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Efficiency and Speed: The Advantages of Panama's Maritime Judicial System for your Litigations

Efficiency and Speed: The Advantages of Panama's Maritime Judicial System for your Litigation.

Author

Martha Navarro
Founding Partner

When faced with an international maritime dispute - be it an international maritime cargo claimthe collection of a maritime debt or a seaman's personal injury dispute- time is a critical factor. Procedural delays not only prolong uncertainty, but can also significantly increase costs. This is where the Panama's maritime judicial system stands out, offering a procedural framework designed for efficiency and speed.

At NAVARRO & NAVARROWe not only understand the importance of a speedy resolution for our clients, but we are also keenly aware of the procedural advantages that make Panama an attractive jurisdiction for international maritime disputes.

The Heart of Efficiency: An Oral and Immediate Maritime Process in Panama

One of the fundamental characteristics that distinguishes the panamanian maritime procedure is its predominant nature oral. Unlike more traditional and bureaucratic systems that rely excessively on written documentation and long deadlines, the Panamanian system promotes:

  • Dynamic Oral Hearings: Most of the procedural proceedings, including the presentation of evidence and arguments, take place orally before the judge. This allows for more direct interaction and a quicker understanding of the facts.
  • Principle of Immediacy of the Judge: The judge directing the process has direct and continuous contact with the parties, their attorneys and the evidence presented. This immediacy facilitates more informed and agile decision making.
  • Reduction of Unnecessary Procedures: The emphasis on orality helps to simplify procedures and avoid unnecessary delays.

Familiarity and Confidence for International Clients: Inspiration from U.S. Federal Regulations

 

For many international clients and lawyers, especially those familiar with the U.S. legal system, the Panamanian maritime process provides a recognizable and reliable framework. Our rules of maritime procedure bear a remarkable similarity to those of the U.S. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (Federal Rules of Civil Procedure).

  • What does this similarity mean? It implies that procedural concepts, litigation strategies and the general structure of the process can be more easily understood and anticipated by those with experience in the U.S. system.
  • Attraction for International Litigation: This familiarity reduces the learning curve and uncertainty, making Panama an even more attractive forum to resolve complex maritime disputes with parts of different nationalities.

Expedition to the Last Resort: The Specialized Maritime Court of Appeals

The efficiency of the system does not end at the first instance. Panama has a High Court of Maritime AppealsThe Court of Appeals, a highly specialized judicial body dedicated exclusively to hear appeals against decisions of the maritime courts of first instance.

  • Concentrated Experience: The judges of this court have a deep knowledge of maritime law and the particularities of the industry.
  • Quick and Informed Decisions: By focusing solely on maritime matters, this court is able to resolve appeals with a speed and level of expertise that would be difficult to find in general appellate courts with a more diverse caseload.
  • Contribution to the overall speed of the process: The existence of this specialized court ensures that second instances do not become a bottleneck, maintaining the agility of the system as a whole.

NAVARRO & NAVARRO: Your Experts Navigating the Efficient Panamanian Maritime Judicial System

Knowing the laws is only part of the equation. To take full advantage of the Panama's efficient maritime judicial systemIn addition, practical experience and a thorough understanding of its procedural nuances are required.

 

At NAVARRO & NAVARROour maritime litigation lawyers in Panama have navigated this system on countless occasions, successfully representing the interests of national and international clients. We know how to use orality to your advantage, how to present arguments effectively before maritime judges and how to expedite each stage of the process.

Benefit from a Maritime Court System Designed for Efficiency with Our Expert Guidance

If you face a maritime dispute and values speed, efficiency and procedural predictability, Panama is a jurisdiction you should seriously consider. And to ensure that your case is handled with the utmost expertise within this streamlined system, the choice of your legal representatives is crucial.

At NAVARRO & NAVARROwe are committed to providing you with the highest quality legal representation, taking advantage of all the benefits offered by the Panamanian expedited maritime process.

To learn more about how our maritime justice system can benefit your case:

Allow NAVARRO & NAVARRO guide you through every step of your maritime litigation in Panama.

 

Contact Information:
NAVARRO & NAVARRO LLP
AddressOceania Business Center, Punta Pacifica, Torre 2000, 42nd Floor, Panama City, Republic of Panama.
Phone/WhatsApp: +507 6080-3634
Web: www.nnalaw.com
E-mail: adrian@nnalaw.com

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Each legal situation is unique and should be discussed with a qualified attorney to address your specific circumstances regarding your cargo claim or any other maritime matter.

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