Dominican Republic: Historical context of Penal Code reforms

Historical reflections regarding the Dominican Republic's Penal Code highlight the efforts of former President Juan Bosch to modernize the nation's legal framework. Following his election in 1962, Bosch sought to replace the outdated Napoleonic Code, which he viewed as an obstacle to the country's institutional, political, and economic development.

These reform efforts, along with the progressive 1963 Constitution, were halted following the military-led coup d'état on September 25, 1963. The interruption of these legal initiatives is noted as a significant moment that shaped the country's subsequent developmental trajectory.