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  Volumen 169-RCJ-2026

  Vol. 169 No. 169 (2026)

  Obituary

  In Tribute
  Dr. Jorge Enrique Romero Pérez
  12/13/1943 – 12/28/2025 (R.I.P.)
  Honorary Former Director of our Journal of Legal Sciences

  This issue No. 169 of the Journal of Legal Sciences, together with the Editorial Board, bids farewell with deep respect and admiration to our Former Director and Honorary Director (1974–2025), Dr. Jorge Enrique Romero Pérez, who: “Was a distinguished Costa Rican academic, professor, and jurist; he educated generations of professionals for more than three decades, leaving an indelible mark on the University of Costa Rica and on the country’s legal thought. His vocation for teaching, his commitment to knowledge, and his human qualities will always be his legacy.”
  In our Journal, without any doubt, lies one of his most important legacies to Costa Rican law and an enduring mark of his legal wisdom.

  On September 19, 2016, Professors Manuel Amador Hernández, Hernán Esquivel Salas, and Rita Maxera Herrera requested that the Assembly of the Faculty of Law grant Dr. Jorge E. Romero Pérez the status of Professor Emeritus, stating the following: “…he was our Dean and Director of the Institute for Legal Research, …he distinguished our Faculty with a long teaching career, during which he conducted extensive research and published important legal works in his area of expertise. In addition to many other distinctions, he held the title of Humboldt Professor. Finally, Mr. Jorge Enrique directed the Journal of Legal Sciences with perseverance and care for several decades.”

  Dr. Romero Pérez earned his Licentiate degree in Law in 1969 at the University of Costa Rica, where he also studied Economics (1967–1970) and obtained a bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Sociology (1982–1984). He completed his academic doctorate at the Complutense University of Madrid, and his degree was recognized in 1976.

  He held the most important positions through which he contributed greatly to Costa Rican legal culture and education, among others: as an outstanding professor of the Faculty of Law for more than 45 years; as a member of the University Council and former president of the FEUCR (1970), where he stood out as a student leader in the protests against ALCOA. He was also Dean of the Faculty of Law (1989–1993), Director of the Institute for Legal Research (2002–2010), and the first coordinator of the Doctorate in Law program (2012–2016). He was particularly notable in his role as director-editor of the Journal of Legal Sciences (of the University of Costa Rica and the Costa Rican Bar Association) and as Honorary Director, which he exercised with great consistency, dedication, and care, turning it into one of the most prestigious journals, modernizing it and projecting it toward the future as an instrument for disseminating our culture and as a formative medium.

  He published more than 70 legal works and more than 160 journal articles on topics related to Labor Law, Economic Law, Sociology of Law, Public Procurement, International Public Procurement Law, Law and Electronic Contracting, Administrative Law (general and specialized), State Reform, Domestic and External Debt, Political Parties and Political Power, Public Law, Public Employment, Labor Guarantees, the Social State, Democracy and Law, Constitutional Jurisprudence and Law, International Trade and Globalization, Environmental Law, and, in short, University Autonomy, among others.

  In his academic activity as a professor and lecturer, he delivered workshops and seminars and participated in national and international conferences; in these, his work in defense of the Social and Democratic State governed by the Rule of Law stood out, and in particular his critique of globalization trends, leaving his mark on the strengthening of Costa Rican legal culture and the critical teaching of law.

  In recognition of his contributions, he received, among others, the following honors: Humboldt Professor, as Researcher (2010); the Rodrigo Facio Brenes Award, as Distinguished Citizen (2010); and Distinguished Lawyer (2009) from the Costa Rican Bar Association.

  He also completed fellowships at internationally renowned institutes and universities, including Lewis & Clark College (Portland, Oregon, USA) in 1983; Utrecht University (Netherlands, 2001–2003); Carlos III University of Madrid (2000–2001); Georgetown University and American University (Washington, D.C., 1988–1989); the University of Valladolid (Spain, 2002–2003); and the Ibero-American Institute in Berlin (Germany, 2011). As a result, his publications on European Administrative Law, Good Governance and Citizenship; Law and Globalization; State Reform; Environmental Law; Modernization of the State: democracy and law; the Crisis and External Debt in Latin America; Electronic Public Procurement in the European Community; and International Law of electronic public procurement stood out, reflecting a research experience and scholarly exchange in comparative legal culture.

  Among his published works, by way of example, are: The New General Law of Public Procurement in Costa Rica: Exposition and Commentary (San José, Isolma, 2021); Rule of Law and Taxes (San José, Editorial Isolma, 2019); Notes on the 2018 Elections: Sex, Religion, Human Rights and Politics (San José, Editorial Isolma, 2018); Special Administrative Law: Administrative Contracting (San José: Editorial Universidad Estatal a Distancia, 2016); The Public University in Costa Rica (Isolma); Defense of University Autonomy (Special Edition SIEDIN, 2010); Electronic Public Procurement: Costa Rica (San José: Editorial Universidad de Costa Rica, 2013); International Law of Electronic Public Procurement (San José: Editorial Universidad de Costa Rica, 2012); Electronic Credit and Debit Cards (San José: University of Costa Rica, 2011); Public Tendering in Costa Rica (San José: University of Costa Rica, 1975); Special Administrative Law: Administrative Contracting (San José: Distance University Press, EUNED, 2002); State Contracts (San José: EUNED, 1993); General Administrative Law (San José: Distance University Press, 1999 and 2002); Domestic Debt (Costa Rica): Legal Aspects (San José: EUNED, 1998); State Reform (San José: Universidad Estatal a Distancia, EUNED, 1993); Administrative Law: Essays (San José: EUNED, 2nd ed., 1993); The External Debt Crisis in Latin America (San José: University of Costa Rica, 1993); The Laws of Public Transportation (San José: National State Printing House, 1985); Administrative Law and the Costa Rican State (San José: University of Costa Rica, 1984); Anthology on Public Service (San José: University of Costa Rica, 1984); Legal Regulations on Paid Passenger Transport (San José: University of Costa Rica, 1983); Public Service (San José: University of Costa Rica, 1983); Notes on the Problem of the Political Constitution (San José: EUNED, 1981); Parties, Power and Law (San José: University of Costa Rica, 1979); Public Law II: Anthology. Presentation, selection and edition (San José: University of Costa Rica, 1978); Public Law I: Anthology. Presentation, selection and edition (San José: University of Costa Rica, 1977); Analysis of Costa Rica’s First Municipal Code (San José: IFAM, Institute of Municipal Development and Advisory Services, 1975); Course on Labor Law (San José: INA, National Learning Institute, 1968).

  As a speaker, he had active participation in more than 100 international conferences and 55 national ones.

  The Journal of Legal Sciences, which celebrates its 63rd Anniversary, as well as the Editorial Board and the Editorial Team, deeply regrets his passing and joins in the expressions of appreciation and gratitude toward him and his entire family.

  In his farewell tribute, we recall Dr. Romero’s words in the presentation of Issue No. 24–1974: How can we deliver this issue No. 24 to the country without making the pen tremble with the warmth and memory of those who have given everything to carry the written legal message to successive generations of jurists and law students! How can the one who has now been entrusted with keeping the torch of a publication of this nature alive and blazing—in all its dimensions—not stand in solidarity with his colleagues and fellow citizens who gave their knowledge and soul to the editing of a legal journal! How, in short, can one not feel part of a team of Costa Ricans who believe in Law as the exaltation of freedom and human dignity!

  Professor Romero dedicated himself to creating a scientific horizon at both the international and national level. In his teaching trips abroad and in his constant and tireless presence at Faculty Assemblies or meetings at the Costa Rican Bar Association, he eloquently and warmly made a point of handing, one by one, to each person present every physically published issue of his beloved Journal. Moreover, in almost every issue, Dr. Romero contributed his own academic and scientific views—like his predecessor, founding director Eduardo Ortiz—on current topics, with an intellectual critical spirit worthy of emulation.

  As Professor Emeritus, he was tasked with sustaining and promoting the Journal in very difficult times, securing financing to support its publication, and engaging in dialogue and persuasion about its merits and continuity.

  Thank you very much, Don Jorge E. Romero Pérez, for your legacy!

  Dr. Enrique Ulate Chacón
  Director-Editor

     
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  Volumen 168-RCJ-2025

  Vol. 168 No. 168 (2025)

  A partir de enero del 2022, asumió como Director-Editor de la Revista el Dr. Enrique Napoleón Ulate Chacón, Catedrático de la Universidad de Costa Rica.

  El Dr. Jorge Enrique Romero-Pérez, profesor Emérito, ha continuado como Director-Editor Honorario, luego de 47 años de su labor continua y fecunda, prosiguiendo el trabajo del Dr. Eduardo Ortiz Ortiz, primer director y fundador.

  A partir del número 160 la Revista de Ciencias Jurídicas ha formalizado el proceso de evaluación por pares examinadores externos, con el propósito de mejorar la calidad de la revista y garantizar que los aportes se ajusten a las reglas editoriales. Asimismo, se ha iniciado un proceso de renovación del Comité Científico Internacional, con expertos y expertas comprometidos con la excelencia académica y de investigación de diversas partes del Mundo.

  Se agradece a la Profesora M. L. Carmen Carazo Coronado, de la Universidad de Costa Rica, por su valiosa colaboración en la revisión y corrección de los abstracts y key words de los artículos publicados en los diversos números de esta Revista.

  De igual modo, un sincero agradecimiento al equipo de apoyo de la Vicerrectoría de Investigación de la Universidad de Costa Rica, en particular, señor Jorge Polanco Cortés y a la señora Daysi Arroyo Mora, por su acertada y valiosa colaboración.

  Apreciamos la colaboración del asistente José Daniel García Murillo, Karen Villalobos Alarcón y Angie Rodríguez Chacón como parte del equipo técnico.

  Prof. Dr. Enrique Ulate Chacón

  Director-Editor

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  Volumen 167-RCJ-2025

  Vol. 167 No. 167 (2025)

• Vol. 2 No. 2 (2024)

  Número Extraordinario (Bioderecho)

  Entre los años 2020 al 2023, la Universidad de Costa Rica participó, en calidad de socio invitado, del Proyecto financiado por la Comisión Europea sobre Bioderecho (Biolaw as a global tool for rihts protection), en el marco de Acción K2 del Programa Erasmus, de la Unión Europea. El programa fue coordinado y liderado por la Universidad de Murcia, bajo la dirección del Profesor José Ramón Salcedo Hernández, y personal docente y administrativo. En Costa Rica, participaron como coordinadores el Dr. Freddy Arias Mora y el Dr. Rafael González Ballar.

  ​Formaron parte del Consorcio, además de la Universidad de Murcia, como coordinadora y organizadora, por Europa, la Universidad de Lille en Francia, la Universidad Federico II de Nápoles, la Universidad de la Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, en Italia, la Universidad de Guadalajara y la de San Luis de Potosí, en México, y el Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica.

  ​Como producto de este gran esfuerzo, entre otros beneficios -como compra de literatura especializada y equipos-, se propició un intenso intercambio académico, mediante la organización de Seminarios Internacionales, en cada Universidad, a través de los cuales varios académicos y estudiantes de Posgrado, de la Universidad de Costa Rica, y de otros países, tuvieron la oportunidad de asistir y debatir diversos temas relacionados con el Bioderecho, la protección de los derechos humanos, desde una perspectiva ética, científica e interdisciplinaria.

  ​En el Seminario de cierre, realizado en Nápoles, Italia, en noviembre del 2023, las Universidades que formaron parte del Consorcio, asumieron compromisos para seguir realizando actividades académicas, consolidar programas de doctorado, y contribuir al fortalecimiento del Bioderecho en sus respectivos países, a través de foros, seminarios, y publicaciones, entre otros.

  ​Por ese motivo, el suscrito, como Director de la Revista de Ciencias Jurídicas, propuso a varios docentes y pasantes de Posgrado, realizar una contribución para publicar, de manera digital, un Número Extraordinario de la Revista de Ciencias Jurídicas, en el año 2024.

  Tales contribuciones se recogen en este número especial, y son de gran relevancia para seguir construyendo y sistematizando la disciplina del Bioderecho. También fue un compromiso personal asumido con el coordinador general, Profesor José Ramón Salcedo Hernández y el Staff docente y administrativo, de la Universidad de Murcia, que durante todos estos años realizaron un gran esfuerzo para, finalmente, alcanzar los frutos esperados.

  ​Justamente, este volumen se inicia con las reflexiones del profesor Salcedo Hernández sobre “El Bioderecho como disciplina emergente y ligada a las exigencias del mundo moderno.” Plantea la necesidad de un abordaje sistemático del bioderecho, considerando la dignidad humana (solidaria) y la sobrevivencia del entero ecosistema, con una construcción ética, interdisciplinaria y realista, valorando los posibles impactos de la tecnociencia en la sobrevivencia humana y planetaria. Un bioderecho interdisciplinario (bajo el trinomio ética, derecho y ciencia) que permita la búsqueda de la justicia bajo una reflexión ética, valoración científica y proyección social para las generaciones futuras.

  Ese abordaje interdisciplinar es, precisamente, el que recogen los artículos siguientes sobre “Las voluntades anticipadas con perspectiva desde el Bioderecho: empoderamiento del paciente y participación del profesional sanitario, de Juan Antonio Fernández Campos (España); Análisis jurídico de las excepciones de consentimiento informado en investigaciones biomédicas en Costa Rica, de Freddy Arias Mora, Megan Alpízar Arce; ¿El Bioderecho podrá ser una herramienta de interpretación más justa y realista?: a propósito del incómodo traslape de competencias veterinarias y farmacéuticas en Costa Rica, de Rafael González Ballar y Carlos Fallas Navarrete; los Riesgos del Cambio climático para la seguridad alimentaria en América Central y República Dominicana de Enrique Napoleón Ulate Chacón; Sobre el derecho de eutanasia: una aproximación conceptual desde el Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos, de Víctor Edo. Orozco Solano; El bioderecho y su aplicación en el derecho a la ciudad, de Vanessa María Pacheco Acuña y, finalmente, ¿Suicidio, patología o decisión razonada? de Pablo Vargas Rojas.

  ​El Consejo Editorial de la Revista de Ciencias Jurídicas (Sesión de 21 de agosto del 2024, Acuerdo 3) acogió con beneplácito, el contenido de estos trabajos y, dada la expertis de las personas autoras, ha prescindido de la revisión por pares, reconociendo las características científicas de los artículos enviados, al tratarse de una publicación extraordinaria de la revista. De esta manera, se abre un espacio importante para futuros estudios científicos, vinculados con esta visión holística del bioderecho, a fin de garantizar el desarrollo progresivo de los derechos humanos en una visión ética, interdisciplinaria y solidaria, que permita garantizar su vigencia para las futuras generaciones.

  ​A nombre del Consejo Editorial y del Comité Científico Internacional, agradecemos los aportes a este volumen especial.

  Dr. Enrique Ulate Chacón

  Director-Editor