Courts and Judiciary in Mexico

Introduction

The Mexican judiciary is organized as a dual system of federal and state courts, with the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación, SCJN) at its apex. The Federal Judiciary Council (Consejo de la Judicatura Federal, CJF) administers and disciplines the federal judiciary, while the SCJN serves as the constitutional court. The 2024 judicial reform introduced the popular election of judges at all levels, representing a transformative change in the structure and legitimacy of Mexican courts.

Federal Judiciary Structure

The federal judiciary consists of the SCJN, the Electoral Tribunal of the Judicial Branch of the Federation (TEPJF), the Federal Judiciary Council, Circuit Courts (Tribunales Colegiados and Tribunales Colegiados de Apelación), and District Courts (Juzgados de Distrito). Circuit courts hear appeals from district courts and amparo proceedings, while district courts serve as trial courts for federal matters and amparo claims.

Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation

The SCJN is composed of 11 ministers (ministros) who originally served 15-year terms. Under the 2024 judicial reform, ministers will be elected by popular vote. The SCJN operates in two chambers: the First Chamber (civil and criminal matters) and the Second Chamber (administrative and labor matters). The full Court hears constitutional controversies, actions of unconstitutionality, and other matters reserved to its plenary jurisdiction.

Federal Judiciary Council

The CJF is responsible for the administration, supervision, and discipline of the federal judiciary, including the appointment, promotion, and removal of judges and magistrates. It is composed of seven members: the Chief Justice of the SCJN, two ministers, one circuit magistrate, one district judge, and two external members appointed by the Senate. The CJF’s administrative functions are subject to the 2024 reform’s transition toward popular election of judicial positions.

State Courts

Each of the 31 states and Mexico City has its own judicial system, organized similarly to the federal model, with a Superior Court of Justice (Tribunal Superior de Justicia) at the apex and lower trial courts. State courts have jurisdiction over matters governed by state law, including civil, family, criminal, and administrative cases, subject to federal constitutional standards and amparo review.

The 2024 Judicial Reform

The 2024 judicial reform represents the most profound restructuring of the Mexican judiciary since the 1917 Constitution. All federal judges, including SCJN ministers, circuit magistrates, and district judges, will be elected by popular vote. The reform also reduced the number of SCJN ministers from 11 to 9, eliminated the CJF’s role in judicial appointments, and created a new Judicial Discipline Tribunal (Tribunal de Disciplina Judicial). The reform has generated significant debate regarding judicial independence, merit-based selection, and political influence.

Conclusion

The Mexican judiciary has evolved from a centralized, appointment-based system toward a democratically legitimated model through the 2024 judicial reform. The SCJN, CJF, circuit and district courts, and state judiciaries collectively ensure the administration of justice, while navigating the challenges of judicial independence, accessibility, and efficiency.