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Courts, disputes, and oversight
Why adjudication, investigation, and auditing are different functions.
The judicial system
The Constitution establishes the General Court of Justice. The Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Court of First Instance perform different functions within that system. The correct forum depends on the matter, jurisdiction, and procedural rules. Federal courts in Puerto Rico belong to a separate judicial system.
Administrative forums also exist
An agency or commission may decide disputes within adjudicative powers granted by statute. That does not make it a court in the judicial branch. Its decisions may be subject to judicial review under applicable law and procedure.
Oversight is not a judgment
The Comptroller, Inspector General, and other oversight institutions have distinct responsibilities. An audit, investigation, ethics proceeding, and criminal charge are different processes. When reading about an intervention, identify who acted, which authority it exercised, and the procedural status. An investigative finding should not be treated as a final court judgment.
Check your understanding: Does a commission deciding disputes necessarily belong to the judicial branch?
No. Statutes can grant adjudicative responsibilities to administrative bodies.