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Dominican Republic judicial and constitutional reform

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2026-09-14 22:52 UTC → 2026-09-15 23:53 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Dominican Republic continues to advance judicial and constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening legal security and institutional transparency. These include proposals for a Constitutional Prosecutor and a Military Constitutional Unit within the Ministry of Defense. Regarding the Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ), the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM) recently ratified five judges for new seven-year terms: Justiniano Montero Montero, Fran Euclides Soto Sánchez, Anselmo Alejandro Bello Ferreras, Samuel Amaury Arias Arzeno, and Rafael Vásquez Goico. While the Dominican Alliance Against Corruption (ADOCCO) supported these appointments to ensure stability and judicial independence, the Network of Observers for Institutionality (ROI) criticized the lack of gender parity, noting that only two women remain among the 17 SCJ members. The ROI has urged the CNM to publish the minutes and motivations behind its decisions to increase transparency. Recent developments have introduced further scrutiny regarding the selection process. While the ratification of the five judges was based on performance evaluations, lawyer Valentín Medrano has criticized the CNM’s conduct, specifically labeling the exclusion of magistrate Francisco Jerez, who presides over the Second Chamber of the Supreme Court, as an “injustice” and an “absurdity.” Medrano also expressed skepticism regarding the upcoming selection process for the next president of the Supreme Court. Further complicating the judicial landscape, former SCJ President Luis Henry Molina has expressed frustration regarding accountability, noting that ten judges dismissed for serious misconduct over the last six years have not faced criminal prosecution. He has also advocated for a mandatory judicial career ladder and better gender parity to ensure objectivity. In a new phase of judicial appointments, the CNM has concluded the application period for six vacancies on the Supreme Court of Justice. Justice Minister Antoliano Peralta reported that at least 60 individuals have applied for these positions.

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