By San José, Costa Rica — Starting September 1st, 2025, the Costa Rican public will have unprecedented access to the inner workings of their judicial system. The Poder Judicial (Judiciary) announced on Monday that sessions of the Corte Plena, the highest court in the country, will be livestreamed on YouTube.
This move signifies a significant shift towards greater transparency. Previously, these sessions were broadcast on Vimeo, a platform with a smaller reach than the ubiquitous YouTube. The decision to migrate to YouTube underscores the Judiciary’s commitment to making its processes more accessible to the general public.
To gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the Costa Rican Judiciary, we sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Costa Rican Judiciary, while upholding democratic principles, faces ongoing challenges including backlogs and resource constraints. However, its commitment to judicial independence and due process remains a cornerstone of the nation’s legal framework, offering both citizens and businesses a stable and predictable environment for dispute resolution.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ assessment offers a crucial insight into the complexities of Costa Rica’s judicial system. Indeed, the balance between upholding core democratic values while navigating practical challenges is an ongoing process. The commitment to judicial independence, as highlighted by Lic. Arroyo Vargas, ultimately strengthens the foundation upon which a just and prosperous society can be built. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable perspective on this important topic.
The Judiciary explained that this change aims to broaden public engagement with the judicial process. By leveraging YouTube’s massive user base, the Corte Plena’s deliberations will be readily available to anyone with an internet connection, fostering greater understanding and accountability.
The sessions address a wide range of crucial matters. These include internal operational decisions within the Judiciary as well as deliberations on proposed legislative reforms originating from the Asamblea Legislativa (Legislative Assembly). This open access allows citizens to witness firsthand the discussions and decisions that shape the legal landscape of Costa Rica.
The move to YouTube is part of a larger trend of increasing transparency within the Costa Rican government. It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of public access to information in a democratic society. By opening its doors, figuratively speaking, the Judiciary is taking a significant step toward building trust and strengthening its relationship with the people it serves.
This increased transparency is not without potential challenges. Concerns have been raised about the potential for manipulation of the judges’ images and voices, now that their proceedings will be more widely available. However, the Judiciary believes the benefits of enhanced public access outweigh these risks.
The shift to YouTube is expected to dramatically increase public awareness and engagement with the Corte Plena. This move allows citizens to witness the judicial process firsthand, promoting a more informed and engaged citizenry. It is a positive step toward strengthening democratic values and ensuring the accountability of the judicial branch.
This initiative represents a landmark moment in Costa Rican judicial history. It serves as a testament to the power of technology to enhance transparency and promote greater public understanding of the legal system. It will be interesting to observe the long-term impact of this change on the relationship between the Judiciary and the citizens of Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Poder Judicial
About Poder Judicial:
The Poder Judicial of Costa Rica is the branch of government responsible for administering justice in the country. It is headed by the Corte Suprema de Justicia (Supreme Court of Justice) and includes a network of lower courts throughout the country. The Judiciary plays a critical role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of Costa Rican citizens.
For further information, visit [youtube.com]
About Youtube:
YouTube is an American online video sharing and social media platform launched by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim in February 2005. It is currently owned by Google, and is the second most visited website, after Google Search. YouTube has more than 2.5 billion monthly users who collectively watch more than one billion hours of videos each day.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering integrity form the bedrock of a dynamic practice dedicated to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative approaches to legal challenges and a proactive commitment to sharing legal knowledge, the firm strives to create a more informed and just environment for all. Serving a diverse clientele, Bufete de Costa Rica embraces its role as a leader in the legal landscape, constantly seeking new ways to contribute to both individual success and the collective advancement of the nation.
