Supreme Court of Panama orders closure of the Second Liquidator Court for Criminal Cases.

The Supreme Court of Justice (CSJ) of Panama has made a significant decision by ordering the closure of the Second Liquidating Court for Criminal Cases, which will take effect on August 1, 2024. This measure is part of a judicial restructuring process aimed at optimizing the functioning of the criminal justice system in the country. Through Agreement No. 414, signed on July 25, 2024, the CSJ has outlined a new framework for the adjudication of criminal cases in Panama. The Second Liquidating Court, under the direction of Judge Baloísa Marquínez, had a total of 269 pending cases in its records. The complexity of these cases, mostly related to absconding defendants, poses significant challenges during the transition to the new case management system. With the imminent closure of the court, the Unique Entry Registry (RUE) will be responsible for redistributing the cases to the First Liquidating Court for Criminal Cases of the First Judicial Circuit of Panama, requiring careful planning to ensure that no case is left unprotected. Judge Baloísa Marquínez will not only close a chapter in her career as the head of the Second Liquidating Court but will also take on a new role as a Trial Judge in the Accusatory Criminal System (SPA). This change presents an opportunity for Marquínez to apply her experience in a different environment, where her knowledge will be crucial for the continuity of judicial processes. Additionally, it has been announced that she will continue to serve pro bono as an adjunct judge in the First Liquidating Court, where she will focus on the high-profile "Odebrecht" case, which has garnered national and international attention due to its implications for corruption. The relocation of the staff from the Second Liquidating Court will also be part of this restructuring process. The Technical Secretariat of Human Resources, under the supervision of the Fourth Chamber of General Affairs, will be responsible for assigning staff to new positions according to the needs of the judicial system. This movement is crucial to ensure that the personnel are well adapted to the demands of their new roles, maintaining continuity in service and attention to citizens. Judge José Hoo Justiniani, who presides over the Superior Liquidating Court for Criminal Cases of the First Judicial District, has praised the work done by Judge Marquínez. Justiniani has highlighted the significant reduction in the pending workload at the court she supervised, suggesting that her efforts have positively impacted the efficiency of the judicial system. This recognition underscores the importance of effective leadership in the judicial realm and its role in improving service to society. The closure of a court is not merely an administrative matter; it represents a shift in the philosophy of how criminal cases are handled in Panama. The judicial restructuring aims not only to make processes more efficient but also to respond more effectively to the needs of the population. By transferring cases and redistributing the workload, the goal is for the criminal justice system to become more agile and for wait times in resolving cases to be reduced. The measure also reflects a broader commitment by Panama's judicial system to transparency and accountability. The focus on high-profile cases, such as "Odebrecht," demonstrates the intention to pursue corruption and reinforce public trust in the judicial system. By concentrating efforts on cases of significant impact, it is expected that the perception of justice in the country will be strengthened. As the closure date approaches, expectations regarding the effectiveness of this change are rising. Actors within the judicial system, as well as society at large, will be closely watching how this restructuring is implemented. Proper management of the transition will be crucial to avoid stagnation of cases and to ensure that the rights of the accused and victims are safeguarded. This new chapter in Panama's judicial structure opens the door to a future where efficiency and justice are central priorities. At a time when trust in institutions is being tested, the restructuring of the penal system could be a step towards revitalizing citizen faith in the judiciary. The CSJ has launched an ambitious agenda, and its success could redefine how Panamanians perceive justice in their country.