This statistical review of the justicesector is the first study of its kind in the Latin Americaand the Caribbean region, and as such, is designed topromote further analytical work in other countries of theregion. Through the application of statistical methods, itaims at responding to questions on the actual demand forjudicial services, on the process of dispute resolution, andon judicial outcomes, and, through qualitative methods, thestudy explores the factors that facilitated, or hinderedaccess to justice, in particular, access to the courtsystem. Based on the available data, further analysis wouldbe required before prescribing reforms. Nonetheless,findings suggest the need to better understand how thecurrent structure, inhibits rather than enhances, access tojustice. In fact, the overwhelming number of cases (petty,non-contentious, etc.) generates the crowding out oflegitimate cases; indeed, the courts responsiveness limitsaccess to those cases requiring the intervention of a judge.Regarding dispute resolution, current rules seeminglypromote, and support behavioral patterns that cause delays,increase litigation costs, and exert the inefficient use ofcourt resources, exemplified by minimal court fees, andinconsistent reimbursement fees, which decreases the costsassociated with protracted litigation. Clearly patternspoint at the need to examine, and improve the incentivestructure, establish information systems, and judicialstatistics, and, analyze further, and systematically theenforcement of judgments.
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