Motivación en las sentencias emitidas por los jueces de primer nivel en Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: This research analyzes the fulfillment of the constitutional duty of motivation in the judgments issued by first-level judges in Ecuador, using criminal case No. 24281-2024-25197 as a case study. Through a doctrinal, normative, and jurisprudential approach, the argumentative structure of the ruling is examined, as well as the standards of sufficiency and correctness of judicial motivation. Methodological tools such as the motivational sufficiency questionnaire and the correct motivation questionnaire are applied, based on Constitutional Court Judgment No. 1158-17-EP/21. The results show that the analyzed judgment meets the minimum requirements of normative and factual reasoning, without incurring vices such as incoherence, irrelevance, or appearance. Consequently, it is concluded that the decision is properly reasoned, should not be annulled or corrected by a higher court, and constitutes a valid example of the application of due process and the principle of legality. It is recommended to promote training in legal argumentation to ensure the quality of rulings and the protection of fundamental rights.