Legal News in Mexico: High-impact cases of torture and glorification of crime shake the system; decisions by the Supreme Court of Justice and the Electoral Tribunal (TEPJF) reshape the legal landscape.

The Mexican legal system is undergoing a period of intense activity and reconfiguration, marked by the resolution of high-impact cases ranging from accusations of torture and glorification of crime to deep tensions between the judiciary and the executive branch . Recent decisions by the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) and the Electoral Tribunal of the Judicial Branch of the Federation ( TEPJF ) are also setting important precedents in various areas of law.

Two criminal cases have garnered attention in recent hours, highlighting fundamental issues about due process and the limits of freedom of expression:

Amparo for Former Prosecutor for Alleged Torture in the Ayotzinapa Case: Gualberto Ramírez, a former anti-kidnapping prosecutor, has been granted an amparo in the case against him for the alleged torture of Felipe Rodríguez Salgado, alias "El Cepillo." The torture is alleged to have been intended to force "El Cepillo" to incriminate himself and point the finger at others in connection with the disappearance of the 43 Ayotzinapa students. The court ruling does not exonerate the former prosecutor, but rather orders a reinstatement of the proceedings to thoroughly analyze whether the statute of limitations for the crime of torture of which he is accused has expired. This case rekindles the debate about the use of torture in past investigations and the search for justice and accountability, as well as the legal complexities surrounding the statute of limitations for serious crimes.

'Los Alegres del Barranco' Charged with Condoning Crime: In Jalisco, members of the well-known musical group 'Los Alegres del Barranco' were formally charged with allegedly committing the crime of condoning crime. The Jalisco Prosecutor's Office filed the charge before the 16th Criminal Court in Puente Grande. This case straddles the fine and controversial line that separates freedom of artistic expression from the glorification of criminal activities, particularly in the context of narcocorridos. The charge sparks a public debate about whether criminal prosecution is the appropriate tool to counter these narratives or whether, as President Sheinbaum has suggested in another context, cultural and educational approaches are preferable.

The relationship between the Federal Judiciary (FJU) and the Executive Branch remains tense. A group of federal judges and magistrates has escalated their demands internationally, filing a formal petition with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). In their brief, the justice officials demand comprehensive reparations for what they consider a violation of their human rights, stemming from the implementation of the recent judicial reform. They argue that this reform violates the principles of judicial independence, equality, and non-discrimination, and that they have been subjected to public accusations of corruption and nepotism by senior executive officials without due process, undermining their reputation and public confidence in the Judiciary. This action underscores a deep crisis of confidence and the perception among some judges that there are insufficient guarantees at the national level to defend their independence.

The country's highest courts have also issued highly significant rulings:

SCJN Declares Extinction of Climate Fund Unconstitutional: The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) determined that the decision to extinguish the Climate Change Fund was unconstitutional. This ruling has important implications for Mexico's environmental policies and the availability of resources to combat the effects of global warming, an issue of growing urgency.

TEPJF Revokes Electoral Agreement in Baja California: The Guadalajara Regional Chamber of the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judicial Branch (TEPJF), in resolving citizen lawsuit SG-JDC-37/2025, revoked an agreement issued by the Electoral Court of the State of Baja California. The TEPJF found that the local electoral authority misapplied the principle of finality and, thereby, violated a citizen's right to effective judicial protection and due process in a matter related to the registration of a candidacy. This ruling reinforces the importance of electoral authorities guaranteeing access to justice and respecting established procedures.

The Federal Judiciary Council's news summary also addresses other issues that, while not overnight developments, are part of the current legal and security context:

• News reports on fentanyl shipments being dropped in the United States after crossing Mexico.
• The alarming figure of seven police officers killed daily in Mexico.
• The aforementioned delivery of 'El Mayito Flaco' to the United States.

Ongoing litigation, such as injunctions against legal action and injunctions for systematic violations of land use in Mexico City municipalities.

“Judges demand reparation for damages from judicial reform before the IACHR… they argued, it violates the principles of independence, equality, and non-discrimination”: Summary of the case presented by Mexican judges.

The legal landscape in Mexico remains dynamic and complex, with the justice system facing the challenge of prosecuting high-profile criminal cases, ensuring human rights and due process, and navigating political tensions and structural reforms, all while the highest courts continue to shape the interpretation and application of the laws.

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