A trial court has wide latitude and discretion in supervising the time limits, the scope, and the extent of argument and summation. Rulings on such issues are subject to review for abuse of discretion. Pule v. A.S.G., 1 A.S.R.3d 7 (1997).
In case where closing argument limited to two minutes, strong evidence was presented of Appellant’s guilt, and rule limiting closing argument had dubious effect on jury’s verdict, it was not abuse of discretion to impose such a time limitation. Pule v. A.S.G., 1 A.S.R.3d 7 (1997).
The fact that the trial court judge, during in-chambers conference, remarked that if appellant were found guilty, he would be held in custody pending sentencing did not constitute a threat that the judge would penalize appellant for exercising his right to a jury trial. Pule v. A.S.G., 1 A.S.R.3d 7 (1997).
A court, as a separate department of government, may create a trust, transfer property to the trust, and appoint a trustee to take care of trust property for the best interest of the beneficiaries under its inherent power to do what is reasonably necessary for the proper administration of justice and where the exercise of such power is absolutely essential for the performance of the court's constitutionally mandated mission. Bendall v. Samoa Aviation, Inc., 1 A.S.R.3d 16 (1997).
The question of how a customary presentation ought to be divided is not one for the courts. Ioane v. Aiga Tautai O Samoa, 1 A.S.R.3d 96 (1997).
In its discretion and on such conditions for the security of the adverse party as are proper, the court may stay the execution of or any proceedings to enforce a judgment pending the disposition of a motion for a new trial. G.H.C. Reid & Co. v. K.M.S.T., 1 A.S.R.3d 100 (1997).
One
of the inherent powers of a trial court is the power to dismiss a case for want
of prosecution. A.S.G. v. Lavata’i, 1 A.S.R.3d 164 (1997).
The court has discretion to dismiss cases where the plaintiff is guilty of neglect, even in the absence of statute or rule regarding diligent prosecution, because the court has a right and duty to keep the judicial system in efficient operation. A.S.G. v. Lavata’i, 1 A.S.R.3d 164 (1997).