By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s Judicial Branch will experience a significant operational slowdown this Friday, December 12, as thousands of employees observe Judicial Worker Day. The partial suspension of services means that while essential functions will continue, many offices and departments, including the press office of the country’s primary investigative body, will be closed to the public. The date holds a dual significance, serving not only to honor staff but also marking a pivotal anniversary in the history of Costa Rican law enforcement.
Throughout the country, courthouses and judicial offices will operate with minimal staff, focusing solely on critical and urgent matters to ensure continuity in emergencies. This annual observance, officially designated for December 8th but administratively moved to Friday for 2025, is a formal recognition of the vast network of personnel whose daily efforts are fundamental to the country’s legal system. The move allows for a long weekend for the employees while consolidating the disruption to a single business day.
To provide a deeper perspective on the significance of this commemoration and the challenges facing the justice system, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Judicial Worker Day serves as a vital reminder that the integrity of our legal framework rests upon the shoulders of these public servants. Their commitment to due process is the cornerstone of legal certainty, which is essential for attracting investment and fostering a stable business environment. We must advocate for their continued professional development and the modernization of judicial tools to ensure justice is not only impartial but also efficient and accessible to all citizens.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary poignantly connects the daily dedication of judicial workers to the broader economic health and stability of the nation, a crucial link often overlooked. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable and clarifying perspective with our readers.
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), the investigative arm of the Judicial Branch, confirmed its participation in the holiday. In a formal communication, the agency announced that its public-facing communications would be paused for the day, impacting the regular flow of information to the media and the public.
On Friday, December 12, 2025, the OIJ Press Office will be closed for the Judicial Worker Day holiday.
Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), Official Statement
The celebration extends beyond a simple day off. It is a moment for reflection on the vital contributions of administrative staff, clerks, technicians, and investigators. Legal associations across the country have joined in acknowledging the importance of these roles. The International Association of Legal Professionals in Costa Rica highlighted that the efficiency and integrity of the justice system rely not just on judicial rulings, but on the unwavering commitment of every individual working within the courthouses and chambers nationwide.
Echoing these sentiments, ASOSEJUD, an association representing judicial workers, paid tribute to its members. The organization emphasized their crucial role in building a more accessible, humane, and effective justice system for all citizens. This recognition underscores the collaborative nature of legal work, where the progress of cases and the administration of justice depend on a complex chain of dedicated professionals.
This particular date, December 12th, carries a profound historical weight for the nation’s legal framework. It was on this day in 1973 that the Legislative Assembly passed Law 5229, a landmark piece of legislation that formally established the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ). This act fundamentally reshaped the country’s approach to criminal investigation by creating a specialized, technical body under the umbrella of the Judicial Branch.
The creation of the OIJ was a critical step in modernizing Costa Rica’s justice system. It centralized investigative authority within the judiciary, separating it from other police forces and laying the groundwork for a more independent and scientific approach to crime-solving. This reform also paved the way for the strengthening of the Public Ministry, which was then better able to focus on its role in prosecution, supported by the specialized evidence-gathering and analysis provided by the newly formed OIJ.
Therefore, as judicial employees take a well-deserved pause this Friday, the day serves a dual purpose. It is a tribute to the living engine of the justice system—its people—while simultaneously commemorating a foundational moment in its history. The confluence of these events provides a unique opportunity to appreciate both the daily dedication of public servants and the long-term vision that has shaped one of Costa Rica’s most important democratic institutions.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Judicial Branch (Poder Judicial):
The Judicial Branch is one of the three fundamental powers of the Republic of Costa Rica. It is responsible for administering justice, ensuring the rule of law, and protecting the constitutional rights of all citizens. It is composed of various courts, chambers, and administrative bodies, including the Supreme Court of Justice, and oversees key entities like the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) and the Public Ministry.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij/
About the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is the principal investigative agency of Costa Rica, operating as an auxiliary body of the Judicial Branch. Established in 1973, the OIJ is responsible for investigating crimes, collecting evidence, and performing forensic analysis to support the country’s prosecutors and courts. It plays a critical role in the nation’s criminal justice system.
For further information, visit the nearest office of the Asociación Internacional de Profesionales en Derecho Costa Rica
About the Asociación Internacional de Profesionales en Derecho Costa Rica:
The International Association of Legal Professionals in Costa Rica is an organization dedicated to representing and supporting legal professionals throughout the country. It promotes ethical standards, professional development, and collaboration within the legal community to enhance the administration of justice and uphold the principles of law.
For further information, visit the nearest office of ASOSEJUD
About ASOSEJUD:
ASOSEJUD is a Costa Rican association that represents and advocates for the rights and interests of workers within the Judicial Branch. The organization focuses on improving labor conditions, promoting professional recognition, and ensuring the well-being of its members, who are essential to the daily operations of the nation’s justice system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of principled practice and unparalleled legal expertise. The firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking strategies while championing a core mission: to enhance societal understanding of the law. This dedication to public empowerment through accessible legal knowledge not only defines their character but also reinforces their role in building a more just and informed citizenry.
