reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR Appendices - Rules of Court (§§ 1 — 1-54) › XIX - Rules for Videotaping in Courts (§§ 1 — 10) › Rule 1.3 - Discretion of court

The preceding enumeration of possible uses for videotaping equipment shall not limit the court’s discretion to order other uses it may deem necessary.
History —Dec. 30, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR Appendices - Rules of Court (§§ 1 — 1-54) › XIX - Rules for Videotaping in Courts (§§ 1 — 10) › Rule 2 - Other uses not related to cases before the courts

Videotape equipment shall be available for use in the training of recently appointed judges and other employees, after coordinating it with the Administrative Judge of the Judicial Center having the equipment. It shall also be available for the use of prosecutors and of the Legal Aid Office, under the same conditions.
History —Dec. 30, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR Appendices - Rules of Court (§§ 1 — 1-54) › XIX - Rules for Videotaping in Courts (§§ 1 — 10) › Rule 3 - Equipment to be used

Equipment not belonging to the court may be used provided that after recording, the tapes are kept under the control of the Office of the Clerk. The equipment to be used at the taking of depositions by the parties shall be compatible with the court’s equipment, that is, VHS videotaping equipment, on ½-inch wide tape, at a two-hour speed.
History —Dec. 30, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR Appendices - Rules of Court (§§ 1 — 1-54) › XIX - Rules for Videotaping in Courts (§§ 1 — 10) › Rule 4 - Taking of depositions in civil cases

As provided by Rule 27.4 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, 32 L.P.R.A. App. III, the taking of depositions in civil cases shall be done as follows:
(a) A petition shall be filed before the court stating the reason for the taking of said deposition, and the time and place where it is to be taken.
(b) The court shall issue an order deciding the place where the deposition is to be taken, and the custody and disposition of the tape once it is taken. On the day and place fixed, taping shall begin by identifying the case, the parties, the attorneys present, and the date, time, and place where the deposition is being taken.
(c) The deponent’s oath shall be taken and he shall sit next to a clock that shall be within the camera’s view at all times during the deposition.
(d) At the end of the deposition, a final statement shall be made about the fact that it is over; the time shall also be given.
History —Dec. 30, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR Appendices - Rules of Court (§§ 1 — 1-54) › XIX - Rules for Videotaping in Courts (§§ 1 — 10) › Rule 5 - Expert testimony or witnesses that will not be available on the day of trial

The testimony of expert witnesses and of witnesses that will not be available on the day of the trial shall be taken with the court’s consent in both civil and criminal cases. In criminal cases, the court shall make sure that the defendant freely waived his right to cross-examine the witness on the day of the trial. The taking of the testimony shall follow the procedure of the taking of depositions in civil cases, as provided by Rule 4.
History —Dec. 30, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR Appendices - Rules of Court (§§ 1 — 1-54) › XIX - Rules for Videotaping in Courts (§§ 1 — 10) › Rule 6 - Videotaping as a substitute for views or inspections

In civil or criminal cases where videotaping equipment is to be used as a substitute for inspections, it will be necessary to get the consent of the court and the parties and to coordinate this with the Administrative Judge of the Judicial Center to which the equipment belongs.
(a) When taping is begun, a statement shall be made setting forth the case number, the parties, the attorneys present, the date, time, and exact place where taping is being conducted.
(b) The party requesting the inspection shall tell the videotape technician the takes he wishes to record in the tape. Once said party is through, the other parties shall be entitled to ask for the takes they think should be part of the inspection.
(c) Once videotaping is over, a final statement shall be made of the time when work was finished.
History —Dec. 30, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR Appendices - Rules of Court (§§ 1 — 1-54) › XIX - Rules for Videotaping in Courts (§§ 1 — 10) › Rule 7 - Custody of the tape

(a) When videotaping has been done by an officer of the court, he shall have custody of the tape until he gets to the court, where he shall deliver it to an officer of the Office of the Clerk.
(b) If the person who did the videotaping is not an officer of the court, the tape shall be placed in a duly identified envelope that shall be sealed and signed by counsel for the parties. Except when otherwise stipulated, counsel for the party requesting the videotaping shall be responsible for filing it [with] the Office of the Clerk on the following working day.
History —Dec. 30, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR Appendices - Rules of Court (§§ 1 — 1-54) › XIX - Rules for Videotaping in Courts (§§ 1 — 10) › Rule 8 - Petition to copy or edit the tape

At the request of a party, the Court may order a recorded tape to be copied or edited. In these cases, the following procedure should be followed:
(a) The movant shall coordinate with the Administrative Judge of the Judicial Center and, after an appointment to that effect, shall appear at the office of the Videotaping Unit to make a copy of or edit the tape he requested.
(b) In cases where the tape is copied or edited, the original shall be kept under the control of Court officials, and shall be available on the day of the trial for verification.
(c) The other parties, or their representatives, may be present while the tape is being copied or edited and may ask for their own copies.
History —Dec. 30, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR Appendices - Rules of Court (§§ 1 — 1-54) › XIX - Rules for Videotaping in Courts (§§ 1 — 10) › Rule 9 - Fees for using videotaping equipment

Besides the costs already provided for by law, the parties using the court’s videotaping equipment shall supply the tapes to be used. They must be high quality, unused tapes, so that there will be no taping problems. They shall be approved by the supervisor of the Videotaping Unit.
History —Dec. 30, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR Appendices - Rules of Court (§§ 1 — 1-54) › XIX - Rules for Videotaping in Courts (§§ 1 — 10) › Rule 10 - General provision

Anything not herein provided for shall be regulated by the Administrative Judge of the Judicial Center where the videotaping equipment is located.
These rules shall become effective on January 1, 1982.
History —Dec. 30, 1981, eff. Jan. 1, 1982.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21 - Definitions

The following terms shall have the meanings indicated below, for the effects of interpreting this chapter:
(a) Judiciary Branch. — The judiciary power of Puerto Rico which shall rest on a unified system with regard to jurisdiction, functioning, and administration. Composed at present by the Supreme Court as the court of last resort and of constitutional rank, and by the Court of First Instance created by Law, which jointly constitute the General Court of Justice.
(b) Joint Committee. — The Joint Legislative Committee on the Judiciary Branch Reorganization Plans, created in this chapter.
(c) Reorganization. — Any change in the structure, organization, and jurisdiction of the courts within the Judiciary Branch, which includes the creation and dissolution of courts within this Branch, as well as changes in the terms of the judges appointed for term, and the legal requirements for their appointment, with the exception of the Supreme Court Justices. It also includes any change of a constitutional rank to the Judiciary Branch.
(d) Reorganization Plan. — A written and graphic design presented by the Governor to the Legislature, proposing the reorganization of the Judiciary Branch pursuant to the procedure established in this chapter and to what is contemplated in Article VII of the Constitution of Puerto Rico, preceding Title 1.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21a - Objectives

The total organization of the Judiciary Branch shall be evaluated to determine the changes that are essential in order to achieve any of the following objectives that respond to the public interest:
(a) Review the present Judiciary Branch system in view of the experiences accrued for the past forty (40) years of service to the People.
(b) Restructure the organization and jurisdiction of the Judiciary Branch as one of the measures needed to achieve an optimum level of efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial function within the Constitution of Puerto Rico. This restructuring includes, among other matters, the dissolution and creation of courts, with the exception of the Supreme Court, as well as the revision of the terms of judges appointed for term, and the legal requirements for their appointment.
(c) Facilitate the citizens’ access to the public services rendered by the Judiciary Branch.
(d) Produce a judicial structure that shall be the basis of the principle of equal justice for all.
The above mentioned objectives constitute the public policy of this chapter, and the special procedures for reorganization stated therein, are addressed to their attainment.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21b - Plans—Scope

When the Governor deems it pertinent to submit any Reorganization Plan for the Judiciary Branch in order to achieve any of the objectives of this chapter, he shall remit a plan to such effects to the Legislature, with the corresponding identification number. Together with the plan, the Governor shall send an explanatory report thereof where he shall justify the need for its approval, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. This Reorganization Plan could contemplate the approval of legislation through the special reorganization procedure established in this chapter, as well as any Judiciary Branch Reorganization Plan which contemplates a constitutional amendment, which special procedure would be subject to what is provided in §§ 1 and 3 of Article VII of the Constitution of Puerto Rico, preceding Title 1.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21c - Plans—Limits

No reorganization plan shall provide, nor shall any reorganization adopted under this chapter, have the effect of:
(a) Affecting the individual rights of the judges and employees of the Judiciary Branch established by the Constitution or legislation in effect, including their rights under pension, retirement or savings system.
(b) Extend or reduce the term of office of an incumbent judge of a court created by law beyond what is indicated under existing legislation.
(c) Extend or limit the judicial functions of incumbent judges beyond the legislative action for the creation or dissolution of courts and the determination of jurisdiction and organization, whether before or after the date on which he/she would cease in office if the reorganization had not been executed.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21d - Plans—Filing

The filing of the Reorganization Plans before the Legislature shall be done immediately, in both Chambers, not later than forty-five (45) days before the closing date of a Regular Session and not less than twenty-five (25) days before that of a Special Session. Should the Governor file a Reorganization Plan less than forty-five (45) days before the close of a Regular Session, by means of a Joint Resolution, the number of days needed to complete the forty-five (45) days shall be extended, for the sole purpose of completing the handling of the Reorganization Plan during the days that have been added to the Session.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21e - Joint Legislative Committee on Judiciary Branch Reorganization Plans

A Joint Legislative Committee on the Judiciary Branch Reorganization Plans is hereby created. It shall consist of nine (9) Senators appointed by the President of the Senate, and nine (9) Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House. Not less than three (3) Senators and not less than three (3) Representatives on the Committee shall be members of the Parliamentary Minority in both Chambers. In their first meeting, the members of the committee shall adopt its Bylaw and shall provide for the designation of the Presiding Officer.
The Joint Committee shall be empowered to carry out its labors from the date of approval of this act, until June 30, 1996.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21f - Joint Legislative Committee on Judiciary Branch Reorganization Plans—Legislative procedure

The preliminary analysis of the reorganization plans and the reports submitted for such purposes by the Governor to the Legislature, shall be the duty of the Joint Committee. The final action theron shall correspond to the Legislative Bodies. For such purposes, the following procedure is hereby established:
(a) The Secretaries of the House of Representatives and of the Senate shall remit the reorganization plans that the Governor submits for legislative consideration to the Chairperson or Co-chairperson of the Joint Committee, and after simultaneously notifying the members of the respective Bodies of their filing, they shall give public notice thereof through announcements published in two newspapers of general circulation in Puerto Rico.
(b) The Joint Committee shall hold public hearings on the reorganization plans submitted by the Governor, after which it shall adopt the Preliminary Report corresponding to each plan, which it shall file simultaneously with the Secretariats of the Legislative Bodies.
(c) Within five (5) days following the filing of each report, the House of Representatives and the Senate shall meet in Full Committee Session, individually, to analyze the Reorganization Plan under consideration, as well as the Joint Committee’s Report thereon. Amendments to the plan may be introduced in said Session, which, if approved by the Full Committee of each Body, shall be sent to each Body in plenum which shall remit it to the Joint Committee to deal with the discrepancies between one Body and the other, if any, and render a final report which shall be voted on, by list, by each of the Legislative Bodies.
(d) Within seven (7) days following the receipt of the amendments approved in the Committee in toto, the Joint Committee shall adopt and file a Final Report on the Reorganization Plan with the Secretariats of the House and the Senate. This shall be submitted to the consideration of the Bodies for its approval or rejection, without amendments, in a vote by list.
(e) The reorganization plans approved by both Bodies shall be sent to the Governor for his signature, as with any legislative bill.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21g - Joint Legislative Committee on Judiciary Branch Reorganization Plans—Term for legislative action

Final action on each Reorganization Plan shall be taken by the Bodies within forty-five (45) days, following the date on which they are received by the Joint Committee. However, the Legislative Bodies may extend said term up to twenty (20) days more through a Joint Resolution. If no final action is produced by both Legislative Bodies within this term, it shall be understood that the Plan has been rejected.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21h - Joint Legislative Committee on Judiciary Branch Reorganization Plans—Preliminary study; Judiciary Reform Committee

The Governor may appoint any committee or committees that he deems necessary to study the status of the Judiciary System and to update prior studies on the reorganization of the Judiciary Branch. These bodies shall have the duty or responsibility of advising the Office of the Governor on the Judiciary Branch Reorganization Plans. The Governor and the committees thus appointed, may contract the personnel needed to complete their task, which shall be exempted from the provisions of the Personnel Act, unless they are public officials or employees detached from the agencies of the Executive Branch or the Legislative or Judicial Branches to work with the Office of the Governor and the Committee appointed by him.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21i - Joint Legislative Committee on Judiciary Branch Reorganization Plans—Technical analysis in the Legislature

The Presidents of the Legislative Bodies shall provide the Joint Committee with any specialized personnel needed to analyze the Reorganization Plans presented by the Governor, and to assist the Joint Committee in the task of evaluating the amendments that are made thereto. The Presidents, by mutual agreement, shall determine how this specialized personnel shall be appointed.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21j - Appropriation of funds

The sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) is hereby appropriated under the custody of the Office of Management and Budget, from any available funds in the Commonwealth Treasury, without being subject to any specific fiscal year, to perform the task entrusted to the Governor of Puerto Rico under this chapter. Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) are also appropriated to the Senate of Puerto Rico, and two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) to the House of Representatives, to carry out the corresponding evaluation by the Legislature.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FOUR - Judiciary (§§ 1-3 — 2166) › PART I - Organization of the Court (§§ 1-3 — 251) › Chapter 2 - Reorganization of the Judicial Branch (§§ 21 — 21k) › § 21k - Publishing of reorganization plans

The Reorganization Plans approved by the Legislature, which are approved by the Governor, shall be published jointly with the Laws of Puerto Rico in the volume that corresponds to the Session in which they were approved.
History —Nov. 15, 1993, No. 88, § 13.
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 I - Title and Statement of Principles and Objectives (§§ 24 — 24a) › § 24 - Title

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Judiciary Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico of 2003”.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 1.001, 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 I - Title and Statement of Principles and Objectives (§§ 24 — 24a) › § 24a - Statement of principles and objectives

It is hereby set forth as the fundamental principles and objectives of this chapter, that the Judiciary Branch:
(a) Shall be independent and accessible to the citizenry; shall render services in an equitable and sensitive manner, with a scholarly focus, and shall operate under systems for the effective and speedy handling of cases, without impairing the substantive and procedural rights of the citizenry.
(b) Shall have a strategic leadership that will allow the development of swift designs and administrative methods, as well as an adequate infrastructure and advanced and efficient technology to respond to social changes.
(c) Shall promote a less litigating society, encouraging other methods to resolve controversies and promote the ample participation of all the sectors involved.
(d) Shall establish and maintain an open relationship with the other branches of government and sectors of the civilian community that will allow and expedite collaboration for the development of a sound society.
(e) Shall maintain highly qualified judges and provide for continuing education methods.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 1.002, 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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24b - Judicial power

The Judicial Power of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall constitute a unified judicial system in what concerns jurisdiction, functions and administration. It shall be composed [of] the Supreme Court as the court of last resort, the Court of Appeal as the middle court, and the Court of First Instance, which shall jointly constitute the General Court of Justice.
The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall be constituted in one single judicial district, over which the General Court of Justice shall exert its power and authority.
The creation, suppression of courts and the determination of their jurisdiction and organization shall be carried out by the Legislature by petition of the Judicial Branch.
None of the provisions of this chapter shall be interpreted as that the Legislature delegates, restricts, limits or conditions its constitutional powers provided in Section V of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.001, 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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24c - Power to adopt rules

The Supreme Court shall adopt Rules of Evidence and of Civil and Criminal Procedure for the General Court of Justice, as well as Rules for the Administration of the Courts, as provided by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The principles and objectives of this chapter shall be taken into consideration in the adoption of said Rules. The Rules of Administration shall be subject to the laws regarding supplies, personnel, supervision and appropriation of funds, and to other laws generally applicable to the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, all within the framework of the principle of judiciary autonomy.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.002, 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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24d - Rules of Judicial Ethics

The Supreme Court shall adopt and implement Rules of Judicial Ethics that shall govern the conduct of the members of the Judiciary of Puerto Rico, which shall reflect the expectations of society with regard to the judiciary, establish the relationship of trust that should exist between the judge and the community, and serve as the basis for the selection and designation of the best candidates.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.003, 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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24e - Legal representation for low-income persons

Pursuant to the constitutional mandate that adequate and effective legal representation be provided to all persons charged of a crime, and within its powers to regulate the practice of law, the Supreme Court shall adopt regulations for the assignment of ex officio legal representation to persons of limited resources in criminal cases, and establish objective criteria to identify those persons who swear under oath that they are indigent. The Bar Association, school of law, and other related institutions shall collaborate with the Supreme Court in the creating and implementing such rules.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.004, 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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24f - Judicial conferences

The Supreme Court shall provide by special rule and order the holding of joint or separate conferences, as it may deem, of judges of the General Court of Justice, members of the Bar, and citizens that are not attorneys at law, to consider the status of judicial administration, promote measures addressed to improve judiciary procedures, consider and recommend legislation regarding the adoption of rules of procedure, and in general, to address matters related to the judicial system, its improvement, and the effective administration of justice.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.005, 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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24g - Judicial education

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall establish a judicial education system to promote the professional and intellectual betterment and the development of skills of judges of the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeals, as sensible, fair, efficient, and effective officials in the administration of justice. Among others, said system shall implement periodic educational programs for newly-appointed judges, as well as programs aimed at addressing the needs of mandatory continuing judicial education for all judges. Provided, that as an inherent part of said judicial education system, judges of the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeals shall be required to attend training every two (2) years on topics of child abuse and protection, as well as on changes in policies and procedures related to the “Child Safety, Well-being, and Protection Act”.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.006, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003; Dec. 16, 2011, No. 246, § 86, eff. 90 days after Dec. 16, 2011.
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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24h - Sabbatical leave

Upon addressing the needs of the service, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall grant sabbaticals leave to the members of the Judiciary, to offer them the opportunity for professional improvement. The Supreme Court shall establish by regulation the conditions for the granting of said sabbaticals.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.007, 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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24i - Orientations for the community

The Chief Justice shall develop public education programs and materials, provide basic knowledge on the courts system, furnish [an] understanding of legal controversies, offer information on civil and criminal procedures, acquaint the citizens on their rights and responsibilities, as well as on the availability of optional methods for the [resolution] of conflicts.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.008, 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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24i-1 - Documents—Powers concerning administration and conservation

The Supreme Court shall regulate the way in which the reproduction, conservation and disposal of files and documents shall be administered, regardless of their format or physical characteristics, that originate or are received in the halls of justice, the offices of the clerks, the offices and any other dependencies of the General Court of Justice, whether they are originals generated or duplicated in paper, generated or duplicated electronically, and even though never printed on paper or in any other means different from the original.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, added as § 2.009 on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 509, § 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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24i-2 - Useless documents—Powers for administration

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or the Administrative Director of the Courts, through the delegation of the latter, shall establish the standards and procedures for selling official and judicial and any other documents declared to be useless once destroyed and unreproducible [sic] pursuant to the standards of the Conservation and Disposal of Documents of the Judicial Branch Program, and which have commercial value in the paper sellers market so as to proceed with their sale. The standards and procedures approved for such purposes shall be in agreement with the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico as to the disposal of solid waste, be it through their reduction and recycling or through other processes established by law.
The revenues proceeding from said sales may be deposited by the Judicial Branch in special separate accounts in the banking institutions of their choosing designated by law as depositories of public funds and said deposits, as well as the interest produced thereby, shall be used by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or by the Administrative Director of the Courts for the benefit of the Judicial Branch.
The surplus funds and interest may be used by said Branch on subsequent fiscal years.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, added as § 2.010 on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 509, § 2.
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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24i-3 - Useless documents—Management of funds earned from sale

The funds earned pursuant to this chapter shall be used for, among other things, strengthening the Document Conservation and Disposal Program of the Judicial Branch; for the maintenance of specialized equipment for processing the destruction of documents; for purchasing replacement equipment; for repairing fire prevention equipment; for acquiring special bags to deposit the shredded paper; for purchasing safety equipment for the personnel in charge of the destruction and disposal of the documents; for contracting professional and advisory services; for preparing and participating in training programs for the Documents Conservation and Disposal Program of the Judicial Branch and for all efforts for the administration, reproduction, conservation and disposal of the files and documents of that Branch.
The funds generated pursuant to this chapter shall in no way impair the appropriation of funds in subsequent years to cover regular and operating expenses for the Judicial Branch.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, added as § 2.011 on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 509, § 3.
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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24j - Chief Justice of the Supreme Court-Administrative powers; appointment and designation of judges and other officials

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall direct the administration of the General Court of Justice, shall be responsible for the efficient operation of the courts, promote the accountability of the judges in the execution of their judicial obligations, and shall see to their compliance with the principles and objectives of this chapter.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico regarding a unified judicial system, the Chief Justice shall have exclusive authority to designate and assign administrative judges, in accordance with § 24k of this title; judges who shall hold sessions in the Court of First Instance, and judges to the several panels of the Court of Appeals; to modify such assignments, as the need arises, and may designate judges of one level, to exercise the jurisdiction of judges of another level, pursuant to the norms to be adopted to such effects, taking into account the ultimate goal of the courts of resolving cases and controversies in a just, speedy, effective, and efficient manner.
Administrative designations to serve as judges in courts of a higher hierarchy, shall only be made in extraordinary situations and for a limited term, which shall not exceed an uninterrupted term of one (1) year, pursuant to the needs of the judiciary system.
Furthermore, the Chief Justice shall have exclusive authority to appoint officials and employees as are necessary for the administration of the different bodies, instrumentalities, and boards of the Judicial Branch.
Every judge designated to hold a trust position in the central service of the Judicial Branch, such as the position of Administrative Director of the Courts and such other positions as the Chief Justice determines that are not incompatible with the position of judge, may serve for more than one (1) year in the trust position and shall be relieved of his/her judicial duties, but shall keep, for all pertinent purposes, his/her position, condition, and vested rights as a judge, while he/she is carrying out his/her assigned duties. During such period, he/she shall earn the salary corresponding to the trust position or that corresponding to his/her position of judge, whichever is higher and, once such period concludes, the judge shall earn the salary to which he/she would have been entitled to if he/she had continued holding the position of judge of the General Court of Justice uninterruptedly. Such designation shall not affect the term of appointment corresponding to the position of judge of the General Court of Justice held by him/her or his/her rights under the provisions of §§ 233—246 of this title, known as the “Judiciary Retirement Act”.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.009, renumbered as § 2.012 on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 509, § 4; June 17, 2014, No. 67, § 8.
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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24k - Chief Justice of the Supreme Court—Designation of administrative judges; additional compensation

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall designate the judges who shall administrate the judiciary regions of the Court of First Instance, and the Administrative Judge of the Appellate Court.
The Judges of the Court of First Instance designated to direct the judiciary regions and the Administrative Judge of the Appellate Court shall receive a special compensation, not subject to § 551 of Title 3, in addition to the salary to which they are entitled by law, and during the term of such designation. The Chief Justice shall establish through an order, the amount of this compensation, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. When establishing the compensation, the special working conditions, the administrative realities of the Judiciary Branch, the judiciary regional court or seat, the number of judges and employees under the supervision of same, the Compensation Plan in effect in the Judiciary Branch, the proportion of the compensation in comparison to the salaries of other officials and judges established by law, and any other pertinent factor, shall be taken into consideration.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.010, renumbered as § 2.013 on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 509, § 4.
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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24l - Chief Justice of the Supreme Court—Designation of judges for special matters

The Chief Justice shall designate judges of the Court of First Instance to deal with assignments of a special nature. In the designation provided herein, the Chief Justice shall take into consideration, among others, those matters identified as complex civil litigation cases, or whose consideration provokes a delay in the adjudication of cases in the courts; the need to provide access to citizens during flexible hours; the assignment of judges to address problems of congestion in the diverse courtrooms; criminal or civil cases whose adjudication warrants expertise and special attention; procedures in specific cases established through special laws and the commitment shown by the judges to be designated, to advance the principles and objectives of this chapter.
The Chief Justice shall determine, by means of an order, the need of the special assignment, and compensation in addition to the corresponding salary.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.011, renumbered as § 2.014 on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 509, § 4.
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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24m - Chief Justice of the Supreme Court—Additional compensation for judges on special duty or of a higher rank

The additional compensation shall be granted as long as the judges designated to perform duties of a higher rank or the judges designated to execute special duties, perform such duties for a term in excess of thirty (30) days.
When establishing the additional compensation of the judges that perform special duties, the Chief Justice shall consider the nature of the special duties, the working conditions, and any other factors.
The additional compensation shall be a payment in addition to the salary that corresponds to him/her by law, shall be paid for time served, and shall be eliminated upon the termination of such functions of higher rank, or special duties.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.012, renumbered as § 2.015 on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 509, § 4.
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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24o - Judges—General powers

Every judge shall have the following powers:
(a) To keep and ensure order in their presence.
(b) To keep order in the procedures before their consideration, or before the consideration of any person commissioned by them to perform an investigation or judiciary procedure.
(c) To provide that the procedures before them, and those before their officials, shall be processed according to law.
(d) To enforce compliance with rulings, orders and decisions, as well as orders issued by any judge away from the bench, in pending legal actions or court procedures.
(e) To direct the conduct of their officials and of any person interested in any procedure before their consideration on any matter pertinent to such procedure, for the good of justice.
(f) To order the appearance of persons who shall render statements in a procedure before their consideration.
(g) To take oaths in procedures pending before them, and in all cases in which the exercise of their powers and duties requires it.
(h) To inspect and correct their decisions and orders to temper them to law and justice.
(i) To receive and certify evidence of compliance with the judgment or ruling of a court of law.
(j) To punish contempt of court.
(k) To exercise other powers pertinent to their office which are necessary and convenient for effective compliance of the duties of the office and those imposed by law.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.014, renumbered as § 2.017 on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 509, § 4.
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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24p - Judges—Qualifications; prohibition on exercising the profession

In addition to any other requirement set forth in this chapter, the designation of judges shall fall upon highly-qualified persons who have a sound moral reputation, possess judiciary knowledge and capability, qualities such as integrity, impartiality and judicial commitment, and demonstrate their responsibility and ability to exercise judicial functions.
No judge shall exercise the profession of attorney-at-law or notary.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.015, renumbered as § 2.018 on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 509, § 4.
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 II - General Courts of Justice (§§ 24b — 24q) › § 24q - Judges—Expiration of terms of office

When a judge is re-nominated and confirmed, the term of the new designation shall begin from the date the previous term ended. If the redesignation is not confirmed, or is rejected by the Senate, the judge shall immediately cease his/her functions.
If the judge continues to exercise the functions of said office in violation of what is provided in this section, all actions and rulings made by same in the illegal performance of his/her office shall be null and invalid, and said judge shall be subject to the sanctions provided by law.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 2.016, renumbered as § 2.019 on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 509, § 4.
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 III - Court of Last Resort: Supreme Court (§§ 24r — 24s) › § 24r - Nature and composition

The Supreme Court shall be the court of last resort in Puerto Rico, and shall be comprised of the Chief Justice and eight (8) Associate Justices. The number of Justices can only be changed by law upon request of the Supreme Court itself.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 3.001; Nov. 10, 2010, No. 169, § 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 IV - Intermediate Court: Court of Appeals (§§ 24t — 25) › § 24t - Nature

The Court of Appeals shall be an intermediate court between the Supreme Court and the Court of First Instance. It shall be a court of record and shall perform the functions set forth by law.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 4.001, 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 IV - Intermediate Court: Court of Appeals (§§ 24t — 25) › § 24u - Purposes and objectives

The Court of Appeals shall have the purpose of providing citizens with an appellate forum through which a panel of not less than three (3) judges shall review, as a question of law, the final judgments of the Court of First Instance, as well as the final decisions of the administrative bodies and agencies, and in a discretionary manner, any other resolution or order pronounced by the Court of First Instance. The review as a question of law of the final decisions of administrative bodies and agencies shall be conducted as provided in §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act”.
The Court of Appeals shall meet the objective of this chapter, of giving the citizenry greater access to judiciary procedures. It shall offer easy, less costly and effective access to its procedures, eliminating obstacles athend barriers that hinder the imparting of appellate justice to citizens with valid claims.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 4.002; Sept. 23, 2004, No. 466, § 2, 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) › § 24v - Judges; number and requirements

The Court of Appeals shall be composed of thirty-nine (39) judges, including the judges that belonged to the Circuit Court of Appeals, repealed by Section 9.002 of this Act, who shall be designated by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall hold office for a term of sixteen (16) years.
Only judges with nine (9) years of professional experience subsequent to having been admitted to practice law in Puerto Rico shall be appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeals.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 4.003; July 26, 2010, No. 87, § 2.
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) › § 24w - Procedures and organization

The Supreme Court shall approve the bylaws that shall govern the procedures and the organization of the Court of Appeals, which shall have as their main purpose the provision of easy, economic and effective access to said court. The bylaws of the Court of Appeals shall contain rules, without being limited thereto, geared to reduce to a minimum the number of recourses dismissed due to defects of form or notice, rules that provide reasonable opportunity for the correction of defects of form or notice that do not affect the rights of the parties, and rules that allow effective appearance of the appellants motu proprio and in forma pauperis.
History —Aug. 22, 2003, No. 201, § 4.004, eff. 90 days after Aug. 22, 2003.