The new Palace of Justice in the city of Fernando de la Mora officially opened near Asunción in Paraguay’s Central Department. President Santiago Peña attended the inauguration alongside Supreme Court of Justice officials and other national authorities.
Located in the Ita Ka’aguy neighbourhood, the complex provides 15,210 square metres of covered space. As a result, the new facility brings several judicial services together, aiming to improve public access and working conditions.
A new home for judicial services
The new Palace of Justice in Fernando de la Mora occupies a city block bordered by Jerusalén, Pueblo Fernandino, Olimpo and Humaitá streets. The municipality donated the land, and construction began in June 2024. The project forms part of the Judicial Branch’s programme to improve court infrastructure. Moreover, the development supports the expansion of judicial services across Central Department.
The complex brings together courts handling criminal, civil, commercial and labour cases. Additionally, services also cover children and adolescents, alongside specialised judicial departments. In addition, the building houses the city’s Court of Peace, aiming to make judicial procedures more accessible to residents.
Facilities designed for daily use
The building consists of several blocks with different functions and separate access points. These arrangements help organise movement throughout the complex and support security. The facilities include courtrooms, offices, waiting areas and spaces for witnesses. Furthermore, the design provides designated areas for people attending hearings and other judicial proceedings.
Beyond court services, the complex includes a meeting room, cafeteria, nursery for employees’ children and a medical room. Separate parking areas and circulation routes also support the needs of staff and visitors. These additional facilities address practical requirements associated with a busy judicial institution. Consequently, the project focuses on courtroom operations and the daily needs of people using the building.
Addressing years of infrastructure limitations
The opening responds to longstanding concerns about the conditions in which judicial services operated in Fernando de la Mora. According to Supreme Court President Alberto Martínez Simón, previous arrangements included rented properties and adapted buildings with limited space. These conditions created challenges for judges, legal professionals and members of the public.
This Palace of Justice represents a substantial investment in judicial infrastructure. However, officials have stressed that a modern building alone cannot guarantee effective justice. The quality of judicial decisions, administrative efficiency and professional integrity remain essential to public confidence.
Modernising Paraguay’s judicial system
The new Palace of Justice forms part of the Judicial Branch’s intentions to modernise its facilities and strengthen decentralisation. By expanding infrastructure outside the capital, the institution aims to respond to growing demand across Central Department. The new complex also provides dedicated spaces for different judicial specialities.
For residents, the opening marks a change in the physical setting where many legal matters will be handled. Nevertheless, the facility’s value will depend on the services delivered inside. Efficient procedures, accessible assistance and timely responses will remain central to meeting public expectations.
