Latin American Criminal Law: A Historical Perspective

Abstract

This chapter deals with the history of criminal law in Latin America. The first part examines the colonial period seeking to outline the common cultural background of the region. The second part analyzes the transition period after the collapse of the colonial order. The third part deals with the modernization process of criminal justice, associated with the enactment of criminal codes. The uneven development of procedural systems, the growing influence of police forces in criminal justice, and de facto repressive practices are also considered in this part. The chapter concludes with some final remarks and a glance at the challenges that the ideals of liberal criminal law face today.