reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter IV - Admissibility and Relevance › Rule 20 - Evidence of character and habit

(a) Evidence of a person’s character or a trait of his/her character is not admissible for the purpose of proving that he/she acted in conformity therewith on a particular occasion, except:
(1) If the evidence is offered by the defense on the character of the accused.
(2) If the evidence is offered by the prosecution on the character of the accused to rebut the evidence of character introduced by the defense pursuant to the previous clause.
(3) If the evidence is offered by the defense on the character of the victim, pursuant to the provisions in Rule 21.
(4) If the evidence is offered by the prosecution on the character of the victim in order to rebut the evidence of character introduced by the defense under clause (3) above.
(5) If the evidence is offered by the prosecution in relation to the peaceful or calm character of the victim in a murder or homicide case to rebut evidence that the victim was the first aggressor.
(b) Evidence of specific conduct, including the commission of other offenses, civil damages or other acts is not admissible to establish the tendency to incur in this type of conduct or the purpose of inferring that the person acted in conformity therewith; however, said evidence is admissible if it is relevant for other purposes, such as to prove motive, opportunity, intent, preparation, plan, knowledge, identity, absence of mistake or accident, or to establish or rebut a defense.
(c) When evidence of character is admissible pursuant to subsection (a) of this rule above, it shall be admitted only through the testimony of a character witness or by testimony in the form of an opinion about a relevant character trait, without prejudice that in the cross-examination inquiries may be made on the specific relevant conduct.
(d) When a person’s character or trait is an essential element of a charge, claim, cause [of] action or defense, character evidence may be admissible not only through testimony of a character witness or by testimony in the form of opinion, but also through relevant specific instances of this conduct.
(e) Any evidence of habit or practice is admissible to prove that the conduct in a particular occasion was in conformity with habit or practice.
(f) Nothing of what is provided in this rule shall affect the admissibility of evidence offered to uphold or impeach the credibility of a witness pursuant to Rule 45.
History —Amended on Sept. 29, 2004, No. 505, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter IV - Admissibility and Relevance › Rule 21 - Evidence of sexual conduct or history of the victim

In any prosecution for rape or attempt to commit rape, evidence of the victim’s past sexual conduct or history or opinion or reputation, evidence regarding such sexual conduct or history is not admissible for the purpose of attacking her credibility or establishing her consent, unless circumstances of a special nature show that such evidence is relevant and that its probative value outweighs its defamatory or prejudicial character.
If the defendant seeks to offer under such special circumstances evidence of the victim’s sexual conduct or history, or evidence of opinion or reputation regarding such sexual conduct or history, he shall follow the following procedure:
(a) The defendant shall file before the court and the prosecuting attorney a written motion sworn by him specifying the evidence he seeks to offer and stating its relevancy in attacking the victim’s credibility or establishing her consent.
(b) If the court determines that such evidence is sufficient, it shall order a hearing in chambers out of the presence of the jury. In this hearing, the victim may be questioned on the evidence proposed by the defendant.
(c) If the court, at the conclusion of the hearing, determines that the evidence which the defendant seeks to offer is relevant, and that the probative value of such evidence outweighs its defamatory or prejudicial character, it shall make an order specifying what evidence may be offered by the defendant, and the nature of the questions to be permitted. The defendant may then offer evidence pursuant to the order of the court.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter IV - Admissibility and Relevance › Rule 21a - Sexual harassment; evidence of reputation and opinion on the sexual conduct of the plaintiff, inadmissibility; exception; crossexamination

(A) In any civil action in which conduct that constitutes sexual harassment is alleged, no evidence, whether of opinion or reputation or specific facts furnished by the defendant party shall be admitted regarding the sexual conduct of the plaintiff party, to establish consent or the non-existence of damages, unless there are special circumstances that indicate that said evidence is pertinent and that its libelous or damaging nature shall not have greater weight than its probative value.
(B) The provisions of subsection (A) of this Rule shall not be applicable to evidence regarding the sexual conduct of the plaintiff party with the harasser.
(C) If the plaintiff party submits evidence regarding his/her sexual conduct, including his/her own testimony or that of any other person, the defendant party may cross-examine the witness or the party who furnishes said information and submit pertinent evidence, limited specifically to rebut the evidence submitted or introduced by the plaintiff party.
(D) Nothing that is provided in this Rule shall affect the admissibility of any evidence submitted to contest the credibility of a witness, pursuant to Rule 45 of Evidence.
The determination as to the admissibility of evidence of opinion or reputation, or specific facts regarding the sexual conduct of the plaintiff party, shall be made by any Judge other than the one who intervenes in the consideration of the merits of the claim. In the hearing on admissibility, the procedure set forth below shall be followed:
(1) The defendant shall file a written motion to the Court and shall notify the plaintiff party, indicating the evidence to be set forth and its relevance, to challenge the credibility or to establish the consent of the plaintiff party regarding the evidence set forth by the defendant.
(2) Upon the conclusion of the hearing, if the Court determines that the evidence to be submitted by the defendant is relevant, and that its libelous and damaging nature shall not have greater weight than its probative value, it shall issue an order indicating the evidence that can be allowed by the defendant, then the latter may submit evidence in accordance to the Court order.
History —Rules of Evidence, 1979, added as Rule 21-A on Jan. 10, 1998, No. 16, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 23 - Privileges of defendant

In the measure recognized in the Constitution of the United States or in the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, a defendant accused in a criminal case has the right not to be called as a witness and not to testify, and no inference shall be drawn against him/her for the exercise of such right.
History —Sept. 23, 2004, No. 453, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 24 - Self-incrimination

Insofar as it is so acknowledged in the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, all persons have the privilege to refuse to disclose any matter that may tend to incriminate him/her.
History —Sept. 23, 2004, No. 454, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 25 - Attorney-client relationship

(A) As used in this rule, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated below:
(1) Attorney. — A person authorized or reasonably believed by the client to be authorized to practice law. This includes such person and his partners, aids and office employees.
(2) Client. — A natural or artificial person who, directly or through an authorized representative, consults an attorney for the purpose of retaining the attorney or securing legal service or advice from him in his professional capacity. This includes an incompetent who himself so consults the attorney or whose guardian so consults the attorney in behalf of the incompetent.
(3) Confidential communication. — Information transmitted between a client and his attorney in the course of that relationship and in confidence by a means which discloses the information to no third persons other than those to whom disclosure is necessary for the accomplishment of the purposes for which it is transmitted.
(B) Subject to the provisions of this rule, the client, whether or not a party to the action, has a privilege to refuse to disclose, and to prevent another from disclosing, a confidential communication between client and attorney. The privilege may be claimed not only by the holder of the privilege, that is, the client, but also by a person who is authorized to do so in behalf of the client or by the attorney who received the confidential communication if the privilege is claimed in the interest and behalf of the client.
(C) There is no privilege under this rule if:
(1) The services of the attorney were sought or obtained to enable or aid anyone to commit or plan to commit a crime, a tortious act or a fraud.
(2) The communication is relevant to an issue between the heirs of a deceased client, regardless of whether the claims are by testate or intestate succession or by inter vivos transaction.
(3) The communication is relevant to an issue or breach by the attorney of a duty arising out of the attorney-client relationship.
(4) The communication is relevant to an issue of a document drawn by the attorney in his capacity as notary public.
(5) The communication is relevant to a matter of common interest between two (2) or more clients of an attorney, in which event none of them may claim a privilege under this rule against another of such clients.
(D) Where two (2) or more clients retained or consulted an attorney on a matter of common interest, none of them may waive the attorney-client privilege without the other clients’ consent.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 25A - Certified public accountant and client relationship

(A) As used in this rule the following expressions shall have the meaning indicated below:
(1) Client. — A natural or juridical person who consults a certified public accountant with the purpose of contracting him/her or obtaining his/her professional services.
(2) Confidential Communication. — That communication that takes place between a certified public accountant and his/her client including his/her associates, assistants and office-employees with regard to a professional matter, carried out during the practice of the accounting profession based on the trust that it will not be disclosed to third persons, except those needed to execute the purposes of the communication.
(3) Certified Public Accountant. — Every individual who holds a license to engage in the practice of public accountancy in Puerto Rico, issued by the Board of Accountancy as it is defined in the Public Accountancy Act, §§ 771 et seq. of Title 20.
(B) Subject to the provisions of this rule, the client, whether he/she is part of a suit or action or not, has the privilege of refusing, revealing and preventing another from revealing a confidential communication between him/her and his/her certified public accountant. The privilege may only be invoked by the client, who is the person possessing the privilege.
(C) The privilege under this rule does not exist if:
(1) The services of the certified public accountant were requested and obtained to allow or assist any person in the commission, or planning the commission of a crime, a unlawful act or fraud.
(2) The communication is pertinent to a controversy related to a violation by the certified public accountant, of a duty that arises from the certified public accountant and client relationship.
(3) The communication is pertinent to a matter of common interest for two or more clients of the certified public accountant, in which case one client cannot invoke the privilege against the other two.
(4) The contents of the communication are required in the course of a civil or criminal procedure under the “Weapons Act”, §§ 411 et seq. of Title 25; the Controlled Substances Act, §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 24; the “Explosives Act”, §§ 561 et seq. of Title 25; the “Act Against Organized Crime”, §§ 971 et seq. of Title 25; and the provisions of the Penal Code, §§ 3001 et seq. of Title 33; as well as the special acts on these matters.
(5) The communication between the certified public accountant and his/her client is subject to the norms that regulate the accountancy profession requiring their disclosure.
(6) The communication between the certified public accountant and his/her client can be disclosed by legal mandate or by a pressing public interest.
(D) When two or more persons join as clients of the same certified public accountant with regard to a matter of common interest between them, none of them may waive the privilege without the consent of the others.
History —Added on Nov. 11, 1994, No. 124, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 27 - Privileges of spouses

(A) As used in this rule, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated below:
(1) Spouses. — A man and a woman legally married to each other.
(2) Confidential communication between spouses. — Information transmitted in private, without the intention of communicating it to third persons, and in the belief that such information would not be disclosed.
(B) A married person cannot be compelled to testify for or against his spouse.
(C) Subject to the provisions of this rule, a spouse, whether or not a party to the action, has a privilege during the marital relationship and afterwards to refuse to disclose, and to prevent another from disclosing, a communication made in confidence between him and the other spouse while they were husband and wife. The other spouse or the guardian of an incompetent spouse may claim the privilege.
(D) There is no privilege under this rule if:
(1) Disclosure is requested in a civil proceeding brought by one spouse against the other.
(2) Disclosure is requested in a criminal proceeding in which one spouse is charged with:
(i) A crime against the person or property of the other spouse or of a child of either.
(ii) A crime against the person or property of a third person committed in the course of committing a crime against the person or property of the other spouse.
(iii) Bigamy or adultery.
(iv) Abandonment of child or nonperformance of duty to support a child of either spouse.
(3) Disclosure is requested in a proceeding under the Juvenile Court Law or in an action for child custody.
(4) Disclosure is requested in a criminal proceeding in which the communication is offered in evidence by a defendant who is one of the spouses between whom the communication was made.
(5) Disclosure is requested in a proceeding brought by or on behalf of either spouse to establish his competence.
(6) Disclosure is requested in a proceeding to commit either spouse or otherwise place him or his property, or both, under the control of another because of his alleged mental or physical condition.
(7) The communication was made, in whole or in part, to enable or aid anyone to commit or plan to commit a crime, a tortious act or a fraud.
(E) No privilege may be claimed under this rule when one spouse, with consent of the other, disclosed or permitted disclosure of any part of a confidential communication.
History —Amended July 20, 1979, No. 180, p. 489, §§ 1, 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 28 - Clergyman-penitent relationship

(A) As used in this rule, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated below:
(1) Clergyman. — Priest, minister, religious practitioner or similar functionary of a church or of a religious cult or denomination or religious organization.
(2) Penitent. — A person who has made a penitential communication to a clergyman.
(3) Penitential communication. — A communication made in confidence, in the presence of no third person, to a clergyman who, in the course of the discipline or practice of his church or organization, is authorized or accustomed to hear such communications and, under the discipline of his church, has a duty to keep such communications secret.
(B) A clergyman or a penitent, whether or not a party to the action, has a privilege to refuse to disclose and to prevent another from disclosing a penitential communication.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 30 - Trade secret

The owner of a trade secret has the privilege to refuse to disclose the secret, which may be invoked by his agent, or employee or by himself and to prevent another from disclosing it, if the allowance of the privilege will not tend to conceal fraud or otherwise cause an injustice. If disclosure thereof were ordered, the judge shall take the necessary measures to protect the interests of the owner of the trade secret, of the parties involved and of justice.
History —Sept. 23, 2004, No. 451, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 31 - Privilege for official information

(A) As used in this rule, “official information” means information acquired in confidence by a public officer or employee in the course of his duty and not open or officially disclosed to the public prior to the time the claim of privilege is made.
(B) A witness has a privilege to refuse to disclose any matter which constitutes official information, and evidence of such matter is not admissible if the court determines that said matter is official information and disclosure of it is forbidden by law, or that disclosure of such information in the proceeding would be prejudicial to the interest of the government which the witness represents.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 32 - Privilege for identity of informer

A public entity has a privilege to refuse to disclose the identity of a person who has furnished information purporting to disclose a violation of a law of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or of the United States of America if the information is furnished in confidence by the informer to a law enforcement officer, a representative of the administrative agency charged with the administration or enforcement of the law alleged to be violated, or any person for the purpose of transmitting it to such officer or representative. Evidence of informer’s identity is not admissible unless the court determines that it has already been disclosed in any other way, or that information on his identity is essential for the administration of even-handed justice, particularly where such information is essential to the defense of the accused.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 33 - Waiver of privilege

A person who would otherwise have a privilege to refuse to disclose or prevent another from disclosing any specific matter waives his right to claim such privilege if the court finds that such person, or any other person who was the holder of the privilege, is bound by word given to another not to claim the privilege, or that, without coercion and having full knowledge of the privilege, said person disclosed or permitted disclosure by another of any part of the privileged matter. This rule is not applicable to privileges under Rules 23 and 24.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter V - Privileges › Rule 34 - Implied waiver

Regardless of the provisions of Rule 33, the judge presiding at the trial may admit a communication otherwise privileged if he finds that the conduct of the holder of the privilege constitutes a waiver of such privilege.
History —Amended July 20, 1979, No. 180, p. 489, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VI - Witnesses › Rule 37 - Disqualification of witness

A person is disqualified to be a witness if the court finds that the person is not capable of expressing himself[/herself] concerning the matter on which he/she would give testimony in such a way as to be understood, either directly or through interpretation, or is incapable of understanding the obligation of a witness to tell the truth.
History —Amended on June 7, 1988, No. 42, p. 160, § 1; Sept. 29, 2004, No. 500, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VI - Witnesses › Rule 38 - Personal knowledge of witness

Except as provided in these rules with respect to the opinion of expert witnesses, a witness may not testify to a matter unless he has personal knowledge thereof. Against the objection of a party, such personal knowledge must be shown before the witness may testify concerning the matter. A witness’ personal knowledge of a matter may be shown by any otherwise admissible evidence, including his own testimony.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VI - Witnesses › Rule 39 - Oath

Before testifying, every witness shall be required to state his/her purpose to testify the truth by oath or in any other manner, including affirmation, which, in the court’s opinion, binds the witness to testify truthfully or otherwise be subject to be punished for perjury.
History —Amended on June 7, 1988, No. 42, p. 160, § 2; Sept. 29, 2004, No. 501, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VI - Witnesses › Rule 42 - Juror as witness

(A) Jury. — Means the whole body of persons and “juror” is a member of that body.
(B) A juror sworn and impaneled in the trial of an action may not be called to testify in that trial as a witness. If he is called so to testify, the opposing party shall be afforded an opportunity to object out of the presence of the jury.
(C) Upon an inquiry into the validity of a verdict, a juror may not testify as to any matter occurring during the course of the jury’s deliberations, or to his reasons for assenting to or dissenting from the verdict, or concerning his mental processes in connection therewith. However, a juror may testify on the question whether extraneous or improper information was brought to the jury’s attention.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VI - Witnesses › Rule 44 - Credibility and impeachment of witnesses

(A) Who may impeach. — The credibility of a witness may be attacked by any party, including the party calling the witness.
(B) Ways of impeaching. — The credibility of a witness may be attacked or supported through any pertinent evidence, including the following aspects:
(1) Demeanor while testifying and the manner in which he/she testifies.
(2) The nature or character of his/her testimony.
(3) The extent of his/her capacity to perceive, recollect or communicate any matter about which he testifies.
(4) The existence or nonexistence of bias, interest or any other motive for partiality of the witness, subject to the provisions in Rule 47(C).
(5) A statement previously made by him/her, subject to the provisions in Rule 47(A) and (B).
(6) The character or demeanor of the witness with respect to his/her truthfulness or untruthfulness, subject to the provisions in Rules 45 and 46.
(7) The existence or nonexistence of a fact testified by the witness, subject to the provisions in Rule 19.
(C) Impeachment and self-incrimination. — A witness does not waive his privilege against self-incrimination when examined upon a matter which only affects credibility.
History —Sept. 23, 2004, No. 450, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VI - Witnesses › Rule 45 - Impeachment for specific character or conduct

(A) The credibility of a witness may be attacked or supported by evidence in the form of opinion or reputation, but subject to these limitations:
(1) The evidence may refer only to character for truthfulness or untruthfulness.
(2) Evidence of truthful character is admissible only after the character of the witness for truthfulness has been attacked by opinion or reputation evidence or otherwise.
(B) When attacking or supporting the credibility of a witness, only evidence as to specific conduct shall be admitted whenever it refers directly to the truthfulness or untruthfulness of the witness whose credibility is under consideration. The court may reject this kind of evidence whenever it determines that its probative value as to credibility has been overcome by other considerations, specially when challenging the truthfulness of a defendant in a criminal case. Nothing in this paragraph affects the admissibility of evidence of conviction of crime covered by Rule 46.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VI - Witnesses › Rule 46 - Conviction of crime

(A) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (B) of this rule, for the purpose of attacking the credibility of a witness evidence that he has been convicted of a crime shall be admitted if elicited from him or established by public record, but only if the crime, regardless of its classification, involves dishonesty or false statement.
(B) Evidence of prior convictions brought to attack the credibility of a witness is inadmissible unless the judge determines, in the absence of the jury, that its probative value, considering all the facts and circumstances of the case, substantially outweighs its prejudicial effect.
(C) For the purpose of attacking the credibility of a witness, evidence of prior convictions shall be inadmissible if said conviction is remote. A conviction may be considered remote if, at the time of trial, a period of more than ten (10) years has elapsed since the date of the conviction or of the release of the witness from the confinement imposed for that conviction, whichever is the later date.
(D) Evidence of a conviction is not admissible under this rule if the conviction has been the subject of a pardon, annulment or its equivalent, based on a finding of innocence or rehabilitation.
(E) Evidence of juvenile adjudication is generally inadmissible for the purpose of attacking the credibility of a witness. But in a criminal case the court in its discretion may admit evidence of a juvenile adjudication of a witness other than the accused if conviction of the offense would be admissible to attack the credibility of an adult, and the court considers the admission necessary for a fair determination of the guilt of the accused.
(F) The pendency of an appeal therefrom does not render evidence of a conviction inadmissible. Evidence of the pendency of an appeal is admissible.
History —Amended July 20, 1979, No. 180, p. 489, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VI - Witnesses › Rule 47 - Prior statements

(a) In examining a witness for the purpose of attacking his credibility through a statement made by him in writing, no part of such writing need be shown or read to him, but the judge may, upon request, ask that the witness be shown the date and place of the writing, and the person to whom it was addressed. Upon request, the judge shall order that the writing be shown to the opposing counsel for inspection.
(b) Unless the interests of justice require otherwise, extrinsic evidence of a statement made by a witness which is inconsistent with any part of his testimony during the trial or hearing is not admissible unless the witness is afforded an opportunity to explain or deny said statement. This provision does not apply to “admissions” as defined in Rule 62.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VI - Witnesses › Rule 49 - Writings used to refresh memory

(A) Subject to subsection (C) of this rule, if a witness, either while testifying or prior thereto, uses a writing to refresh his memory with respect to any matter about which he testifies, such writing must be produced at the hearing at the request of an adverse party, and unless the writing is so produced, the testimony of the witness concerning such matter shall be stricken.
(B) If the writing is produced at the hearing, the adverse party may, if he chooses, inspect the writing, cross-examine the witness concerning it and introduce in evidence such portion of said writing that may relate to the testimony of the witness.
(C) Production of the writing is excused at the trial, and the testimony of the witness shall not be stricken, if the writing:
(1) Is not in the possession or control of the witness or the party who offered the testimony concerning the matter; and
(2) Said writing was not reasonably procurable by such party through the use of process or orders for the presentation of documentary evidence or through any other available means.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VI - Witnesses › Rule 50 - Interpreters

When a witness’ disability or lack of knowledge of the Spanish language requires the use of an interpreter, the latter shall be qualified as such if the judge determines that he can understand or interpret the witness’ statements. The interpreter shall take an oath that he will make a true and exact interpretation or translation of the witness’ testimony.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VII - Opinions and Expert Testimony › Rule 51 - Opinions or inferences by lay witnesses

If the witness is not testifying as an expert, his testimony in the form of opinions or inferences shall be limited to those opinions or inferences which are rationally based on the perception of the witness and helpful to a clear understanding of his testimony or to the determination of a fact in issue.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VII - Opinions and Expert Testimony › Rule 52 - Expert testimony

When scientific, technical or other specialized knowledge will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a fact in issue, a witness qualified as an expert on the matter on which he shall testify may testify thereto in the form of an opinion or otherwise.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VII - Opinions and Expert Testimony › Rule 53 - Qualification as an expert witness

(A) A person is qualified to testify as an expert if he has special knowledge, skill, experience, training or education sufficient to qualify him as an expert on the subject to which his testimony relates. Against the objection of a party, such special knowledge, skill, experience, training or education must be shown before the witness may testify as an expert.
(B) An expert witness’ special knowledge, skill, experience, training or education may be shown by any admissible evidence, including his own testimony.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VII - Opinions and Expert Testimony › Rule 54 - Cross-examination of expert witnesses

Any witness testifying as an expert may be cross examined to the same extent and scope as any other witness, and may also be fully cross examined as to:
(1) His or her qualifications as an expert;
(2) the subject to which his or her expert testimony relates, and
(3) the facts, data and circumstances upon which his or her testimony is based.
History —Oct. 28, 2002, No. 257, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VII - Opinions and Expert Testimony › Rule 55 - Limit on number of expert witnesses

The court may, at any time before or during the trial of an action, limit the number of expert witnesses to be called by any party.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VII - Opinions and Expert Testimony › Rule 56 - Bases of opinion testimony by experts

The opinions or inferences of an expert witness may be based upon facts or data perceived by the witness or personally known to the witness or made known to him before or during the trial of an action or the hearing. If of a type reasonably relied upon generally by experts in the particular field in forming opinions or inferences upon the subject, the subject need not be admissible in evidence.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VII - Opinions and Expert Testimony › Rule 57 - Opinion on ultimate issue

Testimony in the form of an opinion or inference made by an expert witness is not objectionable because it embraces an ultimate issue to be decided by the trier of fact.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VII - Opinions and Expert Testimony › Rule 58 - Disclosure of basis of opinion

An expert may testify in terms of opinions or inferences and state the reasons upon which his testimony is based without prior disclosure of the facts and data upon which his opinions or inferences are based, unless the court requires otherwise. The expert may in any event be cross-examined on the subject underlying his opinions or inferences and he is bound to disclose the same.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VII - Opinions and Expert Testimony › Rule 59 - Court-appointed experts

(A) Appointment. — Whenever the court determines, before or during the trial, that expert testimony is needed, the court may, of its own motion or at the request of any party, appoint one or more experts to investigate and to render a report as may be ordered by the court, or to testify as expert at the trial. The court shall fix the compensation for such services.
(B) Compensation. — In all criminal actions or juvenile court proceedings, the compensation fixed shall be paid from the State’s funds. In all civil actions, the compensation fixed shall be paid by the parties in such proportion as the court may determine and shall be thereafter chargeable as other costs or disbursements pursuant to the law.
(C) Appearance and examination. — An expert appointed by the court pursuant to this rule may be called to testify and examined by the court or by any party. Whenever he is called and examined by the court, the parties may cross-examine him as in the case of any other witness.
(D) Right to produce other expert evidence. — Nothing in this rule shall prevent any of the parties from producing other expert evidence on the same fact or matter to which the testimony of the expert witness appointed by the court relates. If the party calls its own expert witness, his fees shall be paid by said party but said fees shall not be taxed as costs unless the court at its discretion provides otherwise.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VIII - Hearsay › Rule 60 - Definitions

The following definitions regarding hearsay evidence apply under these rules:
(A) Statement. — Is:
(1) An oral or written assertion;
(2) nonverbal conduct of a person, if it is intended by him as an assertion.
(B) Declarant. — Is a person who makes a statement.
(C) Hearsay. — Is a statement, other than one made by the declarant while testifying at the trial or hearing, offered in evidence to prove the truth of the matter asserted.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VIII - Hearsay › Rule 61 - General rule of exclusion

Except as otherwise provided by law, hearsay evidence shall be inadmissible only pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. This rule shall be known as the “hearsay rule”.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VIII - Hearsay › Rule 62 - Admissions

As an exception to the hearsay evidence rule, the statement offered against a party is admissible if:
(A) It is made by said party, in either his individual or representative capacity, or
(B) It is one of which the party, having knowledge of the contents thereof, has manifested his adoption or belief in its truth, or
(C) It is made by a person authorized by said party to make a statement concerning the subject, or
(D) It is made by his agent or servant concerning a matter within the scope of his agency or employment, during the existence of the relationship, or
(E) It is made by a coconspirator of said party during the course and in furtherance of the conspiracy.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VIII - Hearsay › Rule 63 - Prior statement by witness

As an exception to the hearsay rule, a prior statement made by a witness who appears at a trial or hearing and who is subject to cross-examination as to the prior statement is admissible, provided that such statement is admissible if made by the declarant appearing as witness.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VIII - Hearsay › Rule 66 - Hearsay within hearsay

Hearsay within hearsay is admissible if both the principal and the subordinate or included hearsay fall within the scope of an exception to the hearsay rule.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter VIII - Hearsay › Rule 67 - Credibility of declarant

When a hearsay statement, as defined in this chapter, has been admitted in evidence, the credibility of the declarant may be attacked, and if attacked, may be supported by any evidence which would be admissible for those purposes if the declarant had testified as a witness. Evidence of a statement or conduct by a declarant-at any time-inconsistent with his hearsay statement, is not subject to any requirement of previous confrontation, so as to give the declarant an opportunity to deny or explain such statement or inconsistent conduct. If the party against whom a hearsay statement has been admitted calls the declarant as a witness, the party is entitled to examine him on the statement as if under cross-examination.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter IX - Contents of Writings, Recordings and Photographs › Rule 68 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter the following terms shall have the meaning indicated below:
(A) Writings and recordings. — Consist of letters, words, numbers or their equivalent, set down by handwriting, typewriting, mechanical or electronic recording, micrography, microfilm or other form of data compilation.
(B) Photographs. — Include still photographs, X-ray films, video-tapes and motion pictures.
(C) Original. — An original of a writing or recording is the writing or recording itself or any counterpart intended to have the same effect by a person executing or issuing it. An original of a photograph includes the negative or any print therefrom. If data are stored in a computer or similar device, any print or other output readable shown to reflect the data accurately is an original.
(D) Duplicate. — Is a counterpart produced by the same impression as the original, or from the same matrix, or by means of photography, including enlargements and miniatures, or by mechanical or electronic re-recording, or by chemical reproduction, or by other equivalent techniques which accurately reproduce the original.
History —Amended July 20, 1979, No. 180, p. 489, 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1979.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter IX - Contents of Writings, Recordings and Photographs › Rule 69 - Best evidence and extrinsic evidence rule

Except as otherwise provided by statute or these rules, to prove the content of a writing, recording or photograph, the introduction of the original writing, photograph or recording is required.
History —Amended July 20, 1979, No. 180, p. 489, 1; Sept. 23, 2004, No. 448, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter IX - Contents of Writings, Recordings and Photographs › Rule 70 - Admissibility of other evidence of contents, different from the original

Evidence of the contents of a writing, recording or photograph other than the original shall be admissible if:
(a) The original is lost or has been destroyed, unless the proponent lost or destroyed it in bad faith.
(b) The original cannot be obtained by any available judicial process or otherwise.
(c) The original is under the control of the opponent and he does not produce the original at the hearing despite having been put on notice of the necessity thereof.
(d) The original is not closely related to the controlling issues and it is inconvenient to require its production.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter IX - Contents of Writings, Recordings and Photographs › Rule 71 - Public records and papers

The contents of a public record or of other document kept under the custody of a public entity or office may be proved by certified copy of the original issued by an authorized officer, or by a copy testified to be correct by a witness who has compared it with the original. If this is not possible despite the exercise of reasonable diligence of the proponent, other secondary evidence of the content of the original shall be admissible.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter IX - Contents of Writings, Recordings and Photographs › Rule 72 - Voluminous writings

The contents of voluminous writings, recordings or photographs which cannot be conveniently examined in court may be presented in the form of a chart, summary or calculation, or any other similar evidence. The originals or duplicates shall be made available for the examination or copying by other parties at a reasonable time and place.
The court may order that the originals or duplicates be produced in court.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter IX - Contents of Writings, Recordings and Photographs › Rule 73 - Duplicates

A duplicate is admissible to the same extent as an original unless a genuine question is raised as to the authenticity of the original, or if in the circumstances of the case it would be unfair to admit the duplicate in lieu of the original.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter IX - Contents of Writings, Recordings and Photographs › Rule 74 - Testimony or written admission of party

Contents of writings, recordings or photographs may be proved by the testimony or deposition of the party against whom it is offered or by his written admission, without the need to produce the original.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THIRTY-TWO Appendix (§§ 1 — 39.4) › Appendix IV - Rules of Evidence for the General Court of Justice, 1979 › Chapter X - Authentication and identification › Rule 75 - Requirements of authentication or identification

The requirement of authentication or identification as a condition precedent to admissibility is satisfied by evidence sufficient to support a finding that the matter in question is what its proponent claims.