IS CUBA ’ S SUPREME COURT A MODEL JUSTICE SYSTEM ?
BY ELAINE JONES AND WADE HENDERSON
this document and win its approval when the constitution was put to a referendum .
This was no small feat .
Dr . Remigio took his role seriously . Public confidence in the new constitution was increased by voters ’ perception of his professional and personal involvement in the drafting of the document . Despite his tremendous stature , he seemed to be a man of humility .
Dr . Remigio , the first Afro-Cuban President of the Supreme Court of Cuba , is a lawyer and former lower court judge . In 1997 he was appointed vice-president of the high court and one year later , at age 38 , he became its president . He knows his court and he is deeply familiar with its new constitution .
Dr . Remigio also knows his country ’ s history .
Inside the People ’ s Supreme Court of Cuba
One of the highlights of our trip was an extended meeting with Dr . Ruben Remigio Ferro , the president ( chief justice ) of the People ’ s Supreme Court of Cuba . He was joined in his conversation with us by four of his colleagues ( justices ).
Simply put , Dr . Remigio is well informed and enjoys respect . He is knowledgeable , experienced , and by every appearance , understands the critically important role of the rule of law and the efficient , focused , evenhanded administration of the court system for Cuban society .
In his two-hour meeting with us , Dr . Remigio spoke candidly about the significant leadership role he played in bringing about Cuba ’ s new constitution in 2019 . He used his legal expertise , experience , and reputation both in the community and with official Cuba to help shape
He told us how periods of colonialism and U . S . occupation influenced the development of the Cuban judicial system . For example , he said Spanish law shaped Cuba ’ s civil code and the first U . S . occupation ( 1898 to 1902 ) contributed to the development of the Cuban Supreme Court .
Marxist principles clearly shaped the Cuba ’ s judicial system following Fidel Castro ’ s rise to power in 1959 . For example , attorneys are not permitted to maintain private law practices , but the government authorizes Cuban government law firms to provide service for fees . ( There can be an obvious conflict in that arrangement especially if the government has an interest in the matter .)
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