[REVISION HISTORY]

Argentina juvenile criminal reform faces judicial conflict

Updated 22 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-10 15:45 UTC → 2026-09-10 20:20 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Argentina’s implementation of Law 27.801, which reduces the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 14, continues to trigger institutional conflict. While the law is active in Jujuy and being prepared for application in Santa Fe, its application remains suspended in the Province of Buenos Aires following a 60-day preventive order by Judge Marta Pascual. Judge Pascual cited “insufficient infrastructure, budget deficits, and the risk of overcrowding” as the primary reasons for the suspension, emphasizing her decision is based on “constitutional guarantees rather than political ideology.” This has sparked intense backlash. The La Libertad Avanza party is pursuing impeachment proceedings against the judge, accusing her of undermining a democratically approved law. Prosecutor Hernán Ceruti has appealed the ruling, arguing that the suspension violates the separation of powers and ~~that a habeas corpus cannot be used to suspend a national law without evidence of specific illegal acts against individuals.~~ causes “grave institutional damage.” Additionally, the NGO Usina de Justicia has filed criminal complaints against Judge Pascual for alleged abuse of authority and usurpation of functions. Regional responses remain divided. In Santa Fe, Governor Maximiliano Pullaro criticized the suspension as “silly garantismo” and confirmed his province is prepared to apply the new regime. In Jujuy, Prosecutor Alejandro Bossatti confirmed the law is already in effect. In Chaco, authorities are preparing for implementation by constructing new facilities, such as Penal Unit 9, specifically for minors. In San Luis, Governor Claudio Poggi expressed full support for the reform, noting that adolescents will not be sent to adult penitentiaries. Adding to the judicial complexity, Judge Mirtha Guarino of the Moreno-General Rodríguez judicial department ruled that the law remains valid and must be applied.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.