Puerto Rico
Capital: San Juan · Population: 3,285,874
Constitutional Basis
Puerto Rico became a U.S. territory in 1898 and adopted its Commonwealth Constitution in 1952 under Public Law 600. The constitution established a republican form of government with a bill of rights that includes rights not found in the U.S. Constitution, such as the right to an adequate standard of living.
Legal System
Puerto Rico follows a civil law system derived from the Spanish legal tradition, making it unique among U.S. jurisdictions. Its Civil Code, revised in 2020, governs obligations, property, family, and successions. Federal law applies in areas of federal jurisdiction, creating a hybrid system.
Court Structure
The Puerto Rico court system consists of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico (highest court), the Court of Appeals, the Court of First Instance (trial courts in 13 judicial regions), and municipal courts. Federal cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico, with appeals to the First Circuit.
Key Puerto Rico Laws
Bill of Rights of the Commonwealth
Puerto Rico's Bill of Rights guarantees equality, dignity, and freedom from discrimination, including protections not explicitly enumerated in the U.S. Constitution such as the right to an adequate standard of living.
Civil Code of Puerto Rico (2020)
Puerto Rico's civil code follows the civil-law (Spanish/European) tradition rather than common law. It covers contracts, property, family, and inheritance with codified rules rather than judge-made precedent.
Puerto Rico Penal Code (2012)
Puerto Rico's criminal code defines crimes and punishments. It blends civil-law traditions with U.S. constitutional protections, including jury trial rights for serious offenses.
Labor Transformation and Flexibility Act
Puerto Rico's 2017 labor reform reduced employer mandates on leave accrual and severance pay while extending probationary periods for new hires, aimed at stimulating economic recovery.
Puerto Rico Environmental Public Policy Act
Puerto Rico's environmental law requires environmental impact assessments for major projects and empowers the Environmental Quality Board to set and enforce pollution standards.