Judicial Overhaul in Mexico: López Obrador’s Reform Initiative

Transformative Changes in Mexico’s Judiciary Under President López Obrador

As President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico prepares to conclude his term at the end of September, one of his ambitious initiatives is on the brink of realization: a comprehensive overhaul of the judiciary that he argues is essential to combat endemic corruption. This proposed reform represents a significant shift from the traditional appointment-based system, which primarily prioritizes formal training and qualifications, to a model where judges would be elected by the populace, with minimal prerequisites for candidacy.

The implications of this overhaul are profound, as it could potentially impact nearly all of Mexico’s more than 7,000 judges. Legal scholars note that this initiative stands out as one of the most extensive judicial reforms attempted in any major democracy in recent history. The proposed changes would directly affect the 11 justices serving on the Supreme Court, alongside 1,635 federal judges and magistrates, and more than 5,700 judges operating at state and local levels.

Under the new proposal, existing requirements to become a judge, particularly at the federal level, would be significantly reduced. This change would make it feasible for individuals with merely a law degree and a few years of legal experience to run for judicial positions, thus democratizing access to the judiciary.

Recently, this transformative measure gained momentum, having received approval in the lower house of Congress. It faced its most significant challenge yet but ultimately passed narrowly in the Senate, even in the face of disruptions caused by protesters who stormed the building and interrupted the session. The next phase for this initiative involves state legislatures, where it is anticipated to pass without major hurdles in the forthcoming months.

If enacted, this reform could yield one of the most extensive judicial revamps observed in a democratic context. While only a handful of countries permit the election of judges to any substantial extent, none approach the scale of the changes proposed by President López Obrador.

The administration maintains that this reform is crucial for modernizing the judiciary and restoring public confidence in a system long marred by corruption, favoritism, and nepotism. López Obrador’s designated successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, who assumes office on October 1, has expressed unequivocal support for this initiative.