Medidas cautelares no privativas de libertad: análisis de la ausencia de límites temporales en su aplicación
Non-custodial measures of protection: analysis of the lack of time limits in their applicationBarra lateral del artículo
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Las medidas cautelares no privativas de libertad constituyen alternativas a la prisión preventiva en los sistemas procesales contemporáneos, diseñadas para garantizar los fines del proceso sin restringir arbitrariamente la libertad personal. En este sentido, el objetivo del trabajo fue analizar los vacíos normativos relativos a la ausencia de límites temporales en la aplicación de estas medidas y se evaluó su impacto sobre los derechos fundamentales del imputado en el ordenamiento jurídico ecuatoriano. Se empleó un enfoque cualitativo con diseño de análisis documental, normativo, jurisprudencial y de derecho comparado, examinando la Constitución, el COIP, tratados internacionales y decisiones judiciales nacionales y extranjeras. Se identificaron omisiones legislativas que permiten la prolongación indefinida de estas medidas, afectando la presunción de inocencia, la proporcionalidad y la seguridad jurídica, además de generar impactos psicosociales en los procesados. Resulta imperativo adoptar límites temporales explícitos, revisiones periódicas obligatorias y motivación judicial reforzada para que estas medidas cumplan su función preventiva sin devenir en restricciones arbitrarias.
Non-custodial precautionary measures constitute alternatives to pretrial detention in contemporary procedural systems, designed to ensure the purposes of the proceedings without arbitrarily restricting personal liberty. In this sense, the objective of this study was to analyze the regulatory gaps regarding the absence of time limits in the application of these measures, evaluating their impact on the fundamental rights of the defendant within the Ecuadorian legal system. A qualitative approach was employed with a design based on documentary, regulatory, jurisprudential, and comparative law analysis, examining the Constitution, the COIP (Comprehensive Organic Criminal Code), international treaties, and both domestic and foreign judicial decisions. Legislative omissions were identified that allow for the indefinite extension of these measures, affecting the presumption of innocence, proportionality, and legal certainty, while also generating psychosocial impacts on the accused. It is imperative to adopt explicit time limits, mandatory periodic reviews, and reinforced judicial reasoning so that these measures fulfill their preventive function without becoming arbitrary restrictions.
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