THE FIRST FRUITS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION IN COSTA RICA: CONVICTION IN A CRIMINAL COURT FOR OFFENSES UNDER THE ACT AGAINST CORRUPTION

This paper analyzes and shares one of the first experiences generated in the fight against corruption in Costa Rica after the adoption of the Law against corruption and illicit enrichment in the public service in this country. To understand the case, this paper begins with a review of corruption fighting in Costa Rica, citing international and national legal instruments and the institutions responsibility for this function. Next, it analyses the penalization for the readers to understand the existing legal framework at the time of the events. Also, this document presents the judgment of the Third Chamber of the Supreme Court, which supports the conviction of the accused of the offenses of corruption in the public service. It details each offense and the reasoning displayed by the Court in its judgment, enriching the discussion of the fight against corruption in the public service. Finally, the document highlights the importance of this first precedent in the fight against corruption in the public service and follow suit.