Cultivation & Use
2(4)(c) —Evictions & Revocation of Assignments
2(4)(d) —Registration Rights
2(4)(e) —Injunctions
2(4)(f) —Tautua (service) Obligation
2(5) —Separation-of-Structure Agreement
2(6) —Leases
2(7) —Conveyance
2(8) —Relinquishment of Land
2(9) —Mediation Requirement
3 Individually Owned Land
4 Evidence of Ownership
4(1) —Generally
4(2) —First Occupancy Claims
4(3) —Clearing and Planting
4(4) —Possession and Use
4(5) —Family Tradition and Reputation
4(6) —Records and Documents
4(7) —Hearsay
5 Adverse Possession
5(1) —General Provisions
5(2) —Elements
2(2)(a) —Generally
2(2)(b) —Actual Possession
2(2)(c) —Open & Notorious Possession
2(2)(d) —Exclusive Possession
2(2)(e) —Hostile Possession
2(2)(f) —Duration Requirement
2(2)(g) —Continuous & Uninterrupted Possession
5(3) —Tacking
6 Quieting Title
6(1) —Generally
6(2) —Burden of Proof
7 Alienation of Land
7(1) —Protective Policy
7(2) —Relation to Mortgages & Creditors
7(3) —Oral Conveyances
7(4) —Void Conveyances
7(5) —Dedication of Land
7(6) —Gifts
7(7) —Requirement of a Writing
8 Registration of Land
8(1) —General Provisions
8(2) —Land & Titles Division
8(3) —Statutory Requirements – Announcements and Notice
8(4) —Burden of Proof
8(5) —Survey and Description Requirements
8(6) —Objection to Registration
8(7) —Finality of Judgments
9 License to Use Land
9(1) —Generally
9(2) —Creation of License
9(3) —Rights Created by License
9(4) —Mortgages
9(5) —Termination
10 Easements
10(1) —General Provisions
10(2) —Prescriptive Easements
10(3) —Implied Easements
10(4) —Servitudes
11 Covenants
12 Encroachments & Encumbrances
13 Boundaries
13(1) —General Provisions
13(2) —Monuments & Markers
13(3) —Evidence
13(4) —Ambiguous Deeds
14 Property Torts
14(1) —Trespass
14(2) —Damages for Trespass
14(3) —Negligence
15 Equitable Claims
15(1) —Equitable Title
15(2) —Injunctions
15(3) —Good Faith Possessor
15(4) —Estoppel
15(5) —Constructive Trusts
16 Rights of Co-Owners
16(1) —Possession and Use of Common Estate
16(2) —Partition
17 Landlord-Tenant
17(1) —Generally
17(2) —Terms and Conditions of Lease
17(3) —Modification of Lease
17(4) —Assignment of Lease
17(5) —Responsibilities of Landlord
17(6) —Responsibilities of Tenant
17(7) —Rescission or Cancellation
17(8) —Eviction
17(9) —Authority to Lease
17(10) —Damages for Breach
17(11) —Tenants at Will
17(12) —Improvements
17(13) —Abandonment
17(14) —Fixtures
18 Zoning
18(1) —Zoning Variance
18(2) —Zoning Board
19 Riparian Rights
20 National Park of American Samoa
RELIGION
§ 1 Church Governance
2 Congregational Church
3 Constitutional Issues
4 Dedication of Land
SAMOAN CUSTOMS
§ 1 Impact on American Samoa Laws
2 Criminal Law
3 Family Law
3(1) —Family Membership
3(2) —Adoption
3(3) —Burial Grounds
4 Property Rights
5 Ceremonies
6 Samoan Language
7 Village Councils
8 Matai
8(1) —General Provisions
8(2) —General Pule or Authority
8(3) —Pule over Communal Land
8(4) —Family’s Obligation of Service
8(5) —Removal
9 Elections
SECURED TRANSACTIONS
§ 1 Common Law
1(1) —General Provisions
1(2) —Common Law Pledge
2 Security Interests & Priority of Claims
3 Election of Remedies Rule
4 Debtor Default
4(1) —General Provisions
4(2) —Acceleration Clause
4(3) —Debtor Fraud
4(4) —Debtor Defenses
5 Repossession of Property
5(1) —General Provisions
5(2) —Creditor’s Retention of Repossessed Collateral
6 Creditor Sale
7 Garnishment of Funds
8 Guaranty
9 Third Party Debtor
10 Letter of Credit Transactions
11 Mortgages
12 Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits
13 Banking and Loans
13(1) —In General
13(2) —Suits Against Bank
13(3) —Student Loans
14 National Credit Union Administration Board
TAXATION
§ 1 Incorporation of Federal Tax Law
2 Procedural Issues
2(1) —General Provisions
2(2) —Statutes of Limitations
2(3) —Jurisdiction
2(4) —Taxpayer Interviews
3 Specific Taxes
3(1) —Estate Taxes
3(2) —Excise Taxes
3(3) —Gift Taxes
3(4) —Income Tax
3(5) —Property Taxes
3(6) —Taxation of Awards or Settlements
4 Collection
5 Refunds & Credits
5(1) —Refunds
5(2) —Credits
6 Power of Levy, Distraint & Tax Liens
7 Marital Deduction
8 Sovereign Immunity
8(1) —Prohibited Suits
8(2) —Permitted Suits
8(3) —Required Procedure
9 Taxpayer Offenses
9(1) — Failure to File
9(2) — Failure to Pay
9(3) — Taxpayer Omissions
9(4) —Reliance on Professional Advice
10 Deficiency Proceedings
10(1) —Notice Requirement
11 Industrial Incentive Act
11(1) —Tax Exemption Policy Generally
11(2) —Authority of Governor, Board
11(3) —Proof of Public Interest
11(4) —Constitutionality
TORTS
§ 1 Negligence
1(1) —Duty
1(2) —Breach
1(3) —Causation
1(4) —Negligence Per Se
1(5) —Res Ipsa Loquitur
2 Intentional Torts
2(1) —General Provisions
2(2) —Defamation
2(3) —Trespass
2(4) —Malicious Prosecution
2(5) —Conversion
2(6) —Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress
3 Strict Liability
4 Nuisance
5 Attractive Nuisance
6 Liability for Animals
7 Malpractice
7(1) —General Provisions
7(2) —Legal Profession
7(3) —Architects
7(4) —Medical Profession
8 Vicarious Liability
8(1) —Vehicle Owners
8(2) —Family Purpose Doctrine
8(3) —Compulsory Insurance Act
8(4) —Employers
9 Common Carrier Liability
10 Government Tort Liability Act
10(1) —General Provisions
10(2) —Relation to Government Employee Suit
10(3) —Statute of Limitations
10(4) —Administrative Claim Requirement
11 Wrongful Death
12 Loss of Filial Consortium
13 Bailments
13(1) —Rights, Duties & Liabilities Between Bailor and Bailee
13(2) —Rights and Duties Between Bailor or Bailee & Third Person
13(3) —Conversion of Subject Matter
14 Comparative & Contributory Negligence
15 Joint and Several Liability
15(1) —General Provisions
15(2) —Effect of Release of One Tortfeasor
15(3) —Determining Liability
15(4) —Compensation by One Defendant
16 Indemnity
17 Subrogation
18 Damages
18(1) —General Provisions
18(2) —Pain and Suffering
18(3) —Medical Expenses
18(4) —Lost Wages and Profits
18(5) —Damages to Personal Property
18(6) —Mitigation of Damages
18(7) —Punitive, Exemplary, or Special Damages
18(8) —Interest
18(9) —Collateral Source Rule
18(10) —Effect of Preexisting Conditions
18(11) —Compensatory Damages
18(12) —Nominal Damages
18(13) —Restoration Cost Damages
18(14) —Treble Damages
18(15) —Attorney Fees
19 Statutes of Limitations
19(1) —General Provisions
19(2) —Accrual of Cause of Action
19(3) —Personal Injuries
19(4) —Minors and Insane Persons
20 Burden of Proof
21 Act of God
WILLS, TRUSTS AND ESTATES
§ 1 Execution
1(1) —General Provisions
1(2) —Lost Wills
2 Interpretation
3 Procedural Issues
4 Modification or Change
4(1) —General Provisions
4(2) —Ademption
4(3) —Dependent Relative Revocation
5 Inheritance
5(1) —General Provisions
5(2) —Intestate Succession
5(3) —Adopted Children
5(4) —Marital Inheritance
6 Inter Vivos Conveyance or Gift
7 General Legacies and Devises
7(1) —General Provisions
7(2) —Conditions and Restrictions on Legacies and Devises
8 Individually-Owned Property
9 Administration
9(1) —General Provisions
9(2) —Letters of Administration
9(3) —Trustees & Beneficiaries
10 Taxation
11 Fiduciaries
11(1) —General Provisions
11(2) —Fiduciaries for Minors
11(3) —Related to Trusts
12 Small Estates
13 Future Interests & Rule Against Perpetuities
14 Wrongful Death
15 Power of Attorney
WORKER’S COMPENSATION
§ 1 Purpose and Origin
2 Commission Procedure
3 Injury
3(1) —Date of Injury
3(2) —Type of Injury
4 Compensation Award
4(1) —General Provisions
4(2) —Wages
4(3) —Exclusive Remedy
5 Burden of Proof
6 Employer Liability
6(1) —General Provisions
6(2) —Employer Subrogation
6(3) —Settlement Agreements
6(4) —Release
7 Medical Care
8 Judicial Review
9 Beneficiaries
10 Costs in a Worker’s Compensation Proceeding