Newly Composed Supreme Court of Mexico: Meet the Justices and Their Terms

Introduction to the New Supreme Court Composition

The newly formed Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) has been established, with Hugo Aguilar Ortiz set to lead the court as Minister President. The new SCJN will consist of five female ministers and four male ministers, taking office in September.

List of Newly Elected Ministers

• Ministers:
1. Hugo Aguilar Ortiz
2. Giovanni Azael Figueroa Mejía
3. Irving Espinosa Betanzo
4. Arístides Rodrigo Guerrero García
• Ministras:
1. Lenia Batres Guadarrama
2. Yasmín Esquivel Mossa
3. Loretta Ortiz Ahlf
4. María Estela Ríos González
5. Sara Irene Herrerías Guerra

Understanding the Changes in SCJN Terms

Previously, ministers served 15-year terms on the SCJN. However, recent reforms have adjusted these terms to last between 8 and 12 years.

Voting Results and Term Distribution

According to the Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE), here’s how the new SCJN ministers were elected and their respective terms:

1. Hugo Aguilar Ortiz: 6.2 million votes (5.3%), Minister President (2025-2027)
2. Lenia Batres: 5.8 million votes (5.0%), President (2027-2029)
3. Yasmín Esquivel: 5.3 million votes (4.6%), President (2029-2031)
4. Loretta Ortiz: 5.0 million votes (4.3%), term ends in 2036 (15 years)
5. María Estela Ríos: 4.7 million votes (4.1%), term ends in 2036 (15 years)
6. Giovanni Figueroa: 3.7 million votes (3.1%), term ends in 2033 (8 years)
7. Irving Espinosa: 3.6 million votes (3.1%), term ends in 2033 (8 years)
8. Arístides Guerrero: 3.6 million votes (3.1%), term ends in 2033 (8 years)
9. Sara Herrerías: 3.3 million votes (2.8%), term ends in 2033 (8 years)

Key Questions and Answers

• Who are the newly elected ministers of the SCJN?

The new ministers are Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, Giovanni Azael Figueroa Mejía, Irving Espinosa Betanzo, Arístides Rodrigo Guerrero García, Lenia Batres Guadarrama, Yasmín Esquivel Mossa, Loretta Ortiz Ahlf, María Estela Ríos González, and Sara Irene Herrerías Guerra.

• What are the new term lengths for SCJN ministers?

Ministers will now serve between 8 and 12 years, as opposed to the previous 15-year terms.

• How will the SCJN function with the new term structure?

The nine ministers will now convene and session together in plenary, making decisions that are binding for the entire judicial system of the country.

Background on SCJN and its Importance

The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) is Mexico’s highest court for constitutional matters and serves as the country’s principal judicial body. Its decisions have far-reaching implications for Mexican law and society, influencing human rights, environmental protection, and other critical areas. The recent changes in term lengths for SCJN ministers reflect ongoing efforts to modernize and improve the Mexican judicial system.