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Understanding the Hierarchy of Costa Rica Criminal Courts
When considering where the majority of criminal charges are tried in Costa Rica, it's important to understand the structure of their judicial system. Here's a breakdown that helps pinpoint where these cases primarily proceed:
Trial Courts (Tribunales de Juicio):
These are the courts of first instance, meaning they are where the initial trials take place. Therefore, the vast majority of criminal charges that go to trial will be heard in these courts.
These courts handle a wide range of criminal offenses, and their workload is significant.
Key Factors:
It's also essential to recognize the role of the Public Ministry (Ministerio Público). While not a court itself, this body is crucial in investigating and prosecuting crimes. Their work directly feeds into the caseload of the Trial Courts.
The geographical distribution of crime also plays a role. Densely populated areas, such as the Greater Metropolitan Area around San José, tend to have a higher volume of criminal cases.
In essence, while the Supreme Court handles appeals and sets precedents, and Peace Courts handle minor offenses, the Tribunales de Juicio are where the bulk of criminal trials occur.
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