[XXXI-33] A law of July 10, 1873, introduced the jury system in criminal causes. Costa R., Col. Ley., xxii. 52-69; Id., Informe Sec. Just., 1873, 23-4; 1876, 19-20.
[XXXI-34] The prison on Coco was first decreed July 3, 1874, but the law not having been carried out, it was reiterated Jan. 21, 1878. The regulation of Feb. 25, 1874, for San Lúcas placed it under the control of the governor of the comarca of Puntarenas. Costa R., Col. Ley., xxii. 35-48, 89-90; Id., Inf. Sec. Gobern., 1874, 28; 1879, 16-18; Id., Col. Dispos. Leg., 1878, 92-3.
[XXXI-35] Composed of three justices, whose terms of office are of four years. There are substitutes to fill temporary vacancies.
[XXXI-36] The alcaldes and regidores have charge of the preservation of order in their respective districts, and initiate proceedings for offences against the laws, and after the investigation has been completed, pass the papers to the proper court. These officials also have jurisdiction over civil causes not exceeding $200 in value. When the claim does not exceed $25, the court's decision is final. If it does, the court hears the parties, receives the testimony of witnesses, and renders a decision, which may be appealed from to the superior court. Judges and alcaldes in former years were greatly respected by the people, and their decrees obeyed without demur. Maldonado, Asuntos Polít. Pan., MS., 2, 5.
[XXXI-37] Other penalties: imprisonment, banishment, deprivation or suspension of political rights, surveillance of the authorities, fines, etc. Credits are allowed prisoners for good behavior. Trial by jury in criminal cases exists. A jury of seven meet at the chief town, hear the evidence, and by an absolute majority convict, qualifying the offence, or acquit. Pan., Gaceta, Aug. 30, to Sept. 24, 1863; Feb. 19, 1880; Id., Boletin Ofic., Nov. 18, 1865.
[XXXI-38] The civil, penal, procedure, military, and commercial codes. Id., Sept. 5, 1868; Id., Inf. Mem. Sec. Est., 1872, 13; 1877, 33.
[XXXI-39] He drew the conclusion that the jury system, in the state of ignorance so general among the masses, instead of being a safeguard for society served to afford impunity to criminals. Id., Mem. Sec. Jen. Est., 1876, 19-22; 1879, 102-3.
[XXXI-40] Pan., Ley., 1879-80, 52-5.
[XXXI-41] Pan., Informe Gobernador, 17-19.
[XXXI-42] A decree of Dec. 23, 1879, fixed the force at 140 with the officers; a second of March 1, 1880, ordered the organization of the battalion Ancon no. 1 with 95 to 125; another of Feb. 22, 1881, reduced it to 75. The pay of the rank and file was fixed in 1880 as follows: 1st sergt, $27; 2d sergt, $24; 1st corporal, $21; 2d corp., $18; private, $15. No rations allowed. Pan., Gaceta, Jan. 8, March 21, May 9, June 24, 27, 1880; Sept. 15, 25, 1881. The force was greatly augmented during the disturbances of 1885. Pan. Star and Herald, Dec. 22, 1885.