Dominican Republic Supreme Court swears in 120 promoted judges

The Plenary of the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) in the Dominican Republic has sworn in 120 judges who have been promoted or ascended within the judicial hierarchy. During the ceremony, SCJ President Henry Molina emphasized the importance of judicial independence, bravery, and the ethical commitment required to handle cases of intense public interest while combating judicial backlog.

Among those promoted is Claribel Nivar Arias, who has been appointed to lead the Presidency of the Criminal Chamber of the Courts of First Instance of the National District. This transition may impact the ongoing trial of former Attorney General Jean Alain Rodríguez, as Nivar Arias previously presided over the Second Collegiate Tribunal handling the case.

Separately, questions remain regarding the transparency of recent judicial appointments. The National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) has yet to publish the official minutes detailing the specific votes used to confirm five judges for new seven-year terms, a document that would clarify how individual council members voted during the evaluation process.