reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter X - Authentication and identification › Rule 76 - Illustrations of authentication and identification

Pursuant to the requirements of the previous rule, below are some examples, among others, of authentication or identification:
(A) Authenticity by handwriting evidence. — A writing may be authenticated by evidence of the genuineness of the handwriting of the maker. For those purposes, a nonexpert witness may state his opinion as to the genuineness of the handwriting of the supposed writer on the basis of his familiarity with the latter’s handwriting, if such familiarity has not been acquired for purposes of the litigation. Authenticity may also be shown by the trier’s or expert’s comparison of handwriting of the writing in controversy with another duly authenticated writing.
(B) Voice identification. — Identification of a person’s voice, whether heard firsthand, or through mechanical or electronic recording, by opinion based upon hearing the voice at any time under circumstances connecting it with the voice of the alleged speaker.
(C) Telephone conversations. — Telephone conversations may be authenticated or identified by evidence that a call was made to the number assigned at that time by the telephone company to a particular person or business, if:
(1) In the case of a person, circumstances, including self-identification, show the person answering to be the one called.
(2) In the case of a business, the call was made to a place of business and the conversation was related to business reasonably transacted over the telephone.
(D) Ancient documents. — When it is found that a writing has been in existence for twenty (20) years or more at the time it is offered, and that it is generally respected and acted upon as authentic by persons having an interest in knowing whether it is genuine, and that, at the time of discovery, was in a place where, if authentic, it would likely be, the writing will be sufficiently authenticated, unless its condition is such as to cast serious doubts over its authenticity.
(E) Writings in reply. — A writing may be authenticated by evidence that the writing was received in reply to a communication sent to the person who is claimed by the proponent of the evidence to be the author of the writing.
(F) Content of writings. — A writing may be authenticated by evidence that the writing refers to or states matters that are unlikely to be known to anyone other than the person who is claimed by the proponent of the evidence to be the author of the matter.
(G) Authentication by admission. — A writing or any other material may be authenticated by evidence that the party against whom it is offered has at any time admitted its authenticity, or by evidence that the writing has been accepted as authentic by the party against whom it is offered.
(H) Wills. — A will executed in Puerto Rico shall be authenticated in accordance with the applicable laws.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter X - Authentication and identification › Rule 77 - Subscribing witnesses

(A) The testimony of a subscribing witness is not necessary to authenticate a writing, unless otherwise provided by statute.
(B) If the testimony of a subscribing witness is required by statute to authenticate a writing and the subscribing witness denies or does not recollect the execution of the writing, the writing may be authenticated by other evidence.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter X - Authentication and identification › Rule 79 - Self-authentication

Extrinsic evidence of authenticity as a condition precedent to admissibility is not required with respect to the following:
(A) Acknowledged documents. — Documents accompanied by a certificate of acknowledgment or proof, if the certificate complies with the pertinent statutory provisions concerning certificates, particularly with the provisions on notarial law.
(B) Public documents under official seal. — Documents bearing a seal purporting to be the official seaL of:
(1) The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; or
(2) the United States of America; or
(3) a state, territory or possession of the United States of America; or
(4) a department, public agency, public corporation or public officer of any of the entities enumerated in clauses (1), (2) and (3) above.
Said documents must bear the signature of the person purporting to attest to or execute them.
(C) Public documents bearing official signatures. — Documents which, although having no seal, purport to bear the signature in his official capacity of an officer of any of the entities included in clauses (1), (2) and (3) of subsection (B) of this rule, if a competent officer certifies under seal that the signature is genuine and that the signer has the official capacity to sign the documents.
(D) Foreign public documents. — A document purporting to be signed in his official capacity by an officer or deputy of an officer of a nation recognized by the executive power of the United States and the document bearing the signature is accompanied by certification, issued by a competent consular officer, certifying that the document is valid and existent in the foreign nation.
(E) Certified copies of public records and documents. — A copy of an official record, or part thereof, or of a document authorized by law or public regulation to be filed in a public office, if certified as correct by the custodian or other person authorized by law to make the certification, if the certificate meets the requirements set forth in subsections (B), (C) or (D) of this rule, or in any other pertinent law or public regulation.
(F) Official publications. — Books, pamphlets or other publications purporting to be issued by public authority.
(G) Newspapers and periodicals. — Printed materials purporting to be newspapers or periodicals.
(H) Trade inscriptions. — Inscriptions, signs, tags and the like, purporting to have been affixed in the course of business and indicating ownership, control and origin.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter XI - Demonstrative and Scientific Evidence › Rule 80 - Objects cognizable by the senses

Whenever an object, cognizable by the senses, is pertinent pursuant to the provisions of Rule 18, such object, after previous identification or authentication, is admissible in evidence, subject to the discretion of the court pursuant to the factors or criteria set forth in Rule 19.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter XI - Demonstrative and Scientific Evidence › Rule 81 - Personal inspection

Personal inspection is a means of proof that may be admitted by the court pursuant to the provisions of §§ 3262, 3311 and 3312 of Title 31, and of Rule 134 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure. The court may deny a personal inspection on the grounds set forth in Rule 19.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter XII - Effective date and repeal › Rule 83 - Effective date

These rules shall take effect October 1, 1979, and shall apply to all the proceedings or actions initiated on or after such date. For such purposes, it shall be understood that a trial has begun when the oath of the first witness is given or when the first exhibit is received in evidence. If a new trial is decreed through an appeal and it is initiated on or before the effectiveness of these rules, the same shall apply in said trial, regardless of when the original proceedings were initiated.
History —Amended July 20, 1979, No. 180, p. 489, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter XII - Effective date and repeal › Rule 84 - Repeal and provisional effectiveness

(A) Repeal.
The following articles of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1933 ed., included in the Law of Evidence of Puerto Rico, are hereby repealed:
363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 393, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 422, 423, 424, 425, 427, 428, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 511, 512, 513, 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 524, 525 and 526.
(B) Provisional effectiveness.
The following articles of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1933 ed., shall be provisionally effective until modified, repealed or reclassified through special laws:
392, 394, 409, 421, 426, 429, 527, 528, 529, 530 and 531.
History —Amended July 20, 1979, No. 180, p. 489, 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART I - General Provisions (§§ 1 — 231) › Chapter 5 - Parties to Crime (§§ 81 — 99) › § 98 - Inciting or urging commission of a felony which is not committed

Any person who individually or in combination with others, whether it be at a convention, meeting, or assembly, in a speech over the radio, through a book, pamphlet, poster, handbill, phonograph record, or any other publication, or otherwise directly or indirectly incites or urges one or more other persons to the commission of an act which constitutes a felony under Commonwealth laws shall, after the fact of the inciting or urging has been proved, be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum penalty of four (4) years imprisonment in jail, or by a maximum fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000), or by both penalties. Any person may be prosecuted for violating the aforesaid provisions, without requirement that anyone should have committed or attempted to commit the offense to which he may have been incited or urged. Should the offense be committed which has been incited or urged the pertinent provisions of the Penal Code shall govern. The Court of First Instance is hereby vested with exclusive jurisdiction to take cognizance of the violations to this section, and the trials thereof shall be heard by the court without a jury.
History —June 10, 1948, No. 52, p. 168, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Justice (§§ 361 — 519) › Chapter 35 - Perjury (§§ 421 — 432) › § 430 - Summary punishment as contempt of perjury committed in open court

When, during the trial of any case pending in the District [Court] or Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico, a witness shall appear and take an oath, or shall affirm that he will testify and depose truly before any such [court] in any of the cases in which such an oath or affirmation may be administered, and after having taken such oath or affirmation, shall wilfully, and contrary thereto, state as true any material matter which he knows to be false, or which he does not know to be true, is guilty of perjury; and when such oath or affirmation is taken in open court, and is violated as herein provided, then said witness is guilty of a contempt of court, and shall be punished as hereinafter provided. If the judge presiding in said case shall be satisfied, in any case pending in his court, that a witness, after taking the oath, or after having affirmed, as prescribed by statute, to testify truly in any matter pending in the court, is guilty of perjury as herein defined, then it shall be the duty of said judge so trying the case, and he is hereby empowered on his own motion alone, to cause the arrest and detention of the party so offending, and he shall issue an order, to be served on the offending party, to appear and show cause why he should not be punished for contempt of court. The defendant shall, within a time to be fixed by the court, make his defense to the citation, and the court shall hear the testimony adduced by the prosecution and the defense, and after hearing the testimony shall pronounce judgment in the case. If the court is satisfied from the depositions which must be taken in writing that the party so cited has been guilty of perjury, then it shall be the duty of the court to punish him as for contempt of court, and the punishment for such contempt shall be a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100), or imprisonment in the district jail not exceeding three (3) months, or both such punishments, in the discretion of the judge trying the case. Any person so convicted in the District Court shall have a right to appeal to the Court of First Instance, as in other criminal cases; and in case the contempt is originally committed in the Court of First Instance, the party convicted in said Court of First Instance shall have the right to appeal to the Supreme Court.
History —Mar. 9, 1911, No. 41, p. 128, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Justice (§§ 361 — 519) › Chapter 35 - Perjury (§§ 421 — 432) › § 431 - Summary punishment as contempt of perjury committed in open court—Effect on other provisions

The power given herein to the judge of any court to punish as for a contempt any perjury committed in open court is not to be understood as taking away from the courts the power and authority to punish for perjury as provided by the other statutes and laws of Puerto Rico; but this is intended as a summary manner of dealing with cases of perjury committed in open court where the falsity of the testimony is apparent to the judge of the court.
History —Mar. 9, 1911, No. 41, p. 128, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Justice (§§ 361 — 519) › Chapter 35 - Perjury (§§ 421 — 432) › § 432 - Summary punishment as contempt of perjury committed in open court—Evidence of sentence of contempt not admissible in criminal prosecution

In case of a person being sentenced for perjury in proceedings for contempt of court and his being prosecuted in a criminal cause for the same offense, no evidence whatever of the order or sentence dictated by the judge nor anything related to said order shall be admissible.
History —Mar. 9, 1911, No. 41, p. 128, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Justice (§§ 361 — 519) › Chapter 39 - Other Offenses Against Public Justice (§§ 491 — 519) › § 517 - Criminal contempt of court or Industrial Commission

The Supreme Court, the Court of First Instance, the District Court, and any court of record duly established in Puerto Rico, and the Industrial Commission of Puerto Rico, shall have the power to punish for criminal contempt any person guilty of any of the following acts:
(1) Breach of the peace, noise, or other disturbance directly tending to interrupt its proceedings, or disorderly, contemptuous or insolent conduct towards a court or a justice thereof, or the Industrial Commission of Puerto Rico constituted by all or some of its members, in its presence or during its session and tending to interrupt its proceedings, or in the presence of a jury, while it is actually sitting or deliberating in any case.
(2) Wilful disobedience of, or resistance offered to or exerted against, any lawful writ, mandate or order issued or made by any such court in a suit or action pending therein, or against any order issued by the Industrial Commission of Puerto Rico in connection with any proceedings pending before it.
(3) Scurrilous or libelous criticism of the orders, judgments, writs, or proceedings of any court, including the Industrial Commission of Puerto Rico, published in any public print or newspaper or circular for circulation, tending to bring the court or any of its members into undeserved disrepute.
(4) The unlawful or contumacious refusal of any person to be sworn or properly qualified as a witness in any cause pending in such court or before the Industrial Commission of Puerto Rico, or, after being sworn or qualified, the refusal, without lawful excuse, to answer any legal interrogatory.
(5) The wilful publication of any false or grossly inaccurate report of judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings; Provided, however, That the publication of any true and fair report of any judicial proceeding shall not be punishable as a contempt.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 83, § 1; Mar. 8, 1906, p. 41, § 1; May 12, 1937, No. 102, p. 241, eff. 90 days after May 12, 1937.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Justice (§§ 361 — 519) › Chapter 39 - Other Offenses Against Public Justice (§§ 491 — 519) › § 518 - Criminal contempt of court or Industrial Commission—Penalty for contempt

The Supreme Court and the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico shall have authority to punish a contempt against their authority by imprisonment not exceeding the period of thirty (30) days in the local jail nearest to such court, or by a fine not exceeding two hundred dollars ($200), or by both such fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of such court. The District Court and any other court of record and the Industrial Commission of Puerto Rico shall have authority to punish a contempt of court, as hereinbefore described, directed against such court, by a fine in a sum not exceeding twenty-five dollars ($25), and in case of default in payment of such fine, the person adjudged guilty of such contempt may be imprisoned in the local jail nearest to such court, for not more than the period of twenty (20) days.
History —Mar. 8, 1902, p. 83, § 2; May 12, 1937, No. 102, p. 241, eff. 90 days after May 12, 1937.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART IV - Crimes Against Public Justice (§§ 361 — 519) › Chapter 39 - Other Offenses Against Public Justice (§§ 491 — 519) › § 519 - Criminal contempt of court or Industrial Commission—Procedure; warrant or order of commitment

When contempt is committed in the immediate presence and view of the court or of the Industrial Commission of Puerto Rico, the punishment therefor may be imposed immediately by the judge of the court, or the presiding judge thereof, or by the Industrial Commission of Puerto Rico or the presiding Commissioner thereof. When such a person is charged with contempt committed out of the presence of the court or of the Industrial Commission, no conviction can be had thereon unless the person so charged shall have been given an opportunity to appear and defend himself against the charge; and whenever a person is fined or committed to jail for a contempt of court or of the Industrial Commission, an order or warrant for such fine or imprisonment must be signed by the judge or commissioner delivering such sentence, setting forth the act or acts constituting such contempt, with the time and place of the commission thereof, and the circumstances, and specifying the sentence of the court; otherwise such sentence will be wholly invalid and inoperative.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 83, § 3; Mar. 8, 1906, p. 41, § 2; May 12, 1937, No. 102, p. 241, eff. 90 days after May 12, 1937.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 79 - Exploitation of Children (§§ 1021 — 1028) › § 1021a - Public beggary by children

Children of both sexes under sixteen (16) years of age are hereby prohibited from engaging in public beggary. Every father, mother, guardian, or person in charge of a child under sixteen (16) years of age, or any other person, who authorizes, induces, permits, or orders a child under sixteen (16) years of age to engage in public beggary, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, punished by a fine of not less than five dollars ($5) or by imprisonment in jail for a period of not more than twenty-five (25) days; Provided, That whenever a child under sixteen (16) years of age is caught for the first time in the act of begging publicly, his father, mother, or guardian, or the person in charge of him, shall be summoned to the District Court, where the judge shall warn the said father, mother, guardian, or person in charge, of the provisions of §§ 1021a—1022b of this title; Provided, further, That after the said warning, the catching of such [a] child under sixteen (16) years of age in the act of public beggary shall constitute prima facie evidence that the father, mother, guardian, or person in charge of him has violated the provisions of this section.
History —Feb. 25, 1902, p. 88, § 1; June 23, 1955, No. 96, p. 502.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 79 - Exploitation of Children (§§ 1021 — 1028) › § 1022 - Inhumane treatment to compel work or study

No foreman, teacher or other person having under his charge the work, care or education of a minor under sixteen (16) years of age, shall resort to inhumane treatment to compel such minor to work or to study. Any violation of the provisions hereof shall be punished with a fine of from five [dollars] ($5) to fifteen dollars ($15) or imprisonment not to exceed thirty (30) days for each offense.
History —Feb. 25, 1902, p. 88, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 79 - Exploitation of Children (§§ 1021 — 1028) › § 1022a - Tobacco, sale or delivery to children

Any person who sells, gives, delivers, or distributes cigars, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes, or any tobacco preparation, and any kind of material, regardless of what it is made of, that may be used for rolling any kind of shredded tobacco for manufacturing cigarettes, cigars, or flavored cigarettes, as these are defined by §§ 1040-1043 of Title 23, to minors under the age of eighteen (18), shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, punished by a fine which shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) or imprisonment for a term which shall not exceed six (6) months.
History —Feb. 25, 1902, p. 88, § 4; June 23, 1955, No. 96, p. 502; Dec. 16, 1993, No. 128, § 1; Sept. 16, 2004, No. 361, § 1; Mar. 26, 2015, No. 41, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 79 - Exploitation of Children (§§ 1021 — 1028) › § 1022b - Posting; penalty

Every person, firm or corporation owning a business or commercial establishment where alcoholic beverages or cigars, cigarettes, or any other tobacco preparations are sold or delivered shall post, in a conspicuous place within the business or commercial establishment, a copy of this section and former § 1021 and § 1022a, and former § 4246 of this title. Upon conviction for the violation of this provision, any such person, firm, or corporation owning the business or commercial establishment shall be punished by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) for the first offense and five hundred dollars ($500) for subsequent violations.
History —Feb. 25, 1902, p. 88, added as § 4-A on June 26, 1964, No. 84, p. 266, § 2; Dec. 16, 1993, No. 128, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 79 - Exploitation of Children (§§ 1021 — 1028) › § 1022c - Sale of candy that simulates cigarettes

Every person, firm or corporation that owns a business or commercial establishment, that sells candy that simulates cigarettes in a place located at a distance of less than one hundred (100) meters from a school or a child daycare center, shall incur a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished with a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50), or community service for the first conviction, and of five hundred dollars ($500) for the second or subsequent convictions.
History —Jan. 4, 2000, No. 6, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 79 - Exploitation of Children (§§ 1021 — 1028) › § 1023 - Sale or donation of tobacco to children

The sale or donation of cigars, cigarettes, tobacco, and any kind of material, regardless of what it is made of, that may be used to roll any kind of shredded tobacco for manufacturing cigarettes, cigars, or flavored cigarettes, as these are defined by §§ 1041—1043 of Title 23, to children of either sex under eighteen (18) years of age, is hereby prohibited.
History —Apr. 13, 1916, No. 21, p. 65, § 1; Sept. 16, 2004, No. 361, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 79 - Exploitation of Children (§§ 1021 — 1028) › § 1024 - Sale or donation of tobacco to children—Penalties

The first violation of § 1023 of this title shall be punished by a fine not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) or by imprisonment in jail for not more than ninety (90) days, or by both penalties. Subsequent violations shall be punished by double said penalties.
History —Apr. 13, 1916, No. 21, p. 65, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 79 - Exploitation of Children (§§ 1021 — 1028) › § 1025 - Employment of school children for collection of money or sale of tickets

On and after the approval of this act the employment of children of the public schools of Puerto Rico for the collection of money or the selling from house to house of tickets for public shows is hereby strictly prohibited; Provided, That by collection of money of the nature prohibited by §§ 1025—1027 of this title shall not be understood the sending to parents, by their children, of notices regarding the quotas which, as members of the parent-teacher association of said public schools, they may pay through their own children.
History —May 11, 1945, No. 216, p. 678, § 1; May 7, 1948, No. 118, p. 278.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 79 - Exploitation of Children (§§ 1021 — 1028) › § 1026 - Employment of school children for collection of money or sale of tickets—Collections or tickets for benefit of school

When there should be need of arousing the interest of the heads of families in any activity for the benefit of the school, either for the creation of recreation parks or for any other work directly related to the school, any teacher or official may, upon the written authority of the Secretary of Education, direct the public collections therefor, or the sale of tickets, as the case may be.
History —May 11, 1945, No. 216, p. 678, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 79 - Exploitation of Children (§§ 1021 — 1028) › § 1027 - Employment of school children for collection of money or sale of tickets—Penalties

The violation of any of the provisions of §§ 1025—1027 of this title shall be considered a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25).
History —May 11, 1945, No. 216, p. 678, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 81 - Abortion (§§ 1051 — 1053) › §§ 1051, 1052 - Repealed. Act July 12, 2011, No. 125, § 1, eff. July 12, 2011

History May 15, 1937, No. 136, —May 15, 1937, No. 136, p. 294, § 1, eff. 90 days after May 15, 1937; Repealed. Act.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 81 - Abortion (§§ 1051 — 1053) › § 1052 - Abortion prohibited—Penalties [Repealed]

History —May 15, 1937, No. 136, p. 294, § 2; eff. 90 days after May 15, 1937.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 89 - Indecent Exposure, Obscene Exhibitions, Books and Prints, and Bawdy and Other Disorderly Houses (§§ 1171 — 1189) › § 1185 - Houses of prostitution, etc., as public nuisances

Houses of assignation frequented for purposes of prostitution and lasciviousness, as well as any disorderly houses or house devoted to lewd appointments, or a recreation house where the peace, welfare or decorum of the surrounding vicinity is disturbed, or an inn where disorders are constantly promoted, all of which are, for the purposes of §§ 1185—1189 of this title, known as establishments, are hereby declared public nuisances.
History —July 13, 1960, No. 122, p. 344, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 89 - Indecent Exposure, Obscene Exhibitions, Books and Prints, and Bawdy and Other Disorderly Houses (§§ 1171 — 1189) › § 1186 - Houses of prostitution, etc., as public nuisances—Closing of establishment; eviction

The Court of First Instance shall, at the request of the Secretary of Justice, have power to decree that a certain building is, in whole or in part, an establishment, and to order its closure for being a public nuisance, for such time as may be necessary for the protection of the public peace and welfare. In order to decree that a building is an establishment it shall not be necessary that a person has been previously sentenced for violation of former §§ 1175, 1176 or 1365 of this title. The court shall have power to take such measures as may be necessary, according to the circumstances of each case, for the protection of the owners or other persons adversely affected by the closure, when the court is satisfied that such persons are not guilty of the facts charged in the action, and shall have the power, among others, to decree the immediate eviction of the occupant who gave rise to the action, instead of the closure of the building; and shall likewise have power to leave without effect the closure already decreed if it be shown to it, without purposes of evasion, that the building will be used for legal purposes.
History —July 13, 1960, No. 122, p. 344, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 89 - Indecent Exposure, Obscene Exhibitions, Books and Prints, and Bawdy and Other Disorderly Houses (§§ 1171 — 1189) › § 1187 - Houses of prostitution, etc., as public nuisances—Lis pendens notice

Upon bringing the action, the Secretary of Justice shall request that the corresponding Property Registrar enter, and the latter shall enter, fee free, a lis pendens notice pursuant to § 91 of the Code of Civil Procedure, for the purposes set forth in said section.
History —July 13, 1960, No. 122, p. 344, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 89 - Indecent Exposure, Obscene Exhibitions, Books and Prints, and Bawdy and Other Disorderly Houses (§§ 1171 — 1189) › § 1188 - Houses of prostitution, etc., as public nuisances—Rules of procedure

The action herein authorized shall be of a civil nature and shall be governed by the rules of procedure applicable to civil actions.
History —July 13, 1960, No. 122, p. 344, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 89 - Indecent Exposure, Obscene Exhibitions, Books and Prints, and Bawdy and Other Disorderly Houses (§§ 1171 — 1189) › § 1189 - Houses of prostitution, etc., as public nuisances—Effect on other laws

Sections 1185—1189 of this title shall not be construed as repealing, modifying, or limiting former §§ 1175, 1176, 1365 and 1366 of this title or other laws or regulations in force relative to the elimination of public nuisances.
History —July 13, 1960, No. 122, p. 344, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 93 - Gaming (§§ 1241-1246 — 1259) › § 1247 - Bolita, bolipool, combinations and lotteries, declared a public nuisance

The games generally known as “ Bolita ”, “ Bolipool ”, clandestine combinations connected with the “pools” or “ bancas ” of the racetracks of Puerto Rico, and clandestine lotteries, are hereby declared a public nuisance in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and in the territorial and maritime jurisdiction thereof.
History —May 15, 1948, No. 220, p. 738, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 93 - Gaming (§§ 1241-1246 — 1259) › § 1248 - Bolita, bolipool, combinations and lotteries, declared a public nuisance—Search warrants; seizure of materials and arrest of persons

The Police of Puerto Rico and the special investigation force created by §§ 1247—1257 of this title are hereby instructed and directed to seize, upon a search warrant issued by a competent magistrate, when said search warrant is necessary and to place at the disposal of the proper court, any mimeograph, device, material, coin, tool, or implement, in use or which may be used to operate and circulate the business of the games generally known as “ Bolita ”, “ Bolipool ”, clandestine combinations connected with the “pools” or “ bancas ” of the racetracks of Puerto Rico, and clandestine lotteries, and to arrest all persons who violate the provisions of §§ 1247—1257 of this title; Provided, That by “competent magistrate”, with sufficient authority to issue search warrants under the provisions of §§ 1247—1257 of this title shall be understood [to be] the judges of the Courts of First Instance and District Courts and justices of the peace, in their respective jurisdictions.
History —May 15, 1948, No. 220, p. 738, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 93 - Gaming (§§ 1241-1246 — 1259) › § 1249 - Bolita, bolipool, combinations and lotteries, declared a public nuisance—Prosecution of violators; condemnation of premises

When the Police of Puerto Rico, or the special investigation force created by §§ 1247—1257 of this title, may, upon a search warrant issued by a competent magistrate, when such order may be necessary, surprise one or more persons in any room, house, building, structure or premises of any kind, engaged in the manipulation of the games known as “ Bolita ”, “ Bolipool ”, clandestine combinations connected with the “pools” or “ bancas ” of the racetracks of Puerto Rico, and clandestine lotteries, it shall, after seizing all the implements, coins, devices, materials, and tools, bring the matter before the proper prosecuting attorney, so that said person or persons may be prosecuted in conformity with the provisions of §§ 1247—1257 of this title; Provided, That if at the time of the search there should be no one in the said premises, it shall be presumed that the person or persons in possession of the premises searched, as lessees, owners or otherwise, shall be deemed responsible for the unlawful manipulation of the devices found in said premises. If such person or persons are convicted and if such room, house, building, structure, or premises of any kind should continue to be used for the manipulation of the games hereinabove listed, notice of such use shall be given to the prosecuting attorney, who shall file proceedings in the competent part of the Court of First Instance for the condemnation and vacating of said room, house, building, structure, or premises of any kind, leaving said room, house, building, structure or premises of any kind at the disposal of the owner thereof; It being understood, that such condemnation shall be for the period of one month within which the premises shall be vacated; and, It being understood, further, that in case the person who is engaging in the manipulation of the games hereinabove listed is the owner of the room, house, building, structure or premises of any kind, the order of condemnation shall then be for a term of not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, all without prejudice of the penalty for engaging in the manipulation of the games prohibited by §§ 1247—1257 of this title.
History —May 15, 1948, No. 220, p. 738, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 93 - Gaming (§§ 1241-1246 — 1259) › § 1250 - Bolita, bolipool, combinations and lotteries, declared a public nuisance—Possession of papeleta, billete, and other implements; trial of all violations without jury; preference

Any person caught carrying or transporting or who has in his possession for any reason any papeleta, billete, ticket, notebook, list of numbers or letters, slips, or implements which can be used for the unlawful games of bolita, bolipool, combinations connected with the “pools” or “ bancas ” of the racetracks of Puerto Rico, and clandestine lotteries, and any person who possesses, sells, or in any way transports these or any other similar ones which may be utilized or used in said unlawful games or connected with the practice thereof, shall be guilty and upon conviction thereof said person shall be punished by a fine of not less than three hundred fifty dollars ($350) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for a term of not less than three (3) months nor more than six (6) months and for the second and subsequent violations he shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than six (6) months nor more than two (2) years; Provided, That all trials for violations of the provisions of this section shall be held in the Court of First Instance and the judges of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico are hereby directed to give preference to the hearing of all cases in violation of the provisions of this section.
History —May 15, 1948, No. 220, p. 738, § 4; June 29, 1968, No. 162, p. 526.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 93 - Gaming (§§ 1241-1246 — 1259) › § 1250a - Bolita, bolipool, combinations and lotteries, declared a public nuisance—Undercover agents, sworn statements, content

Any person who intervenes or participates as an undercover agent in any transaction or sale of material related to games generally known as “ Bolita ”, “ Bolipool ”, clandestine combinations related to the “pools” or betting at the racetracks of Puerto Rico, and clandestine lotteries; or who catches anyone who is bearing, or carrying or who has in his possession in any way, any papeleta, chance, ticket, notebook, list of numbers or letters, chits or tools that may be used in said illegal games under the provisions of §§ 1247—1257 of this title, must make a sworn statement before a prosecutor regarding his participation therein, including the period during which the investigation took place, the area covered, the results obtained and the charges against other infractors caught in the raid as well as the identity of other persons who performed transactions with the defendant, as observed by the undercover agent, within a term of no more than one hundred twenty (120) hours after said transaction or sale or any of the aforementioned criminal actions were consummated. The term of one hundred twenty (120) hours established herein shall be strictly complied with, unless just cause is shown for a delay in submitting the sworn statement within the above-mentioned term.
When the court determines in the preliminary hearing that said sworn statement was not submitted or, having been submitted outside the one hundred twenty (120) -hour term, there was not just cause for the delay, neither said sworn statement nor the testimony of the undercover agent may be presented in evidence.
When determining just cause, among other factors, the fact that the investigation was not concluded within the term indicated above shall be considered.
History —May 15, 1948, No. 220, p. 738, added as § 4A on May 27, 1980, No. 54, p. 145.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 93 - Gaming (§§ 1241-1246 — 1259) › § 1251 - Bolita, bolipool, combinations and lotteries, declared a public nuisance—Forfeiture and sale or destruction of implements, vehicles, etc

All devices, vehicles or other means of transportation, coins or other tools and implements employed and utilized in connection with the prohibited games of “ Bolita ”, “ Bolipool ”, clandestine combinations related to the “pools” or “ bancas ” of the racetracks of Puerto Rico, and clandestine lotteries which may have been employed in connection with said games, shall be seized by the Secretary of Justice and forfeited to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and shall, with the exception of vehicles, mounts, vessels or planes, be sold by order of the proper court, through the marshal thereof, at public auction to the highest bidder. The proceeds of such sale, together with any moneys seized, shall be paid over to the Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico to be used by second- and third-class municipalities, distributed in proportion to the respective populations. Confiscated motor vehicles shall be placed under the custody of the Office of Transportation. Devices, implements, and tools which, in the judgment of the proper court, have no other use except in connection with the violation of §§ 1247—1257 of this title, shall be destroyed.
For the seizure and disposal of vehicles, mounts, vessels and planes, there shall be followed the same procedure established by Act June 4, 1960, No. 39, §§ 1 and 2.
History —May 15, 1948, No. 220, p. 738, § 5; May 2, 1951, No. 190, p. 484; June 4, 1960, No. 39, p. 66, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-THREE - Penal Code (§§ 1 — 4939) › Subtitle 1 - Penal Code of 1937 and Miscellaneous Laws (§§ 1 — 2204) › PART VII - Crimes Against Public Decency and Good Morals (§§ 961-968 — 1332) › Chapter 93 - Gaming (§§ 1241-1246 — 1259) › § 1252 - Printing of material; penalties; condemnation; trial without jury; preference

Any owner of a printery or photoengraving shop who permits or tolerates the printing or engraving, or who prints or engraves, in his establishment, shop or printery, or other place, billetes, tickets, papeletas, notebooks, or any other material which can be or is used for any purpose connected with the unlawful games generally known as “ Bolita ”, “ Bolipool ”, clandestine combinations connected with the “pools” or “ bancas ” of the racetracks of Puerto Rico and clandestine lotteries, as well as any person who orders the printing or in any manner assists in said printing or photoengraving, shall be guilty of a public offense, and shall be immediately arrested and the case shall be brought without delay before the proper prosecuting attorney, who shall file and swear the proper information. Such person shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment in jail for a term of not less than six (6) months nor more than two (2) years; and for the second and subsequent violations, shall be punished by imprisonment in the penitentiary for not less than one (1) year nor more than ten (10) years.
Any violation of the preceding provisions shall entail, in addition to the penalty hereinabove established, the loss or condemnation of all machinery, tools, accessories, and other devices, which may have been or which can be used for the purpose of printing or engraving any papeleta, billete, ticket, notebook, list of numbers or any other of a like nature.
All trials for violations of the preceding provisions shall be heard exclusively by a court without a jury, and preference shall be given to cases connected with violations of §§ 1247—1257 of this title when making up the calendars of the Court of First Instance.
History —May 15, 1948, No. 220, p. 738, § 6.