Mexico's Supreme Court Begins New Session Focused on Transparency and Rule of Law

Mexico's Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), now comprising its first members elected by popular vote, is commencing its Second Ordinary Session Period of 2026. This marks nearly one year since the current integration took office.

During a preliminary session, Chief Justice Hugo Aguilar Ortiz invited fellow ministers to share their reflections. The discussions centered on key themes such as judicial security, the strength of the rule of law, and the judiciary's collaborative role with other branches of government. Minister Yasmín Esquivel Mossa reaffirmed her commitment to the Constitution, highlighting the Federal Judicial Power's (PJF) work in collaboration with other branches to maintain a balance of power and reciprocal oversight essential for the nation's political unity.

Esquivel Mossa also cautioned her colleagues against neglecting their role as a counterweight to administrative, jurisdictional, and legislative authorities when their actions deviate from constitutional principles. "The judicial security of all Mexicans is guaranteed in the country's courts, in the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, which ensures at all times that the Rule of Law prevails," she stated.

Minister Lenia Batres Guadarrama emphasized the necessity of judicial reform for prioritizing collective well-being, popular self-determination, and respect for popular sovereignty. She noted the current plenary operates with pluralism, achieving over 80% consensus on resolutions since its integration last September. Batres Guadarrama also underscored the court's adherence to "greater austerity" and unprecedented transparency, with 100% of cases resolved in public sessions, a significant increase from the previous 5% before September of the prior year.

Chief Justice Aguilar Ortiz concluded by expressing optimism that the new session period will foster a more just, humane, dignified, and peaceful Mexican society where all citizens can fully exercise their rights. He stated the court's aim is to "build a more just, more humane, more dignified Mexico, in peace and with well-being."