Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 1(1), 1-5, 2022
https://doi.org/10.62574/fz29z639
1
The dilemma of full reparation for non-concilable crimes
El dilema de la reparación integral en delitos no conciliables
Luis Ernesto Quinde-Quizhpi
lequindeq@ucacue.edu.ec
Universidad Católica de Cuenca, La Troncal, Cañar, Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8348-3068
ABSTRACT
This article addresses the challenge of comprehensive reparation in non-conciliatory crimes,
exploring the problems that arise in the absence of a specific legal mechanism. Although extra-
procedural conciliation is widely practised, its ability to provide full reparation is questioned, as it
does not comply with Ecuadorian legal parameters. It is argued that the absence of a trial prevents
knowing the truth and determining the guilt of the accused, allowing for out-of-court settlements
that may not guarantee rehabilitation or prevent the repetition of the crime. The need for reform
is highlighted, proposing changes to strengthen the responsibility of perpetrators and encourage
the collaboration of victims from the beginning of the investigation. The analysis examines the
normative and jurisprudential evolution in Ecuador, highlighting advances and challenges in the
effective guarantee of rights and comprehensive reparation, with special emphasis on the
jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court.
Descriptores: aplicación de la ley; seguridad del estado; derechos humanos. (Fuente: Tesauro
UNESCO).
RESUMEN
Este artículo aborda el desafío de la reparación integral en delitos no conciliables, explorando la
problemática surgida al carecer de un mecanismo legal específico. Aunque la conciliación
extraprocesal se practica ampliamente, se cuestiona su capacidad para proporcionar una
reparación completa, al no cumplir con los parámetros legales ecuatorianos. Se argumenta que
la ausencia de un juicio impide conocer la verdad y determinar la culpabilidad del procesado,
permitiendo acuerdos extraprocesales que podrían no garantizar rehabilitación ni prevenir la
repetición del delito. La necesidad de una reforma se destaca, proponiendo cambios para
fortalecer la responsabilidad de los autores y fomentar la colaboración de las víctimas desde el
inicio de la investigación. El análisis examina la evolución normativa y jurisprudencial en Ecuador,
evidenciando avances y desafíos en la garantía efectiva de los derechos y la reparación integral,
con especial énfasis en la jurisprudencia de la Corte Constitucional.
Descriptors: Law enforcement; State security; Human rights. (Source: UNESCO Thesaurus).
Recibido: 19/09/2021. Revisado: 08/10/2021. Aprobado: 18/11/2021. Publicado: 01/01/2022.
Carta al editor
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 1(1), 1-5, 2022
El dilema de la reparación integral en delitos no conciliables
The dilemma of full reparation for non-concilable crimes
Luis Ernesto Quinde-Quizhpi
2
The dilemma of full reparation for non-concilable crimes
This article dives into the complex problems that arise when facing crimes that
are not susceptible to conciliation or are excluded from it. The lack of a specific
legal mechanism obliges defendants and their defence lawyers, whether private
or public, to seek alternatives to get the victim to renounce collaborating in the
investigative process. Despite not being recognised by Ecuadorian legislation,
the phenomenon of extra-procedural conciliation is widely used in daily practice.
The central question guiding this analysis is whether the victim's waiver of his or
her rights through an out-of-court settlement constitutes full reparation.
It highlights the assertion of (Aguirre & Alarcón, 2018), on the importance of victim
reparation in terms of particular priorities, highlighting the need for coherence
between different reparation mechanisms. However, it is argued that an extra-
procedural agreement fails to comprehensively repair the harm to the victim, as
it does not comply with the parameters established in Ecuadorian criminal law.
It is argued that the lack of a trial stage prevents the truth of the facts from being
known and the guilt of the defendant from being determined. Furthermore, it is
argued that an out-of-court agreement, when accepted by a judge, can terminate
the criminal proceedings without guaranteeing rehabilitation, non-revictimisation
or prevention of repetition. The lack of evidence also leaves the prosecutor
unable to prove the facts in a trial, leading to impunity (Aro-Mamani, & Soza-
Mesta, 2020).
Full reparation is only possible with a conviction that proves the existence of the
crime and the guilt of the defendant. The current role of the victim as a procedural
subject is criticised, highlighting the lack of regulations that require his or her
participation in a responsible manner and oriented towards truth and justice. It is
proposed that testimony in advance of the indictment hearing should be
mandatory as a way to ensure effective results in investigations and to promote
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 1(1), 1-5, 2022
El dilema de la reparación integral en delitos no conciliables
The dilemma of full reparation for non-concilable crimes
Luis Ernesto Quinde-Quizhpi
3
the principle of procedural economy (Hartog, 2012). It advocates for a reform that
strengthens the accountability of perpetrators and promotes the collaboration of
victims from the beginning of the investigation, thus avoiding unnecessary costs
for the Ecuadorian state.
This analysis delves into the evolution of constitutional guarantees and the
concept of integral reparation in Ecuador, examining the normative and
jurisprudential progress from the enactment of the 1998 Political Constitution to
the present day. It is recognised that, although some deficits and problems have
been remedied, challenges remain in the effective guarantee of rights and the
materialisation of comprehensive reparation (Machado Maliza, et al. 2021).
The jurisprudence of the Constitutional Court of Ecuador emerges as a crucial
factor in this analysis, revealing a significant development in the understanding
and scope of comprehensive reparation. The decisions analysed show a
receptiveness to international standards of human rights protection, going
beyond mere financial compensation. The effectiveness of the right to individual
integral reparation through measures of satisfaction, rehabilitation and
compensation is highlighted, as well as the incorporation of measures of non-
repetition as a collective right.
An outstanding aspect is the hierarchical equality and direct justiciability of all
constitutional rights, evidencing an important development in the protection of
human dignity as a central objective. The Constitutional Court has shown that
comprehensive reparation applies regardless of the constitutional right violated,
even influencing the state budget to guarantee the full exercise of rights.
The jurisprudence also reveals key criteria on non-material reparation measures,
such as public apologies and the dissemination of judgments on web portals of
obligated entities. These measures should be considered as benchmarks for the
cases faced daily by constitutional judges in the country (Santacruz-Fernández,
& Santacruz-Morales, 2018).
Ultimately, constitutional jurisprudence serves as a sociological source of law,
evidencing advances and challenges in the comprehensive reparation of rights.
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 1(1), 1-5, 2022
El dilema de la reparación integral en delitos no conciliables
The dilemma of full reparation for non-concilable crimes
Luis Ernesto Quinde-Quizhpi
4
This analysis highlights the need to undertake proactive critical studies to initiate
a debate on the actual effectiveness of constitutional rights and how
comprehensive reparation can continue to evolve to ensure full and effective
justice in Ecuador.
Closing reflections
In this exhaustive analysis of full reparation in non-conciliatory offences, a crucial
dilemma in the application of extra-procedural conciliation is revealed. Although
widely used, its ability to provide full reparation is questioned, showing a lack of
consistency with Ecuadorian legal parameters. The absence of a trial is
presented as a significant limitation, impeding truth and the determination of guilt.
The proposal for reforms focused on strengthening the responsibility of
perpetrators and promoting the early collaboration of victims is highlighted. The
jurisprudential evolution of the Constitutional Court stands as a guide,
recognising advances, especially in the protection of human dignity. Ultimately,
this analysis calls for critical reflection and proposals that lead to full and effective
justice in Ecuador.
FUNDING
Non-monetary
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There is no conflict of interest with persons or institutions involved in research.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To jurists working for the enactment of a just society.
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 1(1), 1-5, 2022
El dilema de la reparación integral en delitos no conciliables
The dilemma of full reparation for non-concilable crimes
Luis Ernesto Quinde-Quizhpi
5
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Copyright: 2022 By the authors. This article is open access and distributed under the terms and conditions of
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