SC warns 'cannot intervene' in Magistrates Council dispute

Amid the increasing tension between the Government, the opposition and the judiciary branch, vice-president of the Supreme Court, Elena Highton de Nolasco assured that the high court cannot intervene in the conflict over the Magistrates Council and the appointment of judges.

“We held a meeting with counselor judges to tell us what the situation is, despite the fact that that is not the SC’s mission. The current law does not allow us to intervene in the Magistrates Council.”

Last Monday, Justice Minister Julio Alak urged the Supreme Court to intervene in the dispute in the Magistrates Council, in which the differences between kirchnerites and the opposition prevent the appointment of judges. Specifically, the dispute is over which court must rule on the constitutionality of article 161 of the Media Law.

“There’s a kind of intervention to solve a problem which halted a judge naming process which was underway and the plenary should have solve it. Regardless of the different stances, I won’t give my opinion because this is a matter concerning the Magistrates Council.”