### Corruption in the Judiciary Should Be Reported with Evidence: Judge in Baja California
This week, during his September 4th conference, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador celebrated the recent approval by the Chamber of Deputies of the reform to the Federal Judiciary. The constitutional amendment has now been passed to the Senate of the Republic for further approval.
“I commend the legislators who are striving to cleanse the Judiciary of corruption, and let it not be forgotten that the goal is for the people to elect judges, magistrates, and ministers,” stated the President.
However, Magistrate Matilde del Carmen González Barbosa criticized the justification for the reform, labeling it as a “discourse rooted in a fallacy.” The Circuit Judge of Baja California urged that accusations of malpractice within the judiciary be backed by tangible evidence.
“If there is such corruption, it should be reported, and the complaint should come with evidence. It’s not fair to accuse without substantiating the claim,” González noted in response to a question. She emphasized that all accusations, regardless of the official in question, must be accompanied by proof.
District Judge in Tijuana, Jorge Salazar Cadena, echoed these sentiments, stating the need to improve federal justice. However, he cautioned against doing so through what he described as a “false dilemma” where politics interfere with the separation of powers and the autonomy of the Federal Judiciary.
Salazar Cadena also highlighted how judges are overwhelmed with cases due to legislative mandates requiring them to review all jurisdictional decisions from the states and other federal judiciary decisions.
The proposed reform would allow current judges, magistrates, and ministers to be re-elected by public vote. If this system is implemented, approximately 1,400 to 1,600 federal judges could be dismissed without cause, according to González. In Baja California alone, about 60 judges could potentially lose their positions.
Both González and Salazar Cadena indicated they would pursue legal actions, possibly on an international level, if they were dismissed due to the popular election system.
The two judges addressed these concerns during a session of Tijuana’s Grupo Madrugadores on September 5th.
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### Additional News on the Topic
#### Labor Strike Request in Baja California Judiciary
On September 4, 2024, Baja California’s judiciary employees called for a labor strike. The workforce is expressing discontent over proposed reforms, arguing that it would lead to unjustified dismissals and undermine judicial independence.
#### Violence-Displaced Families
By September 3, 2024, the issue of families displaced by violence in Baja California continues to escalate. Authorities have yet to provide adequate solutions for the affected families, raising concerns about their welfare and safety.
#### Tensions Between Judiciary Workers and Political Parties
On September 3, 2024, tensions flared as supporters of a major political party clashed with judiciary workers in Tijuana. The workers opposed the proposed judicial reform, fearing it would lead to political manipulation of the judiciary.
#### Baja California Sur Judiciary’s Stance on Labor Strike
As of September 3, 2024, the judiciary in Baja California Sur announced they would not support the labor strike initiated by their counterparts in Baja California. This lack of solidarity highlights divisions within the judiciary over the contentious reform.
#### Senate and Judicial Reforms
On September 5, 2024, it was reported that the Senate plans to hold sessions in Xicoténcatl, while the Supreme Court ministers were asked whether they would suspend the judicial reform. The judiciary awaits critical decisions that could shape its future autonomy and role.
These developments reflect the high-stakes environment surrounding the proposed judicial reforms, with significant implications for the structure and independence of Mexico’s judiciary.