Puerto Rico Jury Duty Policy Overview In Puerto Rico, the jury duty policy is an essential part of the judicial system, ensuring fair and impartial trials by providing citizens an opportunity to participate in the administration of justice. Jury duty is a civic responsibility and a constitutional right that upholds the principles of a democratic society. Types of Puerto Rico Jury Duty Policies: 1. General Jury Duty: General jury duty refers to the standard process of summoning individuals to serve as jurors in both criminal and civil cases. This policy applies to all eligible Puerto Rico residents, who may be called upon to serve as jurors in local, state, or federal courts. The selection of potential jurors is random, typically obtained through voter registration lists or driver's license data. 2. Grand Jury Duty: Puerto Rico's justice system also utilizes grand juries, which have a different purpose than general juries. Grand juries are responsible for reviewing evidence and determining whether criminal charges should be brought against a defendant. They consist of around 23 individuals who are summoned for a specific period, usually several months. The grand jury's decisions are based on the majority vote. 3. Excuse and Exemptions: Puerto Rico's jury duty policy also includes provisions for individuals who may be excused or exempted from serving on a jury. Valid excuses may include illness, disability, personal hardship, full-time student status, or prior commitments. Certain professionals, such as doctors or law enforcement officials, may also be exempt from jury service due to their essential roles in society. 4. Length and Compensation: The length of jury duty service in Puerto Rico varies depending on the type of case and court. Generally, jurors are expected to be available for one to several weeks, during which they must adhere to specific court schedules. While serving as a juror, individuals are compensated a stipend, covering expenses like transportation and meals. The amount of compensation differs, with daily rates set by Puerto Rico's judicial system. 5. Reporting and Selection Process: When summoned for jury duty, individuals must attentively follow the provided instructions, which usually include the reporting date, court location, and any necessary documents to bring. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties. During the selection process, potential jurors go through a qualification process, where the court examines their eligibility and suitability for serving on a jury. Puerto Rico's jury duty policy reflects the commitment to uphold fairness and the right to a trial by a jury of one's peers. It ensures active citizen participation in the justice system and aims to maintain an unbiased judicial process that protects the rights of all individuals involved.
Para su conveniencia, debajo del texto en español le brindamos la versión completa de este formulario en inglés. For your convenience, the complete English version of this form is attached below the Spanish version.