Mexico’s justice reform plans will fall short

Subject

Judicial reform.

Significance

The president's legal adviser, Julio Scherer, on October 22 revealed that a joint proposal to overhaul Mexico’s justice system at national, state and local levels had been agreed by representatives of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The reform will reportedly include constitutional amendments and changes to at least ten other laws. Scherer stressed that although maintaining judicial independence was paramount, improvements to the system were urgent. Supreme Court Chief Justice Arturo Zaldivar added that the justice system required profound transformation to end privilege, nepotism and corruption. The reform will be unveiled on January 18.

Impacts

• The president and Morena politicians will probably continue accusing judges of self-interest if they disagree with their rulings.
• Some of the proposals threaten to slow or even reverse key elements of the accusatory criminal justice system that was launched in 2008.
• Without measures to ensure judges can perform their duties safely, a new legal framework will not reduce impunity.