Puerto Rican legal system

Puerto Rico's legal system is based on both Spanish civil law traditions and U.S. constitutional law. As a U.S. territory, it has its own local courts responsible for civil, criminal, and administrative cases, applying the Puerto Rican Civil, Criminal, and other codes. However, federal law and the U.S. Constitution also apply, especially in areas like immigration and civil rights. The highest local court is the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico. While it has autonomy to govern local laws, ultimate authority on constitutional matters rests with U.S. courts, making it a unique blend of local and federal legal principles.