Judicial Reform: Secondary Laws Approved; Candidacies Reviewed

In an expedited process, MORENA and its allies approved the rulings for the three secondary laws of the judicial reform proposed by Claudia Sheinbaum. These laws are expected to be promulgated by the Executive in the coming days and will take effect immediately. Furthermore, Sheinbaum confirmed that 84% of the candidacies for the judicial election have already been reviewed by the government.

The secondary laws approved include the Organic Law of the Federal Judiciary, the Judicial Career Law, and the General Law of Administrative Responsibilities. The Organic Law of the Federal Judiciary reform, which passed with 330 votes in favor and 123 against, restructures the Federal Judiciary Council (CJF), transforming it into the Judicial Administration Body.

The Judicial Career Law, approved with 325 votes in favor and 125 against, establishes that “the Federal Judicial Training School will be replaced by the National Judicial Training School, an auxiliary body to the Judicial Administration Body, with technical and managerial autonomy.  

The General Law of Administrative Responsibilities, which passed with 328 votes in favor and 126 against, highlights the responsible use of public resources and incorporates non-severe infractions for failing to adhere to the Ethics Code and the various Codes of Conduct that govern federal public agencies.

Furthermore, Claudia Sheinbaum announced that as of Dec. 11, the Executive Power’s Evaluation Committee had reviewed 84% of the applications submitted by 18,447 individuals seeking candidacies for the judicial elections scheduled for June 1, 2025.

Out of the 18,447 applicants, 8,626 meet all eligibility criteria. On Dec. 15, the Evaluation Committee will release the full list of candidates who have satisfied requirements, including birth certificates, voter ID, proof of residency, verified bachelor’s degrees, academic records, resumes, professional activity documentation, essays, reference letters, and sworn statements of good standing. By Jan. 31, 2025, the suitability of the candidates will be assessed. By Feb. 4, 2025, the Committee will finalize the list of candidates through a public draw, ensuring gender parity and the inclusion of individuals with relevant areas of specialization.