Question 1

What is an extraordinary remedy in Puerto Rico?

Accepted Answer

Extraordinary remedies are special proceedings, governed by Rules 51 through 59 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, that a court grants when the ordinary lawsuit cannot give timely or adequate relief. They include mandamus (to compel an official duty), habeas corpus (to test an unlawful detention), injunction (to stop or require conduct), quo warranto (to challenge how someone holds public office), and declaratory judgment. Because they move on short deadlines, it is important to consult an attorney as soon as the problem appears.

Question 2

When can I file a mandamus against a government agency?

Accepted Answer

A mandamus orders a public official to perform a ministerial duty — one the law requires with no room for discretion, such as issuing a document or granting access to a public record. It does not work to force a discretionary judgment call, and courts generally expect you to have requested compliance first and to have no other adequate remedy available. An attorney can assess whether the duty is truly ministerial and prepare the petition and supporting record.

Question 3

How fast can a court issue an injunction to stop something?

Accepted Answer

Very fast when the harm is imminent. A court can issue a temporary restraining order (entredicho provisional) that lasts a matter of days, often without notice to the other side, and then hold a hearing on a preliminary injunction to keep things in place while the case is litigated. You generally have to show irreparable harm that money cannot repair and a likelihood of prevailing, and a bond may be required. Acting immediately matters — delay itself undercuts the claim of urgency.

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