The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico issued Resolution ER-2025-03 on Dec. 19, 2025, implementing comprehensive amendments to the Appeals Court Regulations to harmonize court procedures with the Unified Case Management and Administration System (SUMAC). The resolution represents the latest effort to modernize Puerto Rico's appellate justice system through digital transformation.
The amendments build upon previous changes established in Resolution ER-2025-01, issued April 24, 2025, which initially modified the Appeals Court Regulations to accommodate SUMAC implementation and expedite appellate justice. The earlier resolution introduced foundational changes to prepare the appeals court for the digital case management system.
Following the initial implementation, the Judicial Branch conducted extensive orientation efforts to familiarize the legal community with the new processes for filing appeals and briefs in the intermediate appellate forum through SUMAC. These educational initiatives allowed attorneys and court staff to adapt to the digital filing requirements and procedural changes.
During the months following the April resolution's approval, the Secretariat of the Judicial and Notarial Conference received observations and feedback from the legal profession and Judicial Branch components. This input formed the basis for the latest proposed amendments to the regulations that the Supreme Court considered and ultimately approved.
After conducting additional study of the feedback received, the Supreme Court amended Rules 5, 7, 12.1, 14, 16, 23, 24, 28, 33, 37, 43, 59, 63, 70, 74, and 79 of the Appeals Court Regulations. The extensive scope of the amendments reflects the comprehensive nature of the changes required to fully integrate SUMAC into appellate court operations.
Rule 5 addresses the role of the Secretary of the Appeals Court, establishing new protocols for case administration under the digital system. The amendments to Rule 7 modify filing procedures to accommodate electronic submission requirements and digital processing workflows.
The changes to Rule 12.1 update jurisdictional and procedural requirements to reflect SUMAC capabilities, while Rule 14 amendments address case scheduling and calendar management through the new system. Rule 16 modifications focus on brief filing requirements and formatting standards for digital submission.
Amendments to Rules 23 and 24 address oral argument procedures and record preparation, ensuring these processes integrate seamlessly with SUMAC's digital case management capabilities. The changes to Rule 28 update service requirements and notification procedures to leverage the system's electronic communication features.
Rule 33 amendments modify discovery and evidence handling procedures for the digital environment, while Rule 37 changes address motion practice and emergency procedures. The amendments to Rule 43 update hearing procedures and judicial administration protocols.
The changes to Rules 59, 63, 70, 74, and 79 address various procedural aspects including judgment entry, post-judgment motions, case disposition procedures, and administrative functions. These amendments ensure comprehensive integration of SUMAC throughout all phases of appellate litigation.
The SUMAC system represents a significant technological advancement for Puerto Rico's court system, designed to streamline case management, improve efficiency, and enhance access to justice. The system provides electronic filing capabilities, automated case tracking, and improved communication between courts and legal practitioners.
The implementation reflects broader modernization efforts within Puerto Rico's judicial system, aimed at reducing processing times, improving case management efficiency, and providing better service to litigants and attorneys. The digital transformation addresses longstanding challenges in case administration and aims to expedite the appellate process.
The legal community's feedback during the orientation period proved valuable in identifying practical implementation challenges and necessary procedural adjustments. This collaborative approach between the Supreme Court, legal practitioners, and court personnel helped ensure the amendments address real-world operational needs.
The resolution notes that the document remains subject to changes and corrections during the official compilation and publication process of Supreme Court decisions. Electronic distribution serves as a public service to the legal community while the formal publication process continues.
These regulatory changes position Puerto Rico's appellate courts to better serve litigants through improved efficiency and modernized procedures. The amendments demonstrate the Supreme Court's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance judicial administration while maintaining due process protections.
The implementation of SUMAC and corresponding regulatory amendments represents one of the most significant modernization efforts in Puerto Rico's judicial system in recent years. The changes affect all aspects of appellate practice, from initial filing through final disposition, creating a more streamlined and efficient process for all participants in the appellate system.