The Puerto Rico Supreme Court has approved a new set of rules aimed at allowing permanent electronic coverage of judicial proceedings. This decision, made on May 18, 2026, affects how the media can report on court cases and aims to enhance transparency and public access to the judicial process.

The new regulations, known as the Reglamento del Programa de Cobertura Electrónica y Difusión de Procesos Judiciales (PROCEDI), will take effect on October 1, 2026. This marks a significant shift from the previous experimental program that allowed limited media coverage in certain courtrooms. The court's ruling is a response to the growing demand for greater transparency in legal proceedings and aims to ensure that the public can better understand the judicial system.

Background

The case, identified as ER-2026-0002, revolves around the approval of the PROCEDI regulations. Previously, the Puerto Rico Supreme Court had implemented an experimental program in 2013, allowing limited media coverage in specific courtrooms. This program was evaluated over the years, and the court found that it had successfully increased public access to judicial proceedings.

The Supreme Court's decision to move forward with the PROCEDI regulations comes after a thorough evaluation conducted by the Judicial Conference Secretariat. This evaluation included feedback from judges, lawyers, and media personnel, indicating a strong desire for more comprehensive media access in courtrooms across Puerto Rico.

The Ruling

The court ruled that the previous experimental program would be replaced by the new PROCEDI regulations, which establish a permanent framework for media coverage of judicial proceedings. The court stated, "We hereby finalize the experimental phase of electronic coverage of judicial processes and grant permanent status to electronic coverage in accordance with the provisions of the PROCEDI regulations." This ruling was made by the Supreme Court judges, including Chief Justice Oronoz Rodríguez and several associate justices.

The new regulations will apply to all thirteen judicial regions of Puerto Rico, as well as the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. The court emphasized the importance of transparency and public access to the judicial system, stating, "This initiative will promote access to justice for the citizens and foster trust in the judiciary."

Impact

The approval of the PROCEDI regulations is expected to have a significant impact on how judicial proceedings are reported in Puerto Rico. By allowing permanent media coverage, the court aims to enhance public trust in the legal system and ensure that citizens can follow important legal cases as they unfold.

This ruling sets a precedent for other jurisdictions that may consider similar measures to improve transparency in their judicial processes. It reflects a growing trend in the legal field to embrace technology and media as tools for enhancing public understanding of the law and the judicial system.

What's Next

The new regulations will come into effect on October 1, 2026, and the court has instructed the Administrative Director of the Courts to implement any necessary administrative measures to ensure a smooth transition to the new system. There is currently no indication that this ruling will be appealed, but it may inspire similar initiatives in other jurisdictions.