On September 1, 2025, Mexico marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of a newly structured Supreme Court, following the country’s first popular judicial elections. This change aims to enhance the democracy we experience every day, as Chief Justice Hugo Aguilar Ortiz reported on the Court’s progress in its first annual report. The focus on austerity, community engagement, and a balanced cooperation with government branches reflects a commitment to serve the public effectively.
During the inauguration, attended by President Claudia Sheinbaum and her cabinet, Aguilar assured that the Federal Judiciary operates independently and strives to meet the people’s demands. He emphasized that a transformative approach is reshaping how justice is administered, promoting a theme of public accessibility and accountability under the title “A Year of Real and True Justice: A New Way of Understanding and Administering Justice.”
Aguilar highlighted that the people now play a significant role in the judiciary. He mentioned the court’s prior approach, where decisions often seemed disconnected from public interests, is now being replaced with transparency and inclusiveness. The Court achieved a remarkable resolution rate of 97% on the 1,479 pending cases it inherited, also handling a total of 15,051 cases, with 13,231 resolved in its first year.
Particularly noteworthy is the commitment to improve access to justice for historically marginalized communities, specifically Indigenous groups and women. This effort underscores the Court’s mission to open its doors to all citizens, reflecting a broader vision for equitable access to legal resources.
Aguilar also underscored the Court’s autonomy, asserting that independence does not equate to isolation from other branches of government. He expressed a strict adherence to a policy of republican austerity, promising no excesses and complete transparency about financial expenditures.
However, responses from some former justices indicate varying perspectives on the Court’s performance. Retired Justice Javier Laynez Potisek noted a decline in the number of cases handled compared to the previous Court, questioning whether the statistics truly represent functional improvements. He suggested that simply accumulating numbers does little to illuminate actual judicial effectiveness.
Additionally, another retired Justice, María Emilia Molina, raised concerns regarding the Court’s decisions, suggesting it appears to prioritize government interests over those of the citizens. She emphasized the need for the judiciary to focus more on protecting the rights of all people living in Mexico, rather than merely the interests of the State.
As the new Supreme Court continues its efforts, the dialogue surrounding its role and effectiveness remains crucial for the ongoing improvement of justice in Mexico.