Essay On Circuit Courts

After viewing and hearing the briefs, oral arguments, and the transcripts, pleadings and exhibits from the previous trial, deciding, and writing its opinions the court determines the final say. The Court must decide the case based off the Constitution and laws of the state, regardless of the judge's personal preference, politics, and any other outside influence. (Y. M. Courts, About Your Courts)
County courts or circuit courts are trial courts of limited jurisdiction. There is 30 judicial circuits in the state of Puerto Rico. Each circuit has the same divisions: small claims, juvenile, criminal, family, and probate. The trial courts of limited jurisdiction hear those specific types of cases. The trial courts of general jurisdiction can hear all types of civil and criminal cases. Circuit Courts have exclusive jurisdiction over probate matters, domestic cases, juvenile matters, and criminal felony cases. (F. Courts, Circuit Trial Courts)
Puerto Rico has 369 judges and
Any violation of the codes will lead to disciplinary actions. These codes include: (1) A judge shall uphold and promote the independence, integrity, and fairness of the judiciary, and shall avoid unsuitability and the appearance of unsuitability. 2) A judge shall perform the duties of judicial office suitably, competently, and diligently. 3) A judge shall conduct the judge’s personal and extrajudicial activities to decrease the risk of conflict with the requirements of judicial office. 4) A judge or candidate for judicial office shall not be involved in political or campaign activities that is a conflict with the, integrity, or suitability of the judiciary process). (Association) If a judge is found to be violating any ethical standards, the Supreme Court will make the judge retire, or remove him/her from the bench. (Impeachment is another option in which it is done by two-thirds vote by Senate).