Quarterly Report: Justice Sector Strengthening Activity

The activity aimed to strengthen the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system in the country, specifically mediation and conciliation, which are closely related to civil and penal law. The new Penal Code and Civil and Mercantil Code, which came into effect in 2010, further emphasized the importance of ADR in the judicial system. A preliminary diagnostic report was commissioned by Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc. to assess the current state of the five Alternative Dispute Resolution Offices (ORAC-OJ) of the Judicial Branch. The report was prepared by Ricardo Alberto Iraheta Martínez and was made possible through support provided by USAID under the terms of Contract No. AID-519-C-13-00001. The report highlights the history of the ORAC-OJ, which began in 2010 with the selection of mediators and mediators through a rigorous process. The selected candidates underwent a nine-month intensive academic formation, which consisted of three modules of ADR: introductory, intermediate, and advanced. Additionally, they received specialized training in ADR for civil, penal, and family law, as well as an internship stage where they gained practical experience in the ORAC. The report also describes the current state of each ORAC, highlighting the challenges and situations encountered in each office. The ORAC at the Judicial Integrated Center of Soyapango, for example, has a team of six mediators, including two men and four women, and is located in the first level of the building. The office has a suitable physical space, which was donated by the previous Checchi project, and the equipment and furniture donated by the project are well-maintained. The report presents statistical data on the performance of the ORAC, including the number of mediations, agreements, and disputes resolved, as well as the number of users and the amount of money collected. The data shows an optimal and growing performance of the ORAC, despite the challenges faced by the office. The report also includes two tables, Cuadro I and Cuadro II, which compare the number of mediations installed in the ORAC-OJ CJIDPS for the years 2012 and 2013. The tables show an increase in the number of mediations installed in 2013 compared to 2012, indicating a growing trend in the use of ADR in the judicial system. Overall, the report provides a comprehensive assessment of the current state of the ORAC-OJ in El Salvador, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for the ADR system in the country.