Judges: A Key Step in the Autonomy of the City
The article discusses the constitutional implications of appointing judges to national courts based in Buenos Aires, highlighting the city's struggle for judicial autonomy.
The article focuses on the ongoing discussion regarding the appointment of judges for national courts located in Buenos Aires, which is framed not merely as an administrative issue but as a constitutional matter. Since the 1994 constitutional reform, Article 129 has recognized the autonomy of the City of Buenos Aires, granting it legislative and jurisdictional powers. However, more than thirty years later, the city continues to operate under a residual judicial system that reflects a hybrid model, distinct from the federal structure applied throughout the rest of Argentina.
In addition to the constitutional crisis, the article reveals significant functional challenges within the judicial system. Currently, civil, commercial, labor, and criminal courts are experiencing vacancies nearing 40%, which leads to structural overloads for magistrates who must manage both their own cases and those of absent judges. As a result, this situation exacerbates judicial delays and inefficiencies, contributing to a growing backlog of cases and an overwhelmed judicial environment.
The implications of this issue extend beyond the legal field, affecting the quality of justice delivered to citizens in Buenos Aires. The continuing struggle for judicial autonomy is essential for the city to move towards a more independent and efficient judicial system. This situation requires urgent attention to ensure the legal rights of citizens are adequately protected and that the judicial system functions as intended, free from the hybrid model established years ago.