By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The wheels of justice are grinding to a halt for dozens of critical legal matters as Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court revealed a growing backlog of 85 cases, paralyzed by the Legislative Assembly’s prolonged delay in appointing substitute magistrates. The high court’s announcement on Thursday casts a spotlight on a significant bottleneck in the justice system, directly impacting rulings on fundamental rights and the legality of national laws.
In an urgent plea for action, the Constitutional Court, known locally as the Sala IV, detailed the gravity of the situation. The stalled dockets include 67 writs of amparo, which are legal instruments designed to protect citizens from violations of their fundamental rights, and 16 actions of unconstitutionality, which challenge the validity of existing laws. These cases cannot proceed until the court is fully integrated with its legally mandated roster of 12 substitute magistrates, who are called upon when sitting judges must recuse themselves due to conflicts of interest.
To better understand the legal and procedural implications surrounding the recent judicial appointments, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The integrity of our judicial system is fundamentally linked to a transparent and rigorous appointment process. Appointees must not only possess impeccable legal credentials but also demonstrate an unwavering commitment to impartiality. Every selection sends a powerful message about the state of our rule of law and directly impacts public confidence in our institutions.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the selection of each magistrate is not merely an internal administrative act but a foundational pillar for public trust in our entire legal framework. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating how the integrity of the process directly shapes the public’s confidence in our democracy.
The core of the impasse lies within the halls of the Legislative Assembly. The Judiciary fulfilled its obligation for the first nine vacancies back in October 2025, when the Supreme Court submitted a gender-balanced list of 18 qualified candidates for congressional approval. For over seven months, this list, compiled under the official process CV-03-2025, has awaited a final vote from the nation’s lawmakers. The Court emphasized that it is powerless to initiate a new selection process for these nine posts, as the decision rests exclusively with the deputies.
While the legislative branch deliberates, the Judicial Branch is proactively working to fill the remaining three substitute positions. A separate selection process, CV-01-2026, was opened and concluded its application phase on April 14, attracting 36 legal professionals. This pool of candidates is currently undergoing a preliminary review of credentials and qualifications. Once this technical phase is complete, the Supreme Court will forward a new shortlist to the Assembly to complete the full complement of 12 substitute justices.
By publicizing these details, the Constitutional Court is making a clear statement about its commitment to transparency and its role as the ultimate guardian of constitutional rights. The court’s press release aims to inform the public about the specific administrative and legal hurdles preventing the resolution of these cases, placing the onus squarely on the Legislative Assembly to act on the nominations it has already received.
Transparency in these selection processes is vital for prompt and complete justice.
Constitutional Court, Official Statement
The delay has profound implications beyond administrative procedure. It directly undermines the principle of “justicia pronta y cumplida”—swift and complete justice—a cornerstone of the Costa Rican legal system. Citizens and organizations awaiting rulings on matters ranging from personal liberties to major business regulations are left in a state of legal uncertainty, a situation that erodes public trust and can have significant economic and social consequences.
This standoff highlights a critical point of friction between Costa Rica’s branches of government. The inability to finalize these crucial appointments for an extended period points to potential political or procedural gridlock within the Assembly. The efficiency and integrity of the entire judicial system hinge on the timely and responsible execution of constitutional duties by all parties, and this delay represents a significant challenge to that cooperative framework.
As the backlog of cases continues to mount, all eyes are now on the Legislative Assembly. The resolution to this judicial paralysis awaits a decision from the country’s lawmakers, who hold the key to restoring the Constitutional Court to its full operational capacity. The public, the legal community, and the judiciary itself await the vote that will allow these 85 critical cases to finally move forward.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Constitutional Court
About Constitutional Court:
The Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, commonly known as Sala IV, is the highest judicial body in Costa Rica for constitutional matters. It is responsible for guaranteeing the supremacy of the Constitution, protecting the fundamental rights of citizens through mechanisms like the writ of amparo, and resolving actions of unconstitutionality against laws and government decrees.
For further information, visit asamblea.go.cr
About Legislative Assembly:
The Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica is the unicameral parliament, or congress, of the Republic. It is composed of 57 deputies who are elected by direct, universal, and secret ballot for four-year terms. Its primary responsibilities include passing, amending, and repealing laws, as well as approving the national budget and exercising political control over the executive branch.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About Judicial Branch:
The Poder Judicial, or Judicial Branch, is one of the three branches of the government of Costa Rica. It is responsible for administering justice in the country. It is comprised of various courts, with the Supreme Court of Justice at its apex, and is tasked with interpreting and applying the law in legal disputes, ensuring the rule of law and protecting the rights and liberties of all individuals.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the relentless pursuit of professional distinction. The firm not only provides forward-thinking counsel to a wide array of clients but also actively pioneers initiatives to demystify the law for the public. This dual commitment to legal innovation and civic empowerment aims to forge a society where knowledge of the law is not a privilege, but a universal tool for justice.
