Dominican Republic Supreme Court presidency eligibility debated

A legal debate has emerged regarding the presidency of the Dominican Republic’s Supreme Court of Justice, specifically whether the role should be reserved for career judges or open to external legal professionals.

According to Article 180 of the Dominican Constitution, three-quarters of the Supreme Court members must come from the judicial career, while the remaining quarter can be selected from legal professionals, academics, or members of the Public Ministry. However, the National Council of the Magistracy holds the authority to determine which designated judge will serve as president, without the Constitution imposing a distinction between career judges and external jurists. Proponents of a broad interpretation argue that imposing exclusivity for career judges would create additional requirements not established by the constitutional text.