TRYING TO FIT AN OVAL SHAPED ISLAND INTO A SQUARE CONSTITUTION: ARGUMENTS FOR PUERTO RICAN STATEHOOD

Authors

Jose D. Roman, Fordham University School of Law

Keywords

Voting, Constitution

Abstract

This Comment focuses on the limits placed on Puerto Rico under the United States Constitution and concludes that Puerto Rico must become the 51st state to improve its status under the Constitution. It explores Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States and its unusual position under the Constitution. This Comment then examines the voting rights issues facing Puerto Ricans, including a First Circuit case which denied Puerto Ricans the right to vote in presidential elections. The Comment concludes that this case was correctly decided and the Supreme Court, in other decisions, has only recognized a limited right to vote under the Equal Protection Clause. Based on this case law, the Comment argues that Puerto Rico must become the 51st state to alleviate these voting rights issues.

Recommended Citation

Jose D. Roman, TRYING TO FIT AN OVAL SHAPED ISLAND INTO A SQUARE CONSTITUTION: ARGUMENTS FOR PUERTO RICAN STATEHOOD, 29 Fordham Urb. L.J. 1681 (2002).
Available at: https://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/ulj/vol29/iss4/14