Despite the fact that the Constitution defining Puerto Rico’s status as a self-governing commonwealth associated with the United States unconditionally bans capital punishment, the U.S. is seeking the federal death penalty in the trial of two Puerto Rican men. The trial has spurred grass-root protests against the death penalty. Gov. Sila M. Calderon, the Commonwealth’s top elected official, said the case demonstrates the need to further reform the U.S. - Puerto Rican relationship, especially in regard to federal laws “that infringe on our culture, our own laws and our customs.” Arturo Luis Davila Toro, president of the Puerto Rican Bar Association, reiterated her concerns, stating, “We don’t believe in capital punishment, and they are trying to impose it on us.” Jury selection for the trial took place last week at the U.S. District Court in San Juan.

(Los Angeles Times, June 9, 2003). See Federal Death Penalty.