Judicial Reform: The Neglected Priority in Latin America

Abstract

Judicial reform is essential in Latin America today where countries lack the legal systems needed to secure democratic rule and facilitate foreign political and economic relations in the emerging world of competition and interaction between nations. Indeed, the crisis in the Latin judiciary today is so profound that it may precipitate reforms that otherwise would be impossible. In this article, we offer new data on views from within judicial sectors and society at large. We discuss judicial and nonjudicial problems, including institutional inertia and traditional beliefs, and propose reforms needed to bring justice to all levels of society by enhancing efficiency and reducing the predatory role of the state, including the bribe culture within the public sector. We consider the expected costs and benefits both for the people in general and for government officials and politicians, the latter constituting essential considerations if reforms are to be realistic and stand any chance of being enacted.

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