Interview to Enrique Barros

Abstract

The interview with Enrique Barros explores his professional career, his legal philosophy, and his views on the organization and functioning of the judiciary in Chile. Barros highlights the importance of law as a constantly evolving cultural practice, as well as his combined experience in academia, private practice, and the judiciary.

At the institutional level, he raises the need to preserve the strengths of the judicial system, particularly its professionalism and independence, while warning of the risks of corporatism. He proposes separating judicial functions from those of judicial administration, reviewing the mechanisms for the appointment and promotion of judges, and improving transparency in these processes. It also reflects on the role of the Supreme Court as a preeminent judicial body and on the limits of its intervention in administrative matters.

The interview also addresses issues such as judicial training, budgetary autonomy, the use of court-approved settlements, and the role of member judges, highlighting the importance of maintaining quality standards within the judiciary. Finally, it emphasizes that the judicial function must be exercised in accordance with the law, avoiding judicial activism, and identifies the strengthening of an efficient, professional justice system that respects the principles of the rule of law as the main future challenge.