Constitutional Law at Costa Rica
Costa Rica Constitution in English ... Costa Rica's constitutional framework is grounded in the Constitución Política de Costa Rica, enacted on November 7, 1949, following the Costa Rican Civil War of 1948. This pivotal document established the Second Republic and remains the supreme law of the land. (Constitución Política de Costa Rica)
🇨🇷 Constitutional Structure
1. Abolition of the Military
A distinctive feature of Costa Rica's Constitution is the abolition of the military as a permanent institution. Article 12 explicitly prohibits the establishment of a standing army, making Costa Rica one of the few nations globally to adopt such a stance. (Constitution of Costa Rica)
2. Government Organization
The Constitution delineates a separation of powers among three branches:
Legislative: The Asamblea Legislativa (Legislative Assembly), a unicameral body with 57 deputies elected for four-year terms.
Executive: The President, serving as both head of state and government, along with appointed ministers.
Judicial: The Supreme Court of Justice, responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality.
Additionally, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal oversees electoral processes and ensures the integrity of suffrage-related activities. (Costa Rica Constitution in English ...)
3. Rights and Freedoms
The Constitution enshrines a comprehensive range of rights, including:
Civil Rights: Freedom of speech, assembly, and religion.
Social Guarantees: Access to education, healthcare, and social security.
Environmental Rights: The right to live in a healthy and ecologically balanced environment, as established in a 1994 constitutional reform. (Constitution of Costa Rica)
4. Amendment Process
Amendments to the Constitution can be proposed by the Legislative Assembly and must be approved by a two-thirds majority. For comprehensive reforms, a Constituent Assembly may be convened. (Costa Rica Constitution in English ..., Constitution of Costa Rica)
🏛️ Historical Context
The 1949 Constitution emerged from a period of political upheaval. In 1948, after a disputed presidential election, a civil war ensued. The conflict concluded with the victory of José Figueres Ferrer, who led the Junta Fundadora de la Segunda República (Founding Junta of the Second Republic). This junta initiated the drafting of the new constitution, aiming to establish a more democratic and stable governance structure. (Constitution of Costa Rica, Constitución Política de Costa Rica)
📘 Accessing the Constitution
For those interested in exploring the full text of Costa Rica's Constitution, an English translation is available at: 👉 CostaRicaLaw.com – Constitution in English
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