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Argentines Disappointed with Justice System
- Few adults in Argentina think their courts are not performing properly, according to a poll by Catterberg y Asociados for Fores, Fundación Libertad and Universidad Torcuato di Tella. Only 15 per cent of respondents believe their country's justice system is very reliable in terms of fairness.
In addition, 18 per cent of respondents rate Argentina's courts as efficient, and only 14 per cent think the justice system is honest.
Néstor Kirchner finished second to former head of state Carlos Menem in the presidential election held in April 2003. Menem withdrew from the scheduled run-off after voting intention polls suggested an overwhelming victory for Kirchner, candidate of the Front for Victory (FV).
Shortly after taking office, Kirchner ordered a review of the country's justice system in order to combat corruption. In September 2004, Adolfo Vázquez—the last remaining member of the Supreme Court who was chosen by Menem—quit his post citing personal reasons. The Chamber of Deputies had initiated impeachment procedures against Vázquez. Two other justices appointed by Menem resigned, while the Senate disbarred Eduardo Moliné O'Connor in December 2003.
In August 2003, Argentina's National Congress annulled the laws that prevented people suspected of human rights violations committed during the 1976-83 military dictatorship to face trial. In June 2005, the Supreme Court ruled that the laws—passed during the 1980s—were unconstitutional.
Polling Data
In terms of fairness, is Argentina's justice system...?
Very reliable | 1% |
Somewhat reliable | 14% |
Somewhat unreliable | 54% |
Very unreliable | 28% |
Not sure | 2% |
In terms of efficiency, is Argentina's justice system...?
Very reliable | 1% |
Somewhat reliable | 17% |
Somewhat unreliable | 55% |
Very unreliable | 24% |
Not sure | 4% |
In terms of honesty, is Argentina's justice system...?
Very reliable | 1% |
Somewhat reliable | 13% |
Somewhat unreliable | 54% |
Very unreliable | 29% |
Not sure | 4% |
Source: Catterberg y Asociados / Fores / Fundación Libertad / Universidad Torcuato di Tella
Methodology: Interviews with 850 Argentine adults in six provinces, conducted from Jul. 4 to Jul. 12, 2006. Margin of error is 3.5 per cent.