Chilean Supreme Court Reduces Judge Ulloa's Suspension, Opens Removal Process

Chilean Supreme Court Reduces Judge Ulloa's Suspension, Opens Removal Process

In a significant decision, Chile's Supreme Court has revised the disciplinary measures against Judge Antonio Ulloa Márquez, a minister of the Santiago Court of Appeals. Originally, Judge Ulloa had been suspended for four months. However, the highest court in the country has now reduced this suspension period to two months. This change comes alongside a more severe action: the initiation of a formal "cuaderno de remoción," which is a legal dossier aimed at potentially removing him from his judicial position permanently.

This development is part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of undue influence within the judiciary, a scandal widely known as the "Caso Hermosilla." The case centers on accusations that certain judicial officials, including Judge Ulloa, engaged in actions that could compromise the integrity of judicial appointments.

Background to the Disciplinary Action

The initial suspension of Judge Ulloa stemmed from a disciplinary inquiry that uncovered evidence suggesting his involvement in influencing the selection and appointment of judges. Reports have indicated that this evidence includes various communications, such as chat messages, and other records from an internal investigation, known as a "sumario." These materials reportedly shed light on how Judge Ulloa and lawyer Luis Hermosilla allegedly exerted influence in these critical judicial processes.

The "Caso Hermosilla" has sent shockwaves through Chile's legal system, raising serious questions about transparency and impartiality in the appointment of judges. The Supreme Court's actions reflect a commitment to address these concerns and uphold the ethical standards expected of the judiciary.

The Supreme Court's Decision

The decision to reduce Judge Ulloa's suspension from four to two months, while simultaneously opening a removal process, indicates a complex assessment by the Supreme Court. It suggests that while there was clear justification for disciplinary action, the specific nature of the original sanction might have been re-evaluated. However, the initiation of a removal dossier signals that the alleged misconduct is still considered serious enough to warrant a potential permanent separation from his judicial duties.

It is worth noting that Judge Ulloa is not the only judicial figure to face sanctions in connection with the "Caso Hermosilla." Another minister from the Santiago Court, Verónica Sabaj, also had her suspension confirmed by the Supreme Court, highlighting the broader scope of the investigation into these alleged improprieties.

What happens next

The opening of a "cuaderno de remoción" marks the beginning of a formal legal process that could ultimately lead to Judge Ulloa's dismissal. This procedure typically involves a thorough review of all evidence, additional investigations, and opportunities for the judge to present his defense. The Supreme Court will oversee this process, which is designed to determine if the alleged misconduct is severe enough to justify permanent removal from office. The outcome will have significant implications for Judge Ulloa's career and for public confidence in the Chilean judicial system. The proceedings are expected to be meticulous and could take a considerable amount of time to reach a final resolution.