“Análisis de deficiencias motivacionales en las sentencias de primera y segunda instancia del caso Río Blanco bajo el test constitucional de motivación (2018-2023)”

Abstract

This paper examines the legal arguments presented by judges in Ecuador regarding the principle of free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC). It analyzes the legal statements and reasoning given in the Río Blanco case rulings, which exhibit several motivational deficiencies related to international standards established within the international legal framework. Using a qualitative, documentary-analytical approach and applying the jurisprudence of the motivational deficiency test, motivational flaws such as insufficiency, incoherence, and irrelevance are identified. In the first instance, for example, the cultural identity of the parties invoking this right was not verified, nor were the documents verified with data and analysis. In the second instance, another argumentative element unrelated to the case and legal issue was introduced, affecting the consistency of the decision. These deficiencies in the reasoning behind the judgments compromise the legitimacy of the FPIC and generate inadequate legal rationale.