YO SOY BORICUA, PA’ QUE TU LOS SEPAS: HOW HEIRS’ PROPERTY ENDANGERS THE FUTURE OF PUERTO RICO

This article analyzes the problem of heirs’ property in Puerto Rico in three sections. Section I commences with the complexities related to Puerto Rico’s civil law system. Section I then bifurcates into Subsections A and B. Subsection A delves into colonial ties that continue to influence the political reality of Puerto Rico. Subsection B then identifies the main barriers to avoiding heirs’ property as informal land transfers, forced heirship, and conjugal partnerships. Section II depicts how the current economic and housing crisis exposes the island to foreign threats. Section II also bifurcates into Subsections A and B. Subsection A unravels how hurricanes and the Federal Emergency Management Agency\u27s shortcomings exacerbate the housing structure\u27s faults. Subsection B criticizes the action taken by the Puerto Rican government to benefit foreign investors at the expense of the people through tax and immigration benefits. Section III presents a realistic multistep approach to protecting Puerto Rican property ownership. Furthermore, Section III seeks to empower Puerto Ricans to establish formal ownership of property interests using community land trusts and sustainable land development as the foundation for revitalizing the Puerto Rican economy. The article concludes by expressing the dire need to protect the island by reallocating power to the people

The Change that Needs to be Made: A Shift From Juvenile Life Without Parole to the Use of Rehabilitative Programs in Florida

Life without parole is the harshest sentence a minor can receive for a homicide offense. Florida is one of a few states that still allow this type of sentence for minors. This sentence violates the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution because it is a cruel and unusual punishment as it locks up a minor for the rest of his or her life, or at least for most of it. Life without parole for juveniles who commit homicide offenses should no longer be available in Florida. A juvenile should receive a sentence that does not keep them incarcerated for the majority of his or her life expectancy. Juveniles sentenced to life without parole are denied opportunities to participate in rehabilitation programs. This leaves the juvenile feeling hopeless, denies the juvenile the opportunity to change his or her character, and does not allow the juvenile to receive the help he or she may need. The criminal justice system takes away the opportunity for parole for certain minors, depriving them of a chance at life outside of the prison walls. This Article examines some of the issues with sentencing minors to life without parole. It concludes by proposing that the sentence should be banned in Florid

A CARTWITHOUT A MULE: COMPARING SOLUTIONS TO HEIRS PROPERTY AND OTHER REAL PROPERTY ISSUES ACROSS LEGAL SYSTEMS IN THE AMERICAS

This Article will examine historical real property issues in two legal systems in the Americas—Saint Lucia and Colombia—and draw comparisons to the heirs property plight in the United States. From this analysis, the Article will conclude that the United States must heed the lessons learned from the real property reforms of other legal systems and take more concerted and vigorous steps if the injustices of heirs property are to ever be truly resolved

A CART WITHOUT AMULE:COMPARING SOLUTIONS TO HEIRS PROPERTY AND OTHER REAL PROPERTY ISSUES ACROSS LEGAL SYSTEMS IN THE AMERICAS

This Article will examine historical real property issues in two legal systems in the Americas—Saint Lucia and Colombia—and draw comparisons to the heirs property plight in the United States. From this analysis, the Article will conclude that the United States must heed the lessons learned from the real property reforms of other legal systems and take more concerted and vigorous steps if the injustices of heirs property are to ever be truly resolved

Collaborating with Local Prisons: Literacy Efforts for Incarcerated Individuals

The Reading Writing Group (“RWG”) is a group that meets at the Santa Rosa Correctional Institution in Milton, Florida. The goals for the participants of RWG are to increase literacy, provide opportunities for creative writing practice, and allow a safe space to express opposing views and opinions. Participants work on their reading and writing skills throughout the semester. However, the critical listening and thinking skills encouraged by the group cannot be overlooked. RWG empowers participants to think outside of their literal box. Through RWG, participants can continue to engage with the outside world and critically reflect on their place within it. Data obtained through surveys taken by RWG participants lends support to how the group improves the lives of participants. Literacy levels for those in prison are lower than members of the general United States population. This article discusses the need for and benefits of educational programming. It also discusses the benefits of collaboration with prisons and how programming like RWG can help prepare offenders for a smoother reentry upon release. Based on the author’s experience establishing and facilitating RWG, others may find useful recommendations should they wish to replicate this type of program