Interpretation of Statutes at Costa Rica
Interpretation of Statutes in Costa Rica – Overview
Costa Rica follows a civil law system heavily influenced by Spanish and Roman law traditions. Its legal framework is based on codified statutes, with the Constitution of 1949 as the supreme law. Interpretation of statutes in Costa Rica relies on specific legal principles embedded in legislation, judicial decisions, and legal doctrine.
1. Legal Framework
Primary source: The Political Constitution of Costa Rica (1949).
Statutes and codes (Civil Code, Penal Code, Commercial Code, etc.) form the core legal framework.
The Judicial Interpretation is mainly performed by the Supreme Court of Justice (Sala Constitucional and Sala Primera).
Legal doctrine and scholarly works strongly influence interpretation.
2. Methods of Statutory Interpretation
Costa Rican courts and legal scholars apply classical interpretive methods consistent with civil law systems:
🔹 Grammatical (Literal) Interpretation
First resort is the literal meaning of the statutory text.
The wording of the law is given priority unless it leads to contradiction or injustice.
🔹 Systematic Interpretation
The statute is interpreted in the context of the entire legal system.
Courts analyze how the provision fits within the code and related laws.
🔹 Historical Interpretation
Examines the legislative intent and background during enactment.
Uses preparatory works, legislative debates, and explanatory documents.
🔹 Teleological (Purpose-Based) Interpretation
Focuses on the objective and purpose behind the law.
Especially important to adapt statutes to social realities and constitutional principles.
3. Role of the Constitutional Court (Sala Constitucional)
Has the authority to review laws for constitutional conformity.
Its rulings interpret statutes in light of constitutional rights and principles.
Interpretation by the Sala Constitucional is binding on all courts.
4. Additional Principles
Principle of legality: No one can be obliged except by law.
In dubio pro reo: In criminal matters, doubts in interpretation favor the defendant.
Principle of proportionality: Applies in administrative and constitutional law to balance interests.
5. Summary Table
| Interpretation Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Grammatical | Literal meaning of the legal text |
| Systematic | Context within the legal system |
| Historical | Legislative intent and preparatory materials |
| Teleological | Purpose and objectives of the statute |
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