Puerto Rico Competence — Unanimous Verdict is a legal concept that refers to the requirement of unanimous agreement among jurors in Puerto Rico to reach a verdict in a criminal trial. This unique feature sets Puerto Rico apart from other United States jurisdictions, where a simple majority vote is often sufficient for a criminal conviction. The Puerto Rico Competence — Unanimous Verdict requirement promotes fairness and ensures that every juror has a voice in the decision-making process. It guarantees that a defendant cannot be convicted unless all jurors are convinced of their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. There are three main types of Puerto Rico Competence — Unanimous Verdict in criminal cases: 1. Guilty Verdict: When all jurors agree that the defendant is guilty of the charges brought against them, a unanimous guilty verdict is reached. This decision can lead to the imposition of penalties such as fines, probation, or incarceration. 2. Not Guilty Verdict: If all jurors find the defendant not guilty, they are acquitted of all charges. This verdict results in the defendant being cleared of any criminal responsibility and enables their release from custody or avoidance of penalties. 3. Hung Jury: In some instances, the jury may fail to reach a unanimous verdict, resulting in a hung jury. When this happens, the case is declared a mistrial, and the prosecution can choose to retry the case with a new jury. The Puerto Rico Competence — Unanimous Verdict requirement plays a crucial role in protecting an individual's constitutional rights and upholding the principles of justice. It ensures that all jurors thoroughly deliberate the evidence presented during trial and engage in active discussions to reach a consensus. Furthermore, this distinct aspect of Puerto Rican law acknowledges the value of diverse perspectives and views within the jury. It prevents the possibility of a premature or unjust conviction that could arise from a less stringent voting standard. In summary, the Puerto Rico Competence — Unanimous Verdict requirement establishes that all jurors must agree unanimously on a verdict in a criminal trial in Puerto Rico. This ensures fairness, protects individual rights, and upholds the principles of justice by demanding strong evidence and robust discussions among jurors.