The Plenary of the Supreme Court of Justice approved the creation and implementation of specialized judicial offices for handling organized crime cases in the Accusatory Penal System of the First Judicial District, based in the city of Panama. The measure was taken through Agreement No. 174 on March 13, 2025, under the presidency of Judge María Eugenia López Arias, with the aim of expediting judicial processes related to high-impact crimes.
The increase in cases related to organized crime, according to data from the Administrative Directorate of Judicial Statistics of the Judicial Branch, was one of the fundamental reasons that motivated the decision. Furthermore, the action is based on Law No. 121 of 2013, which establishes special regulations for these crimes, in accordance with international treaties such as the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime.
Starting from May 19, 2025, different specialized courts will come into operation: the Guarantee Court with 12 judges, the Trial Court with 9 judges organized into decision chambers, the Enforcement Court with 10 judges, and the Superior Court of Appeals composed of 9 magistrates organized into decision chambers. Additionally, a Judicial Office dedicated to the administrative support of these offices will be created.
The new courts will be responsible for handling cases related to crimes against collective security, public administration, humanity, and economic order, as outlined in Law No. 121 of 2013. The implementation of these offices aims to ensure prompt and effective justice, in compliance with the provisions of the Constitution and the Judicial Code.
Judges and magistrates who will be part of these specialized courts will be selected through competitions, ensuring that system operators have the necessary experience and knowledge to handle highly complex cases.
