Honourable Ms Justice Maria Gabriela Vega Carvajal

Judge, Superior Court, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica

Honourable Ms Justice Ana Lucrecia Hernández Chavarría serves as Judge in Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Appeal, specialising in juvenile criminal justice within the Second Judicial Circuit covering Grecia and San Ramón in Alajuela Province. Her specialised expertise focuses on the unique challenges and requirements of juvenile criminal proceedings, ensuring that young offenders receive appropriate legal consideration within Costa Rica’s justice system. As coordinating judge, she oversees innovative socio-educational modules integrated into juvenile adjudication processes, demonstrating her commitment to rehabilitation and education rather than purely punitive approaches. Her leadership encompasses both judicial decision-making and administrative coordination of specialised programmes designed to address the underlying factors contributing to juvenile delinquency. Justice Hernández Chavarría’s approach emphasises the importance of comprehensive intervention that combines legal accountability with educational and social support systems. Her expertise in juvenile criminal law and socio-educational integration provides valuable insights into contemporary approaches to juvenile justice reform and rehabilitation-focused legal frameworks.