Mexico revamps its entire judicial system as states back vast overhaul
- In Reports
- 07:20 PM, Sep 13, 2024
- Myind Staff
On Thursday, Mexico's states rapidly moved to redesign the whole judicial system in the country by approving a constitutional amendment representing the largest judicial reform ever proposed to be implemented by a large democracy. It would move the country from the current system of appointment to one where judges are elected by voters. The measure puts Mexico on an uncertain trajectory with unforeseeable consequences for its courts and for the country at large.
Proponents say it would reduce corruption and give voters greater influence in a justice system many people see as broken. Critics counter that the reform that was suggested and pushed for by the Mexican government would undermine the rule of law by politicising the courts, giving Mexico's ruling party more sway over judges and weakening the checks and balances of the country.
That would remove thousands of judges, from local courtrooms to the chief justice of the Supreme Court; it also would deeply reorganise a key arm of government that administers justice in the third most populous country in the Americas.
The logistics are staggering, the new elections would have to be held for several thousands of judges, starting next year.
After the measure passed the Senate in Mexico on Wednesday, it gained approval on Thursday morning from a majority of state legislatures and was well on its way to the desk of outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. He has taken up the cause with fervour, along with thousands of people in both opposition and support who have taken to the streets in recent weeks, following his lead, as well as warnings from U.S. and Canadian ambassadors and lawyers.
López Obrador said he would publish it on Sunday, the eve of Independence Day, the eve of the holiday celebrating Mexico's independence, after being approved by a majority of the 32 state legislatures, so far by 20. The president would make the amendment into law by publishing it in the government's official gazette.
Image Source: The Spokesman-Review
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