16/06/2026 13:16 - Actualidad
Ilustración de una balanza de justicia brillante sobre una tableta digital moderna, simbolizando la modernización del sistema judicial federal en Argentina.
Through Resolution 275/2026, published in the Boletín Oficial (Argentina's official government gazette, similar to the U.S. Federal Register), the Argentine government has confirmed that the Federal Criminal Procedure Code will take effect in the La Plata federal jurisdiction starting September 21, 2026. This development represents a major advancement in judicial reform, transitioning from a written, document-heavy model to a more dynamic and transparent system.
La Plata is the capital of Buenos Aires Province, located approximately 60 km (37 miles) southeast of Buenos Aires City. The La Plata federal jurisdiction covers a strategic region including Ezeiza International Airport (Argentina's main international gateway) and important ports such as La Plata and Dock Sud. Federal Justice in Argentina handles cases involving federal crimes—such as drug trafficking, corruption, customs violations, and crimes crossing provincial borders—similar to U.S. federal courts.
The new model fundamentally transforms how criminal cases are handled. Under the previous inquisitorial system (common in civil law countries), judges played an active role in investigating crimes. The new accusatory system—the standard in the United States, United Kingdom, and many other democracies—creates a clear separation of roles:
The La Plata jurisdiction encompasses 17 districts in the southern Greater Buenos Aires metropolitan area (AMBA), 5 in the northeast, and 23 in the northwest, including strategic locations such as Ezeiza International Airport and the ports of La Plata and Dock Sud. The implementation is supported by advances in infrastructure, technology (UFED systems for digital evidence), and training of judicial personnel.
In contrast, Córdoba Province (Argentina's second most populous region) has postponed implementation until March 8, 2027. The main reasons include vacancies in federal courts and institutional challenges currently affecting the Federal Chamber of that province.
| Aspect | Inquisitorial (Old) | Accusatory (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Investigation Lead | Judge | Public Prosecutor |
| Judge's Role | Active investigator | Impartial referee |
| Process Type | Mostly written | Oral hearings |
| Transparency | Limited | High |
According to official data from Argentina's Ministry of Justice, jurisdictions already applying this system have seen case resolution rates increase from 43% to 82%. The reform emphasizes oral hearings, digital case management, and clearer procedural timelines.
Justice Minister Juan Bautista Mahiques highlighted that the reform will improve financial crime investigations by enabling better tracking of money trails in complex cases. Meanwhile, interim Attorney General Eduardo Casal emphasized the importance of specialization and international cooperation to combat organized crime.
Sources: Infobae, Radio Canal, Argentina.gob.ar.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
