La vulneración del principio de excepcionalidad de la prisión preventiva como garantía del debido proceso en la audiencia de formulación de cargos en el sistema penal ecuatoriano, 2023-2025.

Abstract

Abstract:This research aimed to analyze the violation of the principle that pretrial detention should be an exceptional measure a key guarantee of due process during the charge-filing hearing within the Ecuadorian criminal justice system between 2023 and 2025. To this end, a qualitative legal study was conducted, grounded in a normative, doctrinal, and jurisprudential analysis of pretrial detention, the presumption of innocence, the requirement for judicial reasoning, and the proportionality of precautionary measures. The results demonstrate that the frequent and inadequately justified application of pretrial detention conflicts with its exceptional nature, particularly when imposed without an individualized assessment of procedural risks or less restrictive alternative measures. Furthermore, the study identified that this practice can infringe upon personal liberty, undermine the presumption of innocence, and compromise the legitimacy of the criminal justice system. The study offers legal criteria aimed at fostering judicial decisions that are better reasoned, proportionate, and consistent with due process.