P.R. Laws Ap. tit. 34A, § II, Rule 131
Unless otherwise provided by law and by these rules, the testimony of a witness in all trials shall be oral and in open court, and admissibility of evidence and competency and privileges of witnesses shall be governed by the provisions of the Rules of Evidence of Puerto Rico.
In suits for incest, sexual assault, lewd, or indecent acts and in indecent exposure or the attempt thereof, or during the testimony of victims of incidents of domestic violence set forth in §§ 601 et seq. of Title 8, known as the “Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act”, the court may exclude the public from the courtroom during the injured person’s testimony, admitting only those persons who have a legitimate interest in the case, such as court officials and the party’s lawyers and relatives. Prior to the order of exclusion, the court shall hold a private hearing to determine if the injured person needs this protection during his or her testimony.
History —June 22, 1978, No. 65, p. 201; Oct. 18, 2011, No. 206, § 1.