The job of the Consultative Council

Here are the main points of the bill to create a Consultative Council, which is aimed at “rethinking the working of the Judicial Branch and the Prosecutor’s Office.”

The Council will start work on August 18, 2020, and must carry out the functions specified by decree within a period of 90 days.

Council members will work for free and the Justice and Human Rights Ministry will cover any necessary transport and accommodation expenses.

The Council will provide the Executive Branch a report detailing its proposals and recommendations on different judicial matters, such as the problems observed in the correct functioning of the Supreme Court, the Council of Magistrates and the Offices of both prosecuting and defence attorneys.

Regarding the Supreme Court, a functional analysis will be carried out which covers the selection of its members according to the criteria of the diversity of gender and federal representation, among others.

For the Council of Magistrates, likewise a functional analysis which includes the convenience or not of modifying its structure and composition as well as harmonising its work with the Supreme Court.

Regarding the Prosecutor’s Office, likewise a functional analysis which includes the convenience or not of modifying the current legal scheme for appointing its heads and the possibility of its terms being temporary.

Regarding the system of trial by jury, an analysis of the criteria for its most efficient and constitutional implementation.

The Commission will analyse and evaluate the way of finalising the transfer of jurisdiction over non-federal crimes to Buenos Aires City.

The Consultative Council’s report will be adopted by a majority of its members and will include the dissenting recommendations which any of its members wishes to present.