Dominican Republic: Experts outline challenges of new Penal Code

Legal experts, judges, and prosecutors have identified significant challenges regarding the implementation of the new Dominican Penal Code. During the I National Seminar of the Dominican Alliance Against Corruption (ADOCCO), specialists emphasized that the reform requires a fundamental change in mindset, continuous training, and increased institutional resources rather than just a technical update.

Key areas of concern include the criminal liability of legal entities, the quality of investigations, and the determination of penalties. The new legislation introduces over 70 new types of crimes, including cyberbullying, unauthorized dissemination of intimate content, and the criminal responsibility of corporations for organizational defects.

The reform also impacts the education sector, as teachers and school administrators may face direct criminal liability for negligence or omissions, such as leaving students unsupervised. Additionally, the code establishes prison sentences of up to two years for the mishandling of personal data without proper consent or security measures.