Punishments are generally neither cruel nor protracted. They comprise confinement in a prison or penitentiary, transportation, or a fine. The penitentiary is on the island of San Lucas.
In 1841 Costa Rica codified its civil and penal jurisprudence, amending the code materially seventeen years later. This has been the basis of her legal progress and is in force except as modified by subsequent statutes. Among the more important amendments are these: by the Penal Code in effect since 1880 the death penalty is abolished, as well as humiliating and cruel punishments; 1886 there was promulgated a new Civil Code, in which are prominent civil marriages, the right of divorce and the civil equality of woman.
The Code of Commerce in force, founded on Spanish customs, was issued in 1853. The Fiscal Code of to-day went into effect in 1885.
The Military Code of 1871 was superseded in 1884 by another more in accordance with modern institutions.
The Jury System in criminal cases has been in force since 1873.
The Municipal Statutes prevailing to-day were issued in 1867; the General Police Regulations in 1849.
The “Ley Organica” of tribunals was framed in 1845 and modified slightly in 1852.
In 1865 there was promulgated the law for a creditor’s proceedings; the mortgage law was passed in 1865.
Higher and professional education was provided for in 1843 by a law known as the “Statutes of the University of Santo Tomas,” and in 1886 there was enacted a law for common education.
The Registry of property and mortgages was opened in 1867, since which time various reforms have been introduced into the Mortgage Law.