Perspectiva de los actores jurídicos de unidades judiciales de primera instancia, en la ciudad de Cuenca, respecto al concepto, uso y validez de la metapericia en psicología. Periodo junio – noviembre de 2024

Abstract

Meta-expertise in forensic psychology, within the Ecuadorian judicial sphere, responds to the need for scientifically and methodologically valid, reliable and objective evidentiary reports. This, in order to improve the expert work in order to achieve good forensic practices, providing a quality product that guarantees the administration of justice in the courts. Objective: To analyze the perception of the concept, use and validity of the metaexpertise of legal officials, of first instance units, in the city of Cuenca. The international and national background that supported this study, are qualitative research, which provide some considerations on the meta-expert evidence in forensic psychology and its impact on the adjudication of justice in the Mexican, Chilean and Ecuadorian judicial spheres respectively. Methodology: The study presented a phenomenological character, developed through semi-structured interviews applied to 15 legal officials of prosecutors and judicial units. Results: Conceptual and operational definitions of forensic psychological meta-expertise were constructed and its scope and limitations were established within the field of judicial units for gender violence, sexual crimes and citizen property. Conclusions: There are differences between the perception of the concept, use and validity of forensic psychological meta-expertise among different groups of professionals, as well as a positive assessment of this evidentiary mechanism perceived by experts, judges and prosecutors based on the accreditation of the meta-expert and his capacity to respond and defend himself in cross-examinations, within the legal process.