Digital justice in the Dominican Republic: Chamber of Deputies evaluates reforms to Law 339-22
A special commission of the Chamber of Deputies, led by legislator Tobías Crespo, has begun the formal analysis of a proposal to amend Law 339-22. This regulation, which governs the use of digital media in the Judiciary, seeks to be updated to respond to technological advances and the lessons learned after four years of implementation since it came into effect.
The project, introduced by the President of the Lower House, Alfredo Pacheco, along with other congressmen, focuses on reforming key articles such as 5, 12, and 14. The central objective is to strengthen the legal framework that arose from the need to guarantee the continuity of judicial processes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Proposals of the Supreme Court of Justice
During the meeting with the legislators, Supreme Court of Justice (SCJ) judge Nancy Salcedo presented strategic points to optimize the system’s operability:
- Free digital signature: Facilitate cost-free access to digital signature tools for lawyers and assistants, streamlining document processing.
- Hybrid hearings: Establish a flexible model where virtuality is not an imposition, allowing parties to choose between in-person or remote appearance, always guaranteeing effective judicial protection.
- Georeferencing for bailiffs: Implement location technology to verify that bailiffs perform notifications at the correct location, increasing transparency and avoiding irregularities in critical processes such as seizures.
Magistrate Salcedo highlighted that the Judiciary is moving forward with firm steps toward the consolidation of the electronic file, having achieved the digitization of more than nine million documents to date.
Alofoke Deportes
The implementation of georeferencing is seen as a vital measure to strengthen legal certainty. By allowing more rigorous control over notifications, the goal is to reduce citizen complaints and disciplinary proceedings, ensuring that every legal procedure meets the transparency standards demanded by today’s society.
The legislative commission will continue to delve into the analysis of these proposals, with the commitment to adapt legislation to a rapidly evolving technological environment, ensuring that the Dominican justice system maintains its efficiency and proximity to users.
