Peru Justice Minister Calls for Overhaul of 'Failed' Criminal Code

Peru's Justice Minister Ernesto Álvarez has declared the nation's Code of Criminal Procedure a failure, announcing his intention to push for "profound reforms." Álvarez stated that the current legal framework "does not serve the purpose of justice" and urgently requires a "reform of the legal rules." He drew a comparison to the United States justice system, noting that American judges can resolve cases in mere minutes, a stark contrast to Peru's protracted legal processes. "As we have seen in some high-profile cases, hearings are held that last several weeks for a small decision," Álvarez criticized, highlighting the inefficiency he aims to rectify.

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As we have seen in some high-profile cases, hearings are held that last several weeks for a small decision

The minister, who previously served as prime minister in the transitional government of José Jerí, emphasized the need for a more effective system. He pointed to legal processes that drag on for months without concrete results, underscoring the urgency of his reform agenda. Álvarez, who also chaired the Constitutional Court in 2012, has returned to public service under the government of Keiko Fujimori, committed to a "new stage of reconciliation and the search for consensus."

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reform of the legal rules

He stressed that Peru operates within a constitutional state of law, where no area is exempt from the Constitution. Álvarez asserted that the nation's values and principles dictate that impunity is an arbitrary act that not only undermines specific judicial processes but also damages the fundamental rights of all Peruvians. His reform efforts are framed within this commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law.

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a new stage of reconciliation and the search for consensus