**Unprecedented Threats to Constitutional Democracy Highlighted by SCJN President**
Norma Lucía Piña Hernández, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), emphasized on November 4, 2024, the commitment and dedication of the employees of the Federal Judiciary amidst what she described as “unprecedented threats” to the institution and its members. During the Service Years Recognition Ceremony at the Federal Judiciary, Piña Hernández pointed out the adversity facing the institution, yet praised the workforce for maintaining their integrity and dignity.
This recognition ceremony included notable figures such as Jorge Mario Pardo Rebolledo, who celebrated 40 years of service, and Luis María Aguilar Morales, set to retire with a 50-year trajectory in the Federal Judiciary. “These are challenging times for our constitutional democracy, with members of the Federal Judiciary being subjected to slander and direct assaults. Yet, you have demonstrated exemplary composure and professionalism,” remarked the Chief Justice, urging the employees to remain undeterred and committed to justice.
Piña Hernández further affirmed the importance of their responsibilities, highlighting that their efforts are essential for ensuring that any citizen needing justice finds a responsive and protective institution in the Federal Judiciary. “Your training, experience, and above all, your dedication to service reflect an institution steadfast in guaranteeing that anyone seeking justice finds a tribunal to listen, support, and protect them,” she stated.
She encouraged judiciary employees to continue fulfilling their duties impartially and to fight for the right to prompt, complete, and impartial justice. “I urge you to keep loving our country and to strive daily within your responsibilities to ensure that every individual has guaranteed access to prompt, complete, and impartial justice in our nation,” concluded the Chief Justice.
Earlier in the day, eight out of the eleven Supreme Court ministers posed for their last official photograph with the study and account secretaries of the tribunal. This photograph session took place in the mural zone of the main SCJN headquarters, where over a hundred secretaries joined their chiefs, who previously announced resignations effective August 31, 2025, paving the way for newly elected officials.
**In Other News: Judicial Reform Sparks Debate Among TEPJF Magistrates**
On the same day, a decision from the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF) revealed a three to two split among magistrates over weighing in on a judicial reform matter. The majority determined that commenting on the constitutional nature of the reform didn’t fall within their purview.
The ruling came following opposition political parties’ challenges to the Federal Judiciary’s reform, outlined in a proposed judgement by Minister Juan Luis González Alcántara Carrancá. He sought the TEPJF’s perspective regarding alleged unconstitutional aspects of the reform, including potential threats to judicial independence and the introduction of anonymous judges in criminal matters.
However, the majority of magistrates opted not to provide a specialized opinion, citing that the issue intertwined with constitutional reforms beyond their jurisdiction. The decision underscored a recurring sentiment among TEPJF’s upper echelon that legislative procedural issues are outside their jurisdictional area.
The decision saw support from magistrates Mónica Aralí Soto Fregoso, Felipe de la Mata Pizaña, and Felipe Fuentes Barrera, while Janine Madeline Otálora Malassis and Reyes Rodríguez Mondragón dissented, favoring involvement.
**Further Developments on Judicial Reform**
Adding to the ongoing discussion around judicial reforms, the National Electoral Institute recently approved a substantial budget for upcoming judicial elections, sparking debate over fiscal responsibility and political priorities.
Simultaneously, the Federal Judiciary has made significant strides in workforce growth, reportedly surpassing employment generation benchmarks as new positions emerge in response to reform-driven structural changes.
Stay tuned with TJGringo.com for more in-depth analysis and continuous updates on these critical national developments.