Código Nacional de Procedimientos Penales
The Código Nacional de Procedimientos Penales (National Criminal Procedure Code), enacted in 2014, established a unified criminal procedure for all of Mexico, replacing the previous system of separate state codes. The code implements the constitutional reform of 2008 that transitioned Mexico from an inquisitorial to an accusatory criminal justice system. It governs criminal investigations, prosecutions, trials, and appeals at the federal and state levels. The code emphasizes oral proceedings, the adversarial principle, and the presumption of innocence.
Legal area: Criminal law defines offences against the state and society, establishes penalties, and governs criminal procedure and enforcement.
Year enacted: 2014
Full text: https://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/htm/cod_nacional_procedimientos_penales.htm
Key Provisions
- Art. 1-2: Principles of criminal procedure (accusatory, oral, adversarial)
- Art. 3: Presumption of innocence (presunción de inocencia)
- Art. 20-34: Criminal investigation (investigación criminal)
- Art. 35-58: Prosecution and charges (imputación y acusación)
- Art. 59-84: Oral trial (juicio oral)
- Art. 85-97: Sentencing and execution of penalties
- Art. 107-133: Appeals and review (recursos y revisión)
- Art. 134-151: Precautionary measures (medidas cautelares)
Significance
The adoption of the National Criminal Procedure Code was one of the most significant legal reforms in Mexican history, fundamentally transforming the country’s criminal justice system. The accusatory model replaces the previous written, inquisitorial system with oral proceedings and greater protections for the accused. The code has been implemented gradually across all states, with full implementation being a major ongoing challenge.