The Executive Branch is following the developments of a bill that would create the Ministry of Justice in the Dominican Republic under the Presidency, leading to debates over judicial reform and transparency. The bill restructures the coordination among judicial bodies and redefines the roles of the Attorney General Office, removing the responsibility with jails. Civil records would be under the umbrella of the Ministry of Justice. These are presently exclusively managed by the Central Electoral Board (JCE), an autonomous institution.
The Senate has passed a first reading on the bill that establishes the structure and functions of the new ministry, approving the intent to create a modern regulatory framework to streamline state competencies in matters of justice.
The bill establishes the Ministry of Justice directly under the Executive Branch, marking a substantial reorganization of governmental responsibilities. This initiative that was initially spearheaded by the Presidency, is now contained in a bill presented by senators Cristóbal Castillo (PRM- Hato Mayor) and Félix Bautista (Fuerza del Pueblo – San Juan de la Maguana), who have spoken up for a more efficient and centralized justice system.
The bill now progresses to further readings and discussions before it can become law. A second reading is needed and then the bill moves to the Chamber of Deputies. The ruling PRM party has the needed majority in both houses of Congress to pass the bill.
The Abinader administration argues the reforms are critical to combating corruption and modernizing a system long criticized for its sluggishness and ineffectiveness.
El Caribe reports that the proposed Ministry of Justice would operate as a strategic entity within the Executive Branch and is tasked with planning, coordinating, and implementing public policies related to:
• Functional support for the judicial system
• Non-judicial representation of the State
• Coordination of the National Human Rights System
• Management of the penitentiary system
• Civil registration and notarial services
• Procedural defense of the state in civil and commercial litigation
Additionally, five specialized vice-ministries have been established, each with specific and complementary functions, along with new decentralized agencies such as the Special Institute for Penitentiary Studies and the General Legal Research Agency.
The President would appoint the Minister of Justice, who is required to have more than 25 years, hold a university degree in law, and have demonstrated relevant technical experiences. The bill states that the minister would offer managing support for the judicial system, coordinate human rights policies, supervise the penitentiary system and administer civil records and services.
The bill creates several vice ministries:
- Justice System Support and Collaboration to act as a liaison between the Executive Branch and judicial institutions, promoting access to justice and international legal cooperation.
- Judicial and Non-Judicial Representation that would be responsible for defending the state in civil, commercial, and international litigation, excluding criminal and administrative matters.
- Human Rights in charge of coordinating the National Human Rights System and respond to international organizations on issues of regulatory compliance.
- Penitentiary and Correctional Policies to oversee the penitentiary system and design social reintegration programs.
- Civil Registration Matters and Citizen Services to manage official records, notarial certifications, and provide direct services to citizens.
The Ministry of Justice would also coordinate Executive Branch relations with the Ombudsman, the National Public Defense Office, the Public Ministry (the prosecutor arm of the Attorney General Office) and the Attorney General of the Public Administration.
The bill has faced backlash from independent sectors, human rights organizations, and some lawmakers. Concerns include the risk of centralizing judicial power, the lack of public consultation, and fears that the reforms could entrench government control over the judiciary.
A central concern is the preserving the independence of the Judicial Branch and other autonomous institutions. The proponents of the bill say the law explicitly states that the Ministry does not interfere with the work of the judicial system or the Public Ministry, instead functioning as a technical, logistical, and administrative support entity.
Read more in Spanish:
Senate
El Caribe
Diario Libre
9 June 2025