The day started off around 9:00 we took the bus through San Juan to the Puerto Rican Supreme Court. We arrived around 10:00 there and went through to security to a room. We were then greeted by a law clerk that worked for one of the four women justices of the Puerto Rican Supreme Court. We then went to see the library. The library was very interesting and an experience. We were the only people let into the restricted area that was usually restricted for the general public. It was very special and interesting to learn that the Puerto Rican civil law system is based off of Spain’s law system and common law after the U.S. After we were in the library we went to the courtroom, which was located across a courtyard with a beautiful pool and tree crawling with iguanas. The courtroom was very interesting with only a couple lights in the room. The room was constructed to use sunlight instead of light bulbs and I thought that was very unique. There we got the opportunity to meet with current Supreme Court judge Anabelle Rodriguez Rodriguez. It was very entertaining talking to her. She told us that in Puerto Rico they base their rules and laws off of Spanish law referring to personal matters and the use the U.S Federal law system but as well have their own Puerto Rican constitution that has Puerto Rican laws that sometimes collide with U.S. Federal laws. She told us about different situations when Puerto Rican laws are overcome by the U.S. Federal law. It was confusing having to balance those situations and know what to do. After having an interesting and entertaining conversation with Honorable Rodriguez Rodriguez we left for lunch.
After lunch we went to the capitol building of Puerto Rico. The building was massive and was completely of marble. It was astonishing seeing the detail and art work within the building. We learned of how Puerto Rico has three main parties independent, statehood, and commonwealth. We met with a senator name Larry Seilman Rodriguez who was for statehood of Puerto Rico. I thought it was interesting how even though Puerto Ricans can shed blood and fight for the United States they are not full-fledged citizens. They have all rights of a U.S. citizen but they are not allowed to vote for presidency. That seems unfair since they can do everything else for the U.S. but vote. After we met with him we then went to meet with a member and only senator of the independent party, Maria de Lourdes Santiago who was very passionate about becoming independent. It was fascinating to hear her speak and got some of the student uncomfortable because of her strong views regarding independence from the U.S. She was very radical and stood by her views and wasn’t afraid to state her feelings, some people would be offended by her views about the U.S., but Puerto Rico is a lot different from the U.S. Puerto Rico has its own culture and traditions that are not related to the U.S. Overall it was an overwhelming day of information but also very interesting and eye opening about Puerto Rican political views and feelings toward the U.S.