Costa Rica’s Justice System Grapples with Overcrowded Jails and Threat of Court Shutdown

The Judicial Workers Union (Sitrajud) reports severe overcrowding in detention cells of the Second Judicial Circuit in San José, citing a shortage of custodial staff that leaves cells packed from Friday evenings through the weekend. Union spokesperson Jorge Cartín warned, “En el caso de cárceles, que es el que inicialmente denunciamos, el tema se da porque hay falta de custodios… no se da abasto al recargo por el tema de flagrancia.” The lack of personnel is straining workers, delaying case processing, extending pre‑trial detention, and complicating the management of vulnerable groups such as minors, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and LGBTQ + detainees.

Meanwhile, the Costa Rican Bar Association has urged legislators to approve substitute magistrates for the Constitutional Chamber, warning of a “technical closure” if the vacancies persist. Bar president Miguel Arias Maduro said, “Cuando la justicia está en riesgo, el Colegio tiene el deber de actuar, porque detrás de este problema hay miles de costarricenses que esperan que alguien defienda sus derechos fundamentales.” The delay leaves 87 pending constitutional cases without a panel, risking rights violations and possible international sanctions.

Both issues underscore a broader staffing crisis that threatens the timely delivery of justice and the protection of fundamental rights in Costa Rica.