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

Abstract

Abstract:. This paper aims to analyze and evaluate the correct and sufficient motivation in the judgment issued in Case No. 01281-2021-00256, initially processed before the Gualaceo Criminal Judicial Unit and resolved on appeal by the Cuenca Criminal Guarantees Court on December 16, 2024. A qualitative analysis was applied based on the constitutional standard of motivation (Art. 76.7, paragraph l, CRE) and the questionnaires on motivational sufficiency and correctness. The results show that the acquittal judgment meets the requirements of sufficient motivation due to the critical and exhaustive assessment of the evidence and is correct given the coherent articulation between facts, legal norm, and decision. In particular, the judge identified factual contradictions, considered the pre-existing medical condition, and rigorously applied the principle of in dubio pro reo. Therefore, judicial work conforms to the model of rationality required in a constitutional state governed by the rule of law.