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**The Dual Challenge of the Judicial Power in Baja California**
A transformative period is on the horizon for the judiciary in Baja California with the impending implementation of the new National Code of Civil and Family Procedures set to commence in May. This development brings about a significant shift in the handling of sensitive legal issues such as property disputes and family matters, including child custody and support. However, another looming change is creating ripples within the judicial system: the proposed election of judges, magistrates, and ministers, a move supported by recent constitutional reforms.
Critics contend that Baja California’s judiciary has been notably passive during protests against these constitutional changes, which essentially upend the existing judicial structure. The reform advocates for the selection of judicial officials through elections, a plan believed to be influenced by local political dynamics, as underscored by the relationship between Magistrate President Alejandro Isaac Fragozo López and Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. Despite the reforms, local authorities are expected to manage candidate selection and election processes.
Fragozo anticipates that by June 2025, elections could take place to appoint new judicial officials, contingent on the stance of the State Electoral Institute. Concurrently, the rollout of the National Code will introduce over a thousand new articles, demanding considerable judicial expertise particularly in civil and family cases, which constitute a significant portion of the local judiciary’s workload.
This dual development—a new system of justice alongside a shift to elected judicial posts—represents a major alteration for the judiciary. To prepare, intensive training programs are underway for current judicial staff, funded by public resources. Yet, there is concern about the fate of these trained officials if they are not elected, potentially sidelining experience in favor of popularity, especially in a system that emphasizes oral proceedings.
Infrastructure remains a pressing issue as the new system will be incrementally implemented across municipalities through 2026, lacking the same financial backing as the rollout of the accusatory penal system. The magistrate president’s challenge might involve advocating for the retention of recently trained judges, perhaps through public support efforts and setting specific candidacy criteria, to safeguard judicial expertise amid these transformative reforms envisioned by political leaders.
**Secondary Article: Transitional Justice Reforms Across Mexico**
The push for transformational justice reforms is not isolated to Baja California. Across Mexico, states are beginning to adapt to these sweeping changes aimed at modernizing and enhancing transparency within the judicial system. These initiatives align with national efforts to root out corruption and establish a more democratic process for judicial appointments.
In other regions, similar discussions are taking place regarding the practical and logistical challenges of implementing these reforms. Critics argue that without adequate investment in judicial infrastructure and training, these changes may undermine rather than enhance justice delivery. Proponents, however, maintain that the reforms represent a necessary evolution towards a more open and accountable judicial system.
As Mexico embarks on this pivotal transition, the balance between maintaining judicial expertise and embracing democratic selection processes will be crucial. This period of reform is viewed by many as an opportunity to redefine the country’s legal landscape, ultimately striving for a more efficient, equitable, and transparent justice system.
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