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

Abstract

Abstract:This research project, titled "Reasoning in Judgments Issued by First-Instance Judges in Ecuador," analyzes the argumentative quality of judicial decisions, using the judgment in case No. 22303-2024-XXXXX concerning a traffic violation for driving without a license as a case study. The research aims to determine whether the ruling meets the constitutional standard for sufficient and proper reasoning by examining the logical structure, internal coherence, and relevance of the arguments employed by the presiding judge. To this end, an analytical method was applied, allowing the judgment to be broken down into its essential elements such as the facts, the legal issue, the evidence, the reasoning, and the final decision thereby facilitating a critical assessment. The results indicate that, although the judgment presents an adequate formal basis, there is room for improvement regarding argumentative precision and the connection between the evidence and the conclusion reached. Consequently, the study offers relevant criteria for enhancing the quality of judicial reasoning within the Ecuadorian context. Furthermore, practical implications for judicial oversight and national legal certainty are identified.