A sweeping initiative to reform Jalisco’s judiciary system, championed by Governor Pablo Lemus, proposes modifications to 24 articles of the state Constitution. The reform package focuses on three major structural changes: eliminating the current Judicial Council, introducing popular elections for judges and magistrates, and creating a Constitutional Human Rights Chamber.
Arturo Zamora, coordinator of the Judicial Reform forums, reported that following 22 working meetings, the initiative’s primary frameworks have been established. The reform aims to implement clear selection criteria for judges and magistrates while guaranteeing gender parity and promoting rotating presidencies within judicial bodies.
Among the most significant changes is the dissolution of the Jalisco Judicial Council and its replacement with a Judicial Disciplinary Tribunal. The plan also proposes creating an independent administrative body for the Judicial Branch and incorporating the Administrative Justice Tribunal within this branch, while preserving its budgetary autonomy and independent criteria.
To ensure transparent selection processes, evaluation committees will comprise jurists with recognized credentials and no partisan connections. The reform establishes a unified selection method across all three branches of government, based on standardized criteria, rigorous technical evaluations, and comprehensive psychometric and psychological assessments for candidates.
The proposed requirements for magistrates include a minimum of ten years of professional experience, while judges must demonstrate at least five years of experience. Additionally, all candidates must submit conflict of interest declarations, and individuals with histories of domestic violence, crimes against physical integrity, or political gender violence will be disqualified from consideration.
Another fundamental principle of the reform is the mandate to administer justice with a gender perspective. The proposal also extends voting rights to Jalisco citizens living abroad for the election of judges and magistrates, implementing an electronic voting system managed by the Electoral and Citizen Participation Institute.
To strengthen the judicial system, a Judicial Studies Centre will be established to provide training, certification, and continuing education for career staff. Mandatory competitive examinations will ensure candidate suitability.
The reform emphasizes gender parity throughout all Judicial Branch positions and court presidencies. It also proposes creating a Constitutional Chamber for Human Rights and implementing specialized chambers for commercial and corporate matters, with expert judges focusing on resolving disputes between company stakeholders.
The initiative will be presented to the State Congress for analysis and potential approval, aiming to modernize Jalisco’s judicial system and ensure more efficient and equitable administration of justice.