Dominican Republic Senate Backs Controversial Justice Ministry Bill

Dominican Republic Senate Approves Bill to Create Ministry of Justice The Dominican Republic Senate recently approved a bill in its first reading to create a new Ministry of Justice. This move aims to separate administrative tasks from the Public Ministry, a change supported by various experts who see it as a way to streamline processes and improve efficiency. However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the independence of the judiciary. "The creation of a Ministry of Justice does not threaten the independence of the judiciary," stated Pedro Montilla, legal sub-consultant of the Executive Power, during a recent discussion. He argued that this is a common practice in many European countries and other nations in the region. Conversely, the Association of Dominican Prosecutors opposes the bill, citing concerns about the Ministry of Justice's potential to undermine the Public Ministry's role. Their concerns highlight the importance of maintaining a clear separation of powers within the justice system. The debate underscores the complexities of reforming the Dominican Republic's justice system and the need to balance efficiency with the preservation of judicial independence. The bill's next steps will be closely watched.