Judiciary of Puerto Rico

The Judiciary of Puerto Rico is the judicial branch of the Government of Puerto Rico. It includes all the courts that help make sure laws are followed in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The rules for how these courts work come from the Constitution of Puerto Rico.

There is one Supreme Court, which is the most important court. Below it, there is one Court of Appeals. The Court of First Instance includes 13 Superior Courts and 78 Municipal Courts—one for each municipality.

Besides these courts, Puerto Rico also has a federally run court called the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. If people want to challenge a decision from this court, they can go to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.

Courts

The courts in Puerto Rico include the:

• Supreme Court of Puerto Rico;
• Court of Appeals; and
• Court of First Instance.

The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico is the highest court in Puerto Rico. It has the power to interpret and decide important questions about Puerto Rican law. It is similar to the highest courts in each of the states of the United States.

The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico reviews decisions from the Courts of First Instance and some government agencies. It was created in 1992 to serve as a middle step between lower courts and the Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals has 39 judges and is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The Court of First Instance includes:

• Superior Courts; and
• Municipal Courts.

The Superior Courts handle serious cases and trials, including driving under the influence cases. There are Municipal Courts for each of Puerto Rico's 78 municipalities. These courts are similar to smaller local courts, where judges can set bail and issue arrest warrants.

Administration

The Constitution of Puerto Rico and a law from 1995 allow the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico to make rules for the courts. The court is helped by an office called the Office of Court Administration, which is led by a director.

There is also a group for lawyers called the Bar Association of Puerto Rico.

Officers

Further information: Legal profession in Puerto Rico

Judges

Judges in the Court of Appeals are chosen by the Governor and need approval from the Senate. They serve for 16 years.

Judges in the Superior Court and Municipal Court are also chosen by the Governor with Senate approval. They serve for 12 years.