Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 4(1), 25-32, 2025
https://doi.org/10.62574/9q4nsc33
25
The Impact of Constitutional Jurisprudence on Civil Law: An Ecuadorian
Perspective
Impacto de la jurisprudencia constitucional en el derecho civil: Una
perspectiva ecuatoriana
Maria Estefania Baldeon-Navarrete
mbaldeonn@unemi.edu.ec
State University of Milagro, Milagro, Guayas, Ecuador
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1286-9494
ABSTRACT
In Ecuador, constitutional jurisprudence has played an essential role in the transformation of civil
law, especially since the enactment of the 2008 Constitution. The research objective is to describe
the impact of constitutional jurisprudence on Ecuadorian civil law. The methodological work was
developed using a qualitative approach, based on documentary review and analysis, for which 16
scientific articles were selected and analysed. Constitutional jurisprudence has profoundly changed
civil law in Ecuador, adapting it to the values and principles of the 2008 Constitution, such as
equality, justice and proportionality. This has allowed the legal system to become more inclusive and
protective, as well as incorporating unique innovations, such as the recognition of the rights of
nature, which have impacted issues such as property and the use of natural resources.
Descriptors: constitutional law; law reform; natural law (Source: UNESCO Thesaurus).
RESUMEN
En Ecuador, la jurisprudencia constitucional ha desempeñado un papel esencial en la transformación
del derecho civil, especialmente desde la promulgación de la Constitución de 2008. El objetivo de
investigación es describir el impacto de la jurisprudencia constitucional en el derecho civil
ecuatoriano. El trabajo metodológico se desarrolló a partir de un enfoque cualitativo, basado en la
revisión y análisis documental, para ello se seleccionaron y analizaron 16 artículos científicos. La
jurisprudencia constitucional ha cambiado profundamente el derecho civil en Ecuador, adaptándolo
a los valores y principios de la Constitución de 2008, como la igualdad, la justicia y la
proporcionalidad. Esto ha permitido que el sistema jurídico sea más inclusivo y garantista, además
de incorporar innovaciones únicas, como el reconocimiento de los derechos de la naturaleza, que
han impactado temas como la propiedad y el uso de recursos naturales.
Descriptores: derecho constitucional; reforma jurídica; derecho natural. (Fuente: Tesauro UNESCO).
Received: 04/09/2024. Revised: 28/09/2024. Approved: 13/10/2024. Published: 14/01/2025.
Research articles section
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 4(1), 25-32, 2025
Impacto de la jurisprudencia constitucional en el derecho civil: Una perspectiva ecuatoriana
The impact of constitutional jurisprudence on civil law: An ecuadorian perspective
María Estefanía Baldeon-Navarrete
26
INTRODUCTION
In Ecuador, constitutional jurisprudence has played an essential role in the
transformation of civil law, especially since the enactment of the 2008 Constitution.
This normative framework, considered an example of the new Latin American
constitutionalism, prioritises the protection of fundamental rights, social justice and
respect for nature (Sotillo-Antezana, 2015). In this context, civil law, traditionally
focused on regulating private and property relations, has had to adapt to
constitutional principles and values, generating significant changes in its
interpretation and application (López-Hidalgo, 2019).
One of the most outstanding aspects of this transformation is the reinterpretation
of civil norms from a constitutional perspective. Thus, figures such as the rescisoria
pauliana action and the ineffectiveness of acts transferring ownership have been
adapted to ensure fairness and proportionality in their application (Zúñiga-Hurtado
& Hurtado-Macías, 2023; Carpio-Frixone & Naranjo-Ponce, 2021). Furthermore, the
incorporation of principles such as equality, fairness and proportionality in the civil
procedural system has allowed for the resolution of conflicts in a more equitable
manner and in line with constitutional values (Cevallos-Sánchez & Litardo-Salazar,
2018). This model has strengthened the protection of fundamental rights in the civil
sphere, consolidating a more inclusive and guaranteeing legal system (Véliz-
Valencia, 2022).
Another innovative aspect is the recognition of the rights of nature, a unique
principle in Ecuadorian constitutionalism. This recognition has had a direct impact
on civil law, especially on issues related to the ownership and use of natural
resources, forcing the harmonisation of human rights with the rights of nature
(Solano-Paucay & Marín, 2024; Lozano-Espinoza, 2024). However, this process has
not been without its challenges. The Constitutional Court faces limitations in the
selection and review of judgments, which could affect the uniformity in the
application of constitutional principles in civil law (Margareth-Dalila et al., 2024;
Cabascango-Hidrobo et al., 2024).
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 4(1), 25-32, 2025
Impacto de la jurisprudencia constitucional en el derecho civil: Una perspectiva ecuatoriana
The impact of constitutional jurisprudence on civil law: An ecuadorian perspective
María Estefanía Baldeon-Navarrete
27
Consequently, legal pluralism, promoted by the 2008 Constitution, has allowed for
the coexistence of diverse normative systems, such as indigenous law and state law.
This has enriched legal practice in intercultural contexts, but also poses challenges
in the harmonisation of norms (Díaz-Ocampo & Antúnez-Sánchez, 2018; Mila,
2020). On the other hand, training lawyers with a constitutional approach has been
key to ensuring a better understanding of the relationship between civil law and
constitutional principles (Palacios-Morillo, 2021; Aguilar-Gordón, 2019).
Furthermore, the use of technologies, such as digital observatories, has facilitated
access to constitutional jurisprudence, improving the monitoring and control of the
right to justice (Puedmag-Usiña et al., 2024).
In accordance with the above, the research objective is to describe the impact of
constitutional jurisprudence on Ecuadorian civil law.
METHOD
The methodological work was developed using a qualitative approach, based on the
review and analysis of documents related to the impact of constitutional
jurisprudence on Ecuadorian civil law, for which 16 scientific articles were selected
and analysed. The analysis was structured in several stages:
Firstly, a search was conducted for publications addressing the relationship between
constitutional jurisprudence and civil law in the Ecuadorian context. The databases
consulted included Scielo, Redalyc, using keywords such as "constitutional
jurisprudence", "Ecuadorian civil law", "2008 Constitution" and "new Latin American
constitutionalism".
In the second stage, the information obtained was systematised. To this end, the
main themes and categories of analysis were identified, such as the basis of
constitutional jurisprudence, its historical evolution, its impact on civil law,
challenges and criticisms, and other relevant aspects such as legal pluralism, legal
education and the use of technologies. This systematisation made it possible to
organise the data in Table 1.
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 4(1), 25-32, 2025
Impacto de la jurisprudencia constitucional en el derecho civil: Una perspectiva ecuatoriana
The impact of constitutional jurisprudence on civil law: An ecuadorian perspective
María Estefanía Baldeon-Navarrete
28
Subsequently, a critical and interpretative analysis of the data collected was carried
out, with the aim of identifying the main transformations that constitutional
jurisprudence has generated in Ecuadorian civil law.
ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS
Constitutional jurisprudence in Ecuador has played an important role in the
transformation of civil law, adapting it to the principles and values established in
the 2008 Constitution. Table 1 presents a process that has been driven by the new
Latin American constitutionalism, which prioritises the protection of fundamental
rights, social justice and respect for nature.
Table 1. Constitutional jurisprudence in civil law.
Aspect
Description
References
Basis of
constitutional
jurisprudence
Constitutional jurisprudence in Ecuador is based
on the principles of the new Latin American
constitutionalism, which prioritises fundamental
rights and constitutional supremacy.
Sotillo-Antezana (2015),
López-Hidalgo (2019),
Véliz-Valencia (2022).
Historical
developments
The evolution of constitutional control in Ecuador
has allowed the consolidation of a system that
protects fundamental rights and guarantees the
application of constitutional principles in civil law.
Zambrano-Moran et al.
(2022), Díaz-Ocampo &
Antúnez-Sánchez
(2018).
Impact on civil
law
Constitutional jurisprudence has influenced the
interpretation of civil norms, such as the
rescission action and the ineffectiveness of acts of
transfer of ownership, adapting them to
constitutional principles.
Zúñiga-Hurtado &
Hurtado-Macías (2023),
Carpio-Frixone &
Naranjo-Ponce (2021).
Constitutional
principles in civil
law
The principles of equality, fairness and
proportionality have been incorporated into the
Ecuadorian civil procedural system, transforming
the way civil disputes are resolved.
Cevallos-Sánchez &
Litardo-Salazar (2018),
López-Hidalgo (2019).
Rights of nature
Constitutional jurisprudence has recognised and
protected the rights of nature, which has had an
impact on civil law, especially on issues related to
ownership and use of natural resources.
Solano-Paucay & Marín
(2024), Lozano-
Espinoza (2024).
Challenges and
criticisms
There is criticism of the limitation of the
Constitutional Court in the selection and review of
judgments, which could affect the uniformity in
the application of constitutional principles in civil
law.
Margareth-Dalila et al.
(2024), Cabascango-
Hidrobo et al. (2024).
Legal pluralism
Ecuador's legal pluralism, promoted by the 2008
Constitution, has allowed for the coexistence of
Díaz-Ocampo &
Antúnez-Sánchez
(2018), Mila (2020).
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 4(1), 25-32, 2025
Impacto de la jurisprudencia constitucional en el derecho civil: Una perspectiva ecuatoriana
The impact of constitutional jurisprudence on civil law: An ecuadorian perspective
María Estefanía Baldeon-Navarrete
29
diverse normative systems, which influences the
application of civil law in intercultural contexts.
Legal education
The training of lawyers in Ecuador has been
influenced by constitutional principles, which has
led to a more holistic approach to the teaching of
civil law and its relationship with constitutional
jurisprudence.
Palacios-Morillo (2021),
Aguilar-Gordón (2019).
Technology and
monitoring
The implementation of digital observatories has
allowed for better monitoring and control of the
right to justice, facilitating access to constitutional
jurisprudence and its impact on civil law.
Puedmag-Usiña et al.
(2024).
Source: Own elaboration.
One of the key points is the foundation of constitutional jurisprudence, which is
based on the new Latin American constitutionalism. This model puts fundamental
rights and the supremacy of the Constitution at the centre, which means that all
laws, including civil laws, must be aligned with these principles. This has allowed
civil law to become more inclusive and protective, prioritising equality and human
dignity. Therefore, authors such as Sotillo-Antezana (2015) and López-Hidalgo
(2019) highlight how this approach has strengthened the protection of individual
rights in the civil sphere.
In terms of historical evolution, constitutional control in Ecuador has advanced
significantly, consolidating a system that protects fundamental rights. This has
allowed civil norms to be interpreted from a fairer perspective and in accordance
with constitutional values. However, this process has not been easy. As Zambrano-
Moran et al. (2022) point out, there are still challenges in the practical
implementation of these guarantees, especially in the uniformity of judicial decisions.
The direct impact on civil law is reflected in the reinterpretation of traditional rules,
therefore, figures such as the rescisoria pauliana action or the ineffectiveness of acts
transferring ownership, which were previously applied in a strictly technical manner,
are now analysed from a constitutional perspective. This means that justice and
proportionality are sought to be guaranteed in each case, as explained by Zúñiga-
Hurtado & Hurtado-Macías (2023) and Carpio-Frixone & Naranjo-Ponce (2021), this
change has made civil law more flexible and adapted to people's needs.
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 4(1), 25-32, 2025
Impacto de la jurisprudencia constitucional en el derecho civil: Una perspectiva ecuatoriana
The impact of constitutional jurisprudence on civil law: An ecuadorian perspective
María Estefanía Baldeon-Navarrete
30
Another important aspect is the incorporation of constitutional principles such as
equality, fairness and proportionality into the civil procedural system. This has
transformed the way civil disputes are resolved, promoting more equitable decisions
aligned with constitutional values. Accordingly, Cevallos-Sánchez & Litardo-Salazar
(2018) highlight how these principles have modernised civil law, making it more
humane and less technical.
A unique issue in the Ecuadorian context is the recognition of the rights of nature;
the 2008 Constitution was the first in the world to grant rights to nature, and this
has had a direct impact on civil law. Therefore, issues related to the ownership and
use of natural resources must now consider not only the rights of individuals, but
also those of nature. This has generated a profound change in how these issues are
handled, as explained by Solano-Paucay & Marín (2024) and Lozano-Espinoza
(2024).
However, not everything has been positive. There are challenges and criticisms in
the application of constitutional jurisprudence. One of the main problems is the
limitation of the Constitutional Court to select and review judgments. This can lead
to inconsistencies in the application of constitutional principles in civil law, as
Margareth-Dalila et al. (2024) and Cabascango-Hidrobo et al. (2024) point out. The
Court's capacities need to be strengthened to ensure more consistent and effective
decisions.
Legal pluralism has also influenced civil law; in Ecuador, the coexistence of diverse
normative systems, such as indigenous law and state law, has enriched legal
practice, especially in intercultural contexts. However, this also poses challenges in
the harmonisation of norms, as analysed by Díaz-Ocampo & Antúnez-Sánchez
(2018) and Mila (2020). This pluralism forces civil law to be more flexible and adapt
to different cultural realities.
Finally, legal education and the use of technologies have been key factors in this
transformation. Training lawyers with a constitutional approach has enabled legal
professionals to better understand the relationship between civil law and
constitutional principles. In this regard, Palacios-Morillo (2021) and Aguilar-Gordón
Verdad y Derecho
Revista Arbitrada de Ciencias Jurídicas y Sociales
Vol. 4(1), 25-32, 2025
Impacto de la jurisprudencia constitucional en el derecho civil: Una perspectiva ecuatoriana
The impact of constitutional jurisprudence on civil law: An ecuadorian perspective
María Estefanía Baldeon-Navarrete
31
(2019) highlight how this has improved the quality of legal practice in the country.
Moreover, tools such as digital observatories have facilitated access to constitutional
jurisprudence, allowing for better monitoring and control of the right to justice, as
explained by Puedmag-Usiña et al. (2024).
CONCLUSION
Constitutional jurisprudence has profoundly changed civil law in Ecuador, adapting
it to the values and principles of the 2008 Constitution, such as equality, justice
and proportionality. This has made the legal system more inclusive and protective,
as well as incorporating unique innovations, such as the recognition of the rights of
nature, which have impacted issues such as property and the use of natural
resources. However, there are still important challenges, such as strengthening the
work of the Constitutional Court, ensuring that judicial decisions are consistent, and
finding ways to harmonise legal pluralism in a country as diverse as Ecuador.
Despite these difficulties, tools such as technology and the training of lawyers with
a more constitutional vision have been fundamental in driving these changes.
FUNDING
Non-monetary
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There is no conflict of interest with persons or institutions involved in research.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To the constitutionalists of Ecuador.
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Impacto de la jurisprudencia constitucional en el derecho civil: Una perspectiva ecuatoriana
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