Central American States

Portal Ibero-Americano de Justicia Electrónica

Portal to online resources relating to the justice systems of Spain, Portugal and Latin America, provided by the Conference of Ministers of Justice of Ibero-American Countries (COMJIB). The site gives details of the work being undertaken in the various jurisdictions dealing with access to justice, new technologies relating to the administration of justice, international legal cooperation, prison reform and gender equality. Links are given to relevant laws and the government departments undertaking the work. The site can be viewed in Spanish and Portuguese only.

Researching the law of Latin America

Online guide to Latin American law written by Teresa Miguel who is the author of several books and articles and was a public defender between 1994 and 2002. The guide was published in 2010 (and updated in 2022) on the Globalex website and made freely available by the Hauser Global Law School Program at the New York University School of Law. The author gives an introduction to the legal systems of Latin American jurisdictions and provides annotated links to useful web resources for finding the law of Latin American countries and the international law of Latin America.

Inter-American Bar Association

Web pages describing the aims and functions of the Inter-American Bar Association (IABA). The Association was founded in 1940 by lawyers and jurists representing 17 nations and 44 professional organisations, aiming to "promote the rule of law and protect the democratic institutions in the Americas." The site sets out the IABA's objectives, purposes and organisational structure with notes on membership procedures. Information is provided on events and conferences and a copy of the most recent newsletter can be downloaded in PDF. A set of related law links is also available.

United Nations Latin American Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders

The website of the United Nations Latin American Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (ILANUD) is an online information resource that aims to provide information on crime prevention and criminal justice to Latin American countries. The Institute forms part of the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme network. The site provides background information to the Institute's origins, its aims and activities.

Organization of American States

The Organization for American States (OAS) is a regional forum for dialogue and cooperation on political, economic and social issues in the Americas. In addition to general information on its membership and programmes, the website contains the full-text of a number of OAS documents including its charter, annual report, conventions, treaties, all resolutions from the General Assembly and Permanent Council from 1994 onwards, and press releases from 1995 onwards. Also included are the transcripts of key speeches made by the Secretary General and the Assistant Secretary General since 1995.

International IDEA

The International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) is an intergovernmental organisation promoting the growth of democracy worldwide. It is based in Sweden and has offices in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The website has background information its work and details of databases, networks and publications. Sections of the site cover work in the areas of electoral processes, political parties, constitution building, democracy and gender, state of democracy and democracy and conflict.

Secretariat for Legal Affairs, Organization of American States

The Secretariat for Legal Affairs forms part of the Organization for American States (OAS) providing advice and legal services to the OAS in the field of public international law and private international law. The OAS is a regional forum for dialogue and cooperation on political, economic and social issues in the Americas. The site explains the work of the Inter-American Specialized Conferences on Private International Law (CIDIP) who produce international instruments such as conventions, protocols, uniform documents and model laws which are provided on the site.

Due Process of Law Foundation

The Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF) is a private, non-profit organisation which aims to promote "the reform and modernization of Latin America's national justice systems to ensure that the rule of law and respect for human rights are the hallmarks of justice systems throughout the Americas." DPLF's activities include research and training focusing on international justice, judicial accountability and transparency and equal access to justice. Details of activities and publications relating to each area can be viewed on the site.

Disclosing Justice: a study on access to judicial information in Latin America

Report by the Due Process of Law Foundation (DPLF), looking at the legal frameworks for access to judicial information (including freedom of information laws) in the following Latin American countries: Argentina; Chile; Colombia; the Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Honduras; Mexico; Panama; Peru and Uruguay. For each country there is information on the availability of administrative information (financial, statistical and personnel) and case law. The report also outlines the legal instruments that provide access to information and looks at how the information is provided.

Inter-American Cooperation Portal on Cyber-Crime

The Inter-American Cooperation Portal on Cyber-Crime is the website of the Group of Governmental Experts on Cyber Crime established by the Department of Legal Cooperation at the Organization of American States (OAS). The purpose of the group is to look at the issues surrounding cyber crime in OAS member countries, including national legislation, policies and practices, and identify ways of cooperating within the Inter-American system to combat these crimes.

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