Milton Leónidas Ray Guevara | |
---|---|
President of the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic | |
Assumed office 28 December 2011 | |
Preceded by | Office created |
Minister of Labour | |
In office 16 August 2000 – 16 August 2004 | |
Senator for the province of Samaná | |
In office 16 August 1998 – 16 August 2000 | |
Preceded by | Enrique Pujals Pierrot |
Succeeded by | Ramiro Espino Fermín |
Personal details | |
Born | 5 May 1948 |
Spouse | Johanna Monagas |
Children | Angelisa, Milton François, Iraima Elizabeth, Charles David, Ariel de Js, Dianaira |
Parent(s) | César Leónidas Ray, Ferolina Guevara |
Alma mater | University of Nice |
Occupation | lawyer, judge and constitutional law expert |
Milton Leónidas Ray Guevara (born 5 May 1948, in Samaná) is a Dominican lawyer, judge and expert constitutionalist. He is the first and current Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of the Dominican Republic.
He was elected senator for 1998-2002 by the Dominican Revolutionary Party, but he left the senatorial office when he was appointed Minister of Labour on 16 August 2000 and held that position until 16 August 2004.
Ray was born on 5 May 1948, in Samaná to Mr. César Leónidas Ray, of African American descent, and Mrs. Ferolina Guevara.
Ray graduated in law summa cum laude from the Mother and Teacher Pontifical Catholic University (PUCMM) in 1970. He then studied in Europe, graduating as Doctor in public law (mention très bien) from the University of Nice, France in 1975. He also gained a diploma of advanced studies (DEA) in social law from the Sorbonne in Paris, France (1984), and diplomas in comparative law from Strasbourg, France (1976); from the International School of Trieste, Italy (1976); and the School of Banking Law of Barcelona, Spain (1975).[1]
Ray assumed the presidency of the Constitutional Court on 28 December 2011, and was sworn in by President Leonel Fernández.[2] At the time, some Dominican citizens, had accused Ray of unconstitutional behaviour.[3][4] However, Ray has been defended by others in the Dominican Republic.[5]
In November 2022, Ray was awarded an honorary doctorate by Universidad Acción Pro-Educación y Cultura (UNAPEC) , in recognition of his career as a jurist, professor and magistrate and for his contributions to Dominican constitutionalism.[6] In February 2023, President Luis Abinader formally recognised Ray's contributions over his career.[7]