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

Abstract

Abstract: This thesis aims to analyze and evaluate the correct and sufficient motivation in the judgments issued by first-instance judges in Ecuador, verifying their conformity with legal and doctrinal standards. This analysis contributes to the understanding of how judicial motivation is constructed in cases of organized crime in Ecuador, highlighting the importance of clear, logical, and complete reasoning as a guarantee of due process. Furthermore, it generates a doctrinal and practical contribution to strengthen judicial argumentation, transparency, and legitimacy in first-instance decisions. For the final resolution, the analysis of this research focused on the motivation employed by judges when justifying their judgments. It examined how the assessment of technical and testimonial evidence was articulated in the decision, and how the existence of an organized criminal structure was legally justified. The study showed that the ruling not only described the facts, but also reasoned about the sufficiency, relevance, and coherence of the evidence, establishing the link between the evidentiary elements and the responsibility of the defendants. In this way, the importance of a clear, logical, and complete justification was confirmed as a guarantee of due process and as an element that reinforces the legitimacy of the judicial decision.