The Nature of Judicial Reform in Latin America and Some Strategic Considerations

Abstract

This essay has various objectives. First, it seeks to provide an approximation of the structure of the judiciary in Latin America from an institutional economics approach. Second, to identify the main institutional and organizational constraints shaping the performance of the regional judicial organization, which will set the stage for a research and reform agenda that will be more conducive to effective reform of the judiciary. Finally, it proposes strategic considerations for a more effective reform effort of the judiciary in the region, thus providing a more robust basis for policy makers and judicial officials in designing and implementing judicial reform programs.