Specialized Domestic Violence Courts in Puerto Rico: Implications for Protection in Civil Cases
On Thursday, April 16, 2026, students, legal practitioners, researchers, and public officials will gather at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law for a research presentation and panel discussion on Specialized Domestic Violence Courts in Puerto Rico: Implications for Protection in Civil Cases, organized by the American Constitution Society (ACS) Student Chapter at the University of Puerto Rico School of Law in collaboration with Pro Bono VIVID and FOS.
This in-person event will highlight research on the role of specialized domestic violence courts in Puerto Rico and foster discussion on their effectiveness and implications for access to justice and protection outcomes in civil cases. The program will feature Dr. Gustavo Bobonis, Hon. Raiza Cajigas Campbell, Noeli Pérez de la Torre, Esq., and Dr. Jenice Vázquez Pagán, with moderation by J.D. candidate Amanda Soto González. Bringing together academic, legal, and institutional perspectives, the event will offer an opportunity to reflect on how specialized courts can strengthen judicial protection for those navigating domestic violence cases.
Featured Research
This event features research from the Judicial Innovation Initiative, a partnership between FOS affiliates and the Puerto Rico Judicial Branch’s Office of Courts Administration. Related paper: Improving Judicial Protection in Intimate Partner Violence Cases: The Role of Specialized Courts and Judges
Event Participants
Dr. Gustavo J. Bobonis, Co-Director, Forward Society (FOS) Lab, Professor, University of Toronto
Hon. Raiza Cajigas Campbell, Judge and Director of Judicial Programs, Puerto Rico Judicial Branch (PRJB)’s Office of Courts Administration
Noeli Pérez de la Torre, Esq., Attorney Focused on Gender-Based Violence Cases
Dr. Jenice Vázquez Pagán, Assistant Professor, Beatriz Lassalle Graduate School of Social Work, University of Puerto Rico
Amanda Soto González, Third-Year J.D. Candidate, University of Puerto Rico School of Law, Moderator
