The Fourth Chamber extends the appointment of substitute magistrates in Costa Rica and forces Congress to resume the election of nine positions.

Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber, known as Sala IV, has ordered the temporary extension of expired appointments for substitute magistrates while compelling the Legislative Assembly to resume the delayed election process for nine vacant positions. The decision marks a significant development in a prolonged institutional conflict between the judiciary and the legislature over judicial appointments that have been stalled since last December.

In response to the ruling, the Constitutional Chamber criticized statements from the executive branch that accused the tribunal of orchestrating a "coup d'état against the Legislative Assembly." The court formally described the government's accusations as disproportionate as the judicial branch intervened to resolve the legislative stalemate regarding the unfilled substitute magistrate positions.