reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter IV - Intermediate Court: Court of Appeals (§§ 24t — 25) › § 24x - Judgments and resolutions

The judgments and resolutions of the Court of Appeals shall be well grounded, and publishable, and may be cited for purposes of expostulation.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 4.005, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter IV - Intermediate Court: Court of Appeals (§§ 24t — 25) › § 24y - Jurisdiction

The Court of Appeals shall take cognizance of the following matters:
(a) A remedy of appeal of all total judgments pronounced by the Court of First Instance.
(b) By means of a writ of certiorari issued at its discretion, of any resolution or order pronounced by the Court of First Instance.
(c) By means of an appeal for judicial review, which shall be taken as a question of law, of the final decisions, orders and resolutions of administrative bodies or agencies. In these cases, the mere presentation of the recourse shall not stop the processing in the administrative body or agency, nor shall the appearance of the Commonwealth before the appellate forum be compulsory, unless so determined by the court. The procedure to be followed shall be in agreement with the provisions of §§ 2101 of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico”.
(d) Any panel of the Court of Appeals may issue writs of habeas corpus and of mandamus. Likewise, each one of the judge of said Court may hear at first instance on the recourses of habeas corpus and mandamus, but their rulings in such cases shall be subject to review by the Court of Appeals, in which case, provided it is requested by an interested party within ten (10) days after being notified, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall appointed a special panel of not less than three (3) judges, nor more than five (5) judges, which shall review the resolution of the Judge in any such cases, and shall pronounce judgment, as deemed fit.
(e) Any other matter determined by special statute.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 4.006; Sept. 23, 2004, No. 466, § 3, eff. 30 days after Sept. 23, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter IV - Intermediate Court: Court of Appeals (§§ 24t — 25) › § 24z - Operation

The seat of the Court of Appeals and its Office shall be located in the city of San Juan.
The Court of Appeals shall operate in panels of not less than three (3) and not more than seven (7) judges designated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, whose sessions and hearings may be held in the Judicial Center of the corresponding region of the Court of First Instance where the matter under consideration originated, or as determined by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
The Chief Justice shall assign panels to deal with cases originating in the Judiciary Regions and may assign panels to address recourses by matter or characteristics.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 4.007, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter IV - Intermediate Court: Court of Appeals (§§ 24t — 25) › § 25 - Costs, fees and sanctions

In addition to the costs and attorney’s fees which it is empowered to impose, the Court of Appeals may impose whatever economic sanctions it deems fit, when it determines that the recourse under its consideration is frivolous, or that it was filed to delay the proceedings, or if behavior consisting of delays, abandonment, obstruction or lack of due diligence in prejudice of the efficient administration of justice.
The funds from the imposition of economic sanctions may be covered into the General Fund of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or appropriated to a party, its legal counsel, or both, at the discretion of the court.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 4.008, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter V - Court of First Instance (§§ 25a — 25h) › § 25a - Jurisdiction, nature and organization

The Court of First Instance shall be a court of original general jurisdiction, with authority to act on behalf of and by the authority of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, in every case or controversy which may arise within the territorial limits of Puerto Rico. Said Court shall be comprised of superior and municipal judges.
The Court of First Instance shall be a court of record by means of the mechanisms provided by the rules of the Supreme Court.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 5.001, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter V - Court of First Instance (§§ 25a — 25h) › § 25b - Judges—Numbers and requirements

The Judges of the Court of First Instance shall be designated by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. In the process for the selection of judges, the following principles and objectives of this chapter shall be taken into account, so that the most highly qualified persons are selected for said office.
The Court of First Instance shall be constituted by two hundred fifty-three (253) Superior Judges and eighty-five (85) Municipal Judges.
Superior Court Judges must have seven (7) years of professional experience following their admission to the practice of law in Puerto Rico, and shall be designated and hold office for a term of twelve (12) years.
Municipal Judges must have three (3) years of professional experience following their admission to the practice of law in Puerto Rico, and shall be designated and hold office for a term of twelve (12) years.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 5.002; July 26, 2010, No. 87, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter V - Court of First Instance (§§ 25a — 25h) › § 25c - Superior Court Judges—Jurisdiction

Superior Court Judges shall exercise jurisdiction over all cases or controversies pursuant to the order set forth by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as the Administrator of the General Court of Justice, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 5.003, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter V - Court of First Instance (§§ 25a — 25h) › § 25d - Municipal Judges—Jurisdiction

Municipal Judges shall have the authority to consider, hear and resolve the following matters:
(a) In civil law. —
(1) In procedures on provisional rule of law set forth in §§ 2871—2877 of Title 32, known as the “Controversies and Provisional Legal Status Act”.
(2) In every involuntary commitment petition submitted pursuant to §§ 6152 et seq. of Title 24, known as the “Mental Health Code of Puerto Rico of 2000”.
(3) In every request for a protection order presented under Act No. 342 of December 16, 1999, as amended, known as the “Act for the Protection of Minors for the 21st Century”.
(4) In every request for a protection order filed pursuant to §§ 601 et seq. of Title 8, known as the “Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act”.
(5) In every request for a protection order filed pursuant to §§ 4013—4026 of Title 33, known as the “The Puerto Rico Stalking Act”.
(6) In every appeal for review for the issuing of an administrative traffic ticket pursuant to the provisions of §§ 5001 et seq. of Title 9, known as the “Vehicle and Traffic Law of Puerto Rico”.
(7) In repossessions under the provisions set forth in §§ 401 et seq. of Title 19, known as the “Commercial Transactions Act”.
(8) In all civil matters in which the amount in controversy, legal claim, or value of the property in dispute does not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), not including interest, fees and attorney fees, including repossessions, chattel mortgage foreclosures, or of any other lien on personal property, whose amount does not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), and claims under Rule 60 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, as amended.
(b) In criminal law. —
(1) In the determination of probable cause and the issuing of arrest or summons, and search and seizure warrants.
(2) In the adjudication of probable cause and the issuing of seizure or arrest warrants pursuant to the provisions of §§ 2201 et seq. of Title 34, known as the “Minors’ Act of Puerto Rico” and the Rules of Procedure for the Affairs of Minors.
(3) In the adjudication on the establishment and posting of bonds in felony and misdemeanor cases, in pretrial procedural phases.
(4) In the issuing of orders of imprisonment of a person in the following circumstances:
(A) Preventive detention.
(B) Confiscation upon rendering ineffective a fixed bail bond.
(5) In issuing of release orders in cases of furnishing a fixed bail bond.
(6) In matters under Rule 22 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure, pertaining to procedures before magistrates.
(7) In procedures for receiving guilty pleas and to impose judgments for infractions of municipal ordinances.
(c) Arbitrators or mediators. — Municipal Judges shall participate as arbitrators or mediators in the solution of conflicts when certified to do so pursuant to the regulations approved by the Supreme Court.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 5.004, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter V - Court of First Instance (§§ 25a — 25h) › § 25f - Procedures before the Court of First Instance; recording and transcription

The use of electronic recorders is hereby authorized in all procedures within the jurisdiction of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico. Likewise, the transcription of such recordings by the officials of said court for purposes of reviewing the procedures of said court for any recourse before the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico, and for any other use pursuant to law is hereby authorized.
The official who prepares the transcription of the recording of a certain case shall certify that same is a true and exact transcription of the recording, the date and location where the transcription was made, the caption number of the case, and the courtroom in which it was filed, and shall proceed to sign the certification that is issued.
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Director of the Courts Administration shall explore the methods and technology available for the transcriptions of procedures required by the parties can be provided in a speedy and efficient manner and at the lowest possible cost.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 5.006, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter V - Court of First Instance (§§ 25a — 25h) › § 25g - Norms applicable to transcription of records and fees

Any transcriptions of records which follow the system set forth in § 25f of this title shall follow the norms established by applicable laws as if the transcription were made by a court reporter, for their final approval, except that the fees paid by the appellant parties for such transcriptions pursuant to the laws that govern the fees of court reporters, shall be for the benefit of the public Treasury.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 5.007, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter V - Court of First Instance (§§ 25a — 25h) › § 25h - Procedural efficiency

In order to guarantee a fair, speedy and economical solution, in all civil procedures before the General Court of Justice, the Secretaries of the Courts shall notify the Administrative Judge of the list of cases that have not received a final ruling within a term of two (2) years of being filed, and the justification of the judge or panel for the delay in their resolution. The Administrator Judge shall issue the necessary orders for the fair, speedy and efficient resolution of such cases.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 5.008, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter VI - Judiciary Discipline and Severance from Service (§§ 25i — 25o) › § 25i - Disciplinary measures—Behaviors

A judge shall be subject to disciplinary measures who:
(1) Incurs violations of law, Judiciary Ethics, Professional Ethics, or applicable administrative regulations, upon a final ruling by a competent forum.
(2) Manifests gross professional negligence, ineptitude or incompetence in the performance of their judiciary duties.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 6.001, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter VI - Judiciary Discipline and Severance from Service (§§ 25i — 25o) › § 25j - Disciplinary measures—Forms

Prior to the corresponding procedural actions, the Supreme Court may impose one or several of the following disciplinary measures on the judges:
(a) Removal from office;
(b) suspension from employment and salary;
(c) limitations to exercise the legal profession, including disbarment;
(d) censure;
(e) admonition, or
(f) any other remedial measure.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 6.002, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter VI - Judiciary Discipline and Severance from Service (§§ 25i — 25o) › § 25k - Removal from office due to mental or physical health condition

Every judge whose mental or physical health condition, whether temporary or permanent, adversely affects the performance of his/her judiciary duties shall be subject to the procedure of removal from service.
When the Supreme Court determines that a judge is undergoing the physical or mental condition referred [to] in this section, it may, after the corresponding legal procedures, order a temporary or permanent removal from office.
The permanent removal of a Judge shall be deemed as a voluntary resignation for all legal purposes, and shall not affect his/her rights under §§ 233 et seq. of this title, known as the “Judiciary Retirement Act”.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 6.003, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter VI - Judiciary Discipline and Severance from Service (§§ 25i — 25o) › § 25l - Impeachment process

The judges of the Supreme Court shall only be removed from office through the impeachment process established in § 21 of Art. III of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 6.004, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter VI - Judiciary Discipline and Severance from Service (§§ 25i — 25o) › § 25m - Committee for the Hearing of Matters of Discipline or Severance from Office

The Supreme Court shall designate a Committee to collaborate with it in matters of discipline or severance from office of the judges of the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeals. The Committee shall be empowered to hold hearings on the alleged conduct or health condition and to make recommendations to the Supreme Court. The requirements that the members of the Committee must meet, shall be established by the regulations of the Supreme Court.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 6.005, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter VI - Judiciary Discipline and Severance from Service (§§ 25i — 25o) › § 25n - Disciplinary procedures and severance from office

The disciplinary procedure or request for severance from office shall be governed by the provisions in the rules approved by the Supreme Court to such effect. These rules shall guarantee due process of law to the accused judge.
The disciplinary procedure or request for severance from office filed against any judge of the Court of First Instance or the Court of Appeals shall commence upon the submission of a complaint sworn under oath before the Administrative Director of the Office of the Courts Administration. In every legal disciplinary procedure, no final ruling shall be issued without having given the accused the opportunity to state his/her position on the imputed actions or conduct.
The Chief Justice, any Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, or the Administrative Director of the Office of Courts Administration, motu proprio, may order that an investigation be made of the conduct or fitness of any judge.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 6.006, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter VI - Judiciary Discipline and Severance from Service (§§ 25i — 25o) › § 25o - Provisional measures

The Chief Justice may suspend a judge from office with pay when a charge has been filed against him/her imputing the commission of a crime, or may suspend him/her from his/her functions with pay, or impose any other provisional measure before an extraordinary situation that adversely affects such functions while the investigation of the conduct or condition proceed, or until the disciplinary or severance procedure concludes.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 6.007, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter VII - Salaries and Additional Compensations (§§ 25p — 25q) › § 25p - Salaries of judges

Judges shall earn:
(1) The annual salary of a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall be one hundred twenty-five thousand dollars ($125,000).
(2) The annual salary of the Associate Justices shall be one hundred twenty thousand dollars ($120,000).
(3) The annual salary of the judges of the Court of Appeals shall be one hundred and five thousand dollars ($105,000).
(4) The annual salary of the Superior Judges of the Court of First Instance shall be eighty-nine thousand six-hundred dollars ($89,600).
(5) The Municipal Judges of the Court of First Instance shall earn an annual salary of sixty-nine thousand six-hundred dollars ($69,600).
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 7.001; Aug. 27, 2003, No. 233, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter VII - Salaries and Additional Compensations (§§ 25p — 25q) › § 25q - Amount of additional compensation

Subject to the provisions in this chapter, and upon prior ruling by the Chief Justice, the judges that shall direct the judicial regions, the judges who perform functions on special matters, or functions of higher authority shall earn an additional compensation of up to six percent (6%) over the salary corresponding to their position as judges.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 7.002, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2B - Puerto Rico Judiciary Act of 2003 (§§ 24 — 25r) › Subchapter VIII - Transitory Provisions (§ 25r) › § 25r - Creation of positions of judges

Upon the effectiveness of this act, six (6) additional positions of Judges of the Court of Appeals are created for a total of thirty-nine (39), as previously provided. In addition, thirty (30) additional positions of Superior Court Judges are created for a total of two hundred and fifty-three (253), as previously provided.
The positions of Municipal Judges shall be reduced to eighty-five (85) as of October 1, 2004, according to the vacancies [sic] positions that arise by virtue of the expiration of the designated term of the municipal judges, or due to resignation, retirement, death or removal.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 8.001.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 3 - Supreme Court (§§ 31 — 37-1-37b) › § 34 - Powers of judge in chambers when court not in session

One of the Justices of the Supreme Court shall always remain in the Capital of Puerto Rico when the court is not in session, and said justice shall have power to issue inhibitory writs of certiorari, of mandamus, of quo warranto, and of habeas corpus; but his decision in such cases shall be subject to revision by the Supreme Court which, whenever so requested by the interested party within the ten (10) days following notice of such decisions, shall revise the decision of the judge in chambers in any of said cases, and shall render such decision as it deems proper.
The judge in chambers may also grant extensions and admit appeals and other recourses to the Court of Appeals or other federal courts, in those cases in which it may be done by the Supreme Court; may fix the bond which, to answer for payment of costs, must be filed by the appellant; may order such stay of proceedings as could be ordered by the court, and may fix the supersedeas bond that may be required, if proper.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 81, § 9; Apr. 27, 1931, No. 59, p. 404, § 1, eff. 90 days after Apr. 27, 1931.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 5 - Court of First Instance (§§ 61 — 64) › § 63 - Parts of the former Superior Court and District Court

This subject is not covered by a specific statute. See the notes below.
PARTS OF THE FORMER SUPERIOR COURT 1. AGUADILLA Aguada Isabela Moca Rincón San Sebastián 2. AIBONITO Barranquitas Coamo Comerío Orocovis 3. ARECIBO Barceloneta Camuy Ciales Hatillo Manatí Morovis Quebradillas 4. BAYAMON Cataño Corozal Dorado Guaynabo Naranjito Toa Alta Toa Baja Vega Alta Vega Baja 5. CAGUAS Aguas Buenas Cidra Gurabo San Lorenzo [Municipality of Juncos assigned by Act June 3, 1982, No. 38, p. 80, § 3.] Villalba Yauco 6. CAROLINA Canóvanas Loíza Río Grande Trujillo Alto 7. GUAYAMA Arroyo Patillas Salinas Cayey 8. HUMACAO Ceiba Culebra Fajardo Las Piedras Luquillo Maunabo Naguabo Vieques Yabucoa [Municipality of Juncos segregated by Act June 3, 1982, No. 38, p. 80, § 3.] 9. MAYAGÜEZ Añasco Cabo Rojo Hormigueros Lajas Las Marías Maricao Sabana Grande San Germán 10. PONCE Guánica Guayanilla Juana Díaz Peñuelas Santa Isabel 11. SAN JUAN Río Piedras 12. UTUADO Adjuntas Jayuya Lares
PARTS OF THE FORMER DISTRICT COURT 1. AGUADILLA Aguada Isabela Rincón [Municipalities of Aguada and Rincón assigned by Act June 3, 1982, No. 38, p. 80, § 1.] 2. SAN SEBASTIAN Moca 3. LARES [Municipalities of Maricao and Las Marías segregated by Act June 3, 1982, No. 38, p. 80, § 5.] 4. ARECIBO 5. CAMUY Hatillo Quebradillas 6. MANATI Barceloneta 7. CIALES Morovis 8. UTUADO 9. BAYAMON Naranjito [Municipality of Naranjito assigned by Act June 3, 1982, No. 38, p. 80, § 2.] [Municipality of Cataño segregated and annexed to the new Part of the Guaynabo District pursuant to § 2 of Act June 19, 1969, No. 45, that appears as a note under this section.] 10. TOA ALTA Toa Baja 11. VEGA BAJA Vega Alta 12. CAGUAS Aguas Buenas Cidra Gurabo 13. SAN LORENZO Juncos 14. COMERIO Barranquitas [Municipality of Naranjito segregated by Act June 3, 1982, No. 38, p. 80, § 2.] 15. GUAYAMA Arroyo 16. CAYEY [Municipality of Aibonito segregated by Act June 3, 1982, No. 38, p. 80, § 8.] 17. PATILLAS 18. SALINAS 19. HUMACAO Las Piedras 20. FAJARDO Naguabo Luquillo Ceiba
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 5 - Court of First Instance (§§ 61 — 64) › § 64 - Secretaries; deposit of checks, money orders and securities of unknown purposes

(a) The Clerks of the Court of First Instance, or those officers or employees appointed by the Administrative Director of Courts to perform collection duties, are authorized to endorse and to deposit in a bank account under their custody, all checks, postal orders and any other valuables of any nature that they may hold or that they receive in the future in their respective Divisions, when the purposes for which those valuables shall be used, the whereabouts of the person who sent them, or to whom they should be delivered, are unknown.
(b) The Clerks of the Court of First Instance, or those officers or employees appointed by the Administrative Director of Courts to perform collection duties, are authorized to withdraw from the account referred to, in order to address future claims by people to whom such valuables belong.
(c) The Administrative Director of Courts shall issue the rules and regulations necessary for compliance with the purposes of this section.
(d) The provisions of this section shall not apply to §§ 541—548c of Title 8.
History —June 28, 1969, No. 137, p. 411, §§ 1—4; Jan. 8, 2004, No. 3, § 8, eff. 30 days after Jan. 8, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter I - Preliminary Provisions (§ 71) › § 71 - Definitions

The following terms as used in this chapter shall have the meaning indicated hereinbelow, unless another meaning is inferred from the context:
(a) Commission or Judiciary Evaluation Commission.— The Judiciary Evaluation Commission attached to the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, created by this chapter.
(b) Commission or Judicial Evaluation Commission.— The Judicial Evaluation Commission attached to Office of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, created by this chapter.
(c) Governor.— The Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(d) Judges of the Court of First Instance.— The Judges of the Supreme Court, the District Court, and Municipal Judges.
(e) Office or Judiciary Appointments Office.— The Judiciary Appointments Office that is created by this chapter, and which shall be part of the Office of the Governor itself.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 2; Apr. 16, 2010, No. 45, § 1; July 29, 2010, No. 108, § 1; June 17, 2014, No. 67, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter II - Evaluation of Candidates to the Judgeship (§§ 72 — 72c) › § 72 - Judiciary Appointment Office—Organization and constitution

(a) The Judiciary Appointments Office is hereby created in the Office of the Governor itself, which shall serve as a liaison and coordination mechanism with the different bodies and officers that participate in the process of evaluation, nomination, renomination, promotion, confirmation and appointment of judges. The Office shall be directed by an Executive Director appointed by the Governor.
(b) The Governor shall appoint an Evaluating Committee which shall be attached to the Judiciary Appointments Office, with the persons with the highest personal and professional qualifications to take office as Judges of the Court of First Instance.
The Committee shall be constituted by five (5) persons appointed by the Governor. No more than two (2) of its members shall be active attorneys and at least one (1) shall not be an attorney. The Chairperson of the Committee shall be designated by the Governor. All decisions of the Committee shall be made by the affirmative vote of the majority of its members. The Committee shall establish its rules for its internal operation, including quorum, place and frequency of its meetings. The members of the Committee shall receive no salary for their functions or services, but those who are not public officials or employees shall be entitled to the payment of per diems of one hundred dollars ($100) for each day or fraction thereof that they attend the meetings of the Committee. Moreover, they may receive reimbursement of travel expenses and per diems pursuant to Department of the Treasury’s regulations to such effects.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter II - Evaluation of Candidates to the Judgeship (§§ 72 — 72c) › § 72b - Judiciary Appointment Office—Evaluating committee

The Committee shall have the functions, faculties and duties stated hereinbelow:
(a) Investigate and evaluate the candidates for judges as thoroughly as possible, with the purpose of recommending to the Governor the fittest and most capable persons to take office in the judicature.
(b) Candidates for the judicature shall be evaluated integrally, based on the following criteria: integrity and good repute; intellectual integrity; academic competence; professional skills, analytical ability; experience; performance capability; dedication; temperament; public service calling, and interest in pursuing a judiciary career.
(c) Request, compile and analyze the information and data pertinent to each criterion based on different sources, such as: law professors, attorneys, judges, prosecutors, clients and other members of the community who may know the candidate and can offer pertinent information; confidential investigations regarding the character and repute of the candidate; evaluations, interviews and tests of the candidate, including, if deemed necessary, his/her pshychological aspect. It may also receive the advice of the Senate on the candidate, pursuant to the constitutional power of the Body.
(d) Request the appearance of any person or production of any document necessary and pertinent for the evaluation of a candidate.
(e) Submit letters of recommendation accompanied by evaluation reports, to the Governor. Recommendations and evaluations shall be remitted within a term of one hundred and twenty (120) days after the candidate’s application has been sent. The following qualifiers shall be used in the recommendation to state its evaluation: “Exceptionally well qualified”, “Well qualified”, “Qualified”, “Not qualified”. The recommendation shall be accompanied by an evaluation report upon which the rating granted to the candidate must be based, and shall state with sufficient precision and detail the determinations and conclusions of the Committee regarding the personal and professional attributes that every candidate must have, according to the provisions of this chapter.
(f) Evaluate, should the Governor so request, the judges interested in being renominated or promoted, pursuant to the criteria established by this chapter.
(g) Recruit candidates who are fit to take office in the judicature to recommend them to the Governor.
(h) Draw up the regulations needed for its operation.
(i) Conduct the proper studies to improve the candidate’s evaluation mechanisms and recommend them to the Governor for the adoption thereof, through an Executive Order.
(j) Exercise all those incidental powers or those that are necessary or convenient to achieve the objectives of this chapter.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter II - Evaluation of Candidates to the Judgeship (§§ 72 — 72c) › § 72c - Judiciary Appointment Office—Procedure

Any person interested in being appointed as a judge, or any judge interested in being renominated or promoted, shall fill out an application before the Judiciary Appointment Office and comply with the procedures and meet the requirements established in this chapter and its regulations. In the case of renominations, the application shall be filled out at least six (6) months prior to the expiration of his/her term. The Office shall refer the applications to the corresponding bodies for their evaluation and recommendation to the Governor. Once the Evaluating Committee and the Judiciary Evaluation Commission have submitted their evaluations and recommendations, the Governor may request more information or a more detailed analysis of any particular aspect. Should the terms provided by this chapter elapse without the Committee or the Judiciary Branch having submitted the corresponding evaluation report and their recommendation, the Governor may act on the application as he/she deems convenient.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 6; July 29, 2010, No. 108, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73 - Judicial Evaluation Commission

A Judicial Evaluation Commission is hereby created, attached to the Office of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico, with the power to develop and apply a system to evaluate the performance of the judges of the Court of First Instance that complies with the following institutional purposes: provide the most adequate information to promote the commitment of the judges to their own professional improvement; recommend continuing education and professional improvement programs; address the needs of the judicature efficiently and effectively; recommend a more suitable allocation and a better use of the judiciary resources, and make recommendations to the Governor regarding the renomination and promotion of judges.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 7; Apr. 16, 2010, No. 45, § 2; June 17, 2014, No. 67, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73a - Composition of the Judicial Evaluation Commission

The Evaluation Commission shall be composed of nine (9) members selected and appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. One (1) of its members shall be a Justice of the Supreme Court, who shall act as the Chairperson of the Commission, at least one (1) member who shall not be an attorney-at-law, and one (1) member with experience in managerial and administrative matters.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 8; Apr. 16, 2010, No. 45, § 1; June 17, 2014, No. 67, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73b - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Terms of office

Three (3) members of the Commission shall take office for a one-year term; three (3), for a two (2) -year term, and three (3), for a three (3) -year term, including in this last group the Judge of the Supreme Court who is a member of the Commission. The terms of office after this appointment, shall be of three (3) years. At the moment of making the first appointments, the members that shall belong to each group of three (3), shall be determined.
The members of the Commission shall remain in office until their successors are appointed and take office. Should a vacancy occur, a deputy shall be appointed, who shall take office for the remainder of the term for which the member who created the vacancy was appointed.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73c - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Fees

The members of the Commission who are public officials shall hold office ad honorem. Those member who are not public officials shall receive one hundred dollars ($100) for every day they attend the meetings of the Commission.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73d - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Autonomy

The Judiciary Evaluation Commission shall operate autonomously and shall decide the administrative policy matters regarding the development, implementation and administration of the judiciary evaluations. The Commission may, but without being limited to, request the information it deems necessary from the Judiciary Branch; administer questionnaires; interview persons, and conduct confidential investigations regarding the character and repute of a judge. It may request, under penalty of contempt, the appearance of any person or the presentation of any pertinent document for the evaluation of a judge.
The Judiciary Branch shall establish a support unit for the Judiciary Evaluation Commission to coordinate, under the direction of the latter, the administrative aspects of the evaluation system and shall also establish a mechanized system that allows the compiling of information and data needed to aid in the evaluation of judges in aspects of dedication and diligence.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73e - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Regulations

The Judiciary Evaluation Commission is empowered to adopt and promulgate those regulations needed for the better performance of its functions.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 17.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73f - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Agreement and quorum

All of the agreements of the Judiciary Evaluation Commission shall be adopted by the majority of its members. Five (5) of its members shall constitute a quorum.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73g - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Work reports

The Judiciary Evaluation Commission shall submit a report of its works annually to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 19.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73h - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Evaluating criteria

The judiciary endeavor shall be evaluated based on the following criteria: integrity and good repute, intellectual integrity, academic competence, professional skills, analytical capacity, experience, performance, dedication, temperament, calling for public service, interest in pursuing a judiciary career, and administrative work, for judges who have been assigned formal administrative functions.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73i - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Evaluations; classifications and content

The Commission shall perform, without being limited to, the following evaluations:
(a) Evaluation of work, productivity and judiciary load of the judges of the Court of First Instance. — It shall carefully analyze the statistical information on the work, productivity and judiciary load of the judge, including the information about the number of resolved cases, type of cases classified by topic or matter; the method of disposition and the time elapsed in solving them, taking into consideration their nature and complexity; the number of cases submitted and the time elapsed from their filing date to the date they were submitted; number of proceedings presented in appeal or revisions to review his/her sentences; number of appeals or reviews issued; percentage of cases in which there were revocations and confirmations, and those auxiliary resources the judge possesses in order to carry out his/her duties.
(b) A detailed evaluation of judiciary performance. — The Commission shall periodically make a complete evaluation of the performance of each judge of the Court of First Instance. In addition to the analysis of their work, productivity and judiciary load required by subsection (a), these evaluations shall include, without being limited to, the input of administrating judges, courts of appeals, attorneys, prosecutors, juries, witnesses and the evaluated judge him/herself.
The information regarding the number and type of charges and complaints presented against the judge, if any, and their disposition; his/her attendance and punctuality at work; his/her efficiency in the handling of cases; his/her judiciary temperament and compliance with administrative norms and instructions; if applicable, his/her administrative work, and any data or information needed to cover the evaluation areas established by this section.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73j - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Evaluations; frequency

Detailed evaluations shall be performed every three (3) years in the case of Superior Court judges, every four (4) years in the case of District Court judges, and in the case of Municipal judges, every three (3) years and at the end of their term. These shall be structured sequentially by the Commission to meet the above mentioned terms.
The evaluation of work, productivity and judiciary load shall be performed annually but shall be implemented sequentially in such a way that during the first year, fifty percent (50%) of all Superior Court judges shall be evaluated, the second year, one hundred percent (100%) of the Superior Court judges and the third year, one hundred percent (100%) of the Superior Court judges and fifty percent (50%) of those of the District Court, and the fourth year, all of the judges of the Court of First Instance.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73k - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Evaluations; reports

After having analyzed all of the compiled information, the Commission shall remit a communication to the evaluated judge stating the preliminary findings and inviting him/her to attend a meeting where he/she shall have the opportunity to present his/her viewpoints.
The Commission shall subsequently write an evaluation report for each judge submitted to evaluation, in which it shall state its conclusions and shall specify the deficient and outstanding areas, recommend the areas that need to be developed and state any other conclusion or observation it deems pertinent regarding the judge thus evaluated.
Copies of the report shall be remitted to the evaluated judge, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Administrative Director of the Office of Courts Administration and the Governor upon his request, in those cases of renomination or promotion.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 6 - System to Evaluate Candidates for Judges and Judgeship (§§ 71 — 74c) › Subchapter III - System for the Evaluation of Judges (§§ 73 — 73l) › § 73l - Judiciary Evaluation Commission—Evaluations; recommendation to the Governor

In the cases of renominations or promotions, the Governor shall request the Commission, through the Judiciary Appointments Office, a recommendation of the corresponding judge, which shall be accompanied by an evaluation report on his/her years of service; offices held; a precise and detailed evaluation of his/her performance based on the evaluation criteria established by this chapter. In addition, said report shall itemize other aspects, such as: information and data on the number of cases assigned and resolved, classified by topic or subject and by method of disposition, time elapsed in their resolution with regard to nature or complexity, subsequent appeal procedures, if any, complaints and charges filed against the judge, if any, and their disposition, an appraising judgement of his/her ratings, quality of work and any other information pertinent to his/her evaluation.
Evaluations and recommendations shall be remitted to the Governor at least one hundred and twenty (120) days prior to the expiration of a judge’s term in the case of a judge who is interested in being renominated, and one hundred and twenty (120) days after having been notified that a judge has filed an application for promotion before the Judiciary Appointments Office.
Copies of the letter of recommendation and of the evaluation report that are sent to the Governor, shall be remitted to the judge thus evaluated, to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and to the Administrative Director of the Office of Court Administration and to the Senate, when the Governor submits a judge, who has been previously evaluated by the Commission, for renomination or promotion.
History —Dec. 5, 1991, No. 91, § 16.