Introduction to the Judicial Discipline Tribunal (TDJ)
As part of the 2024 constitutional judicial reform, Mexico established the Judicial Discipline Tribunal (TDJ), an independent body replacing the Federal Judiciary Council. This new organization aims to strengthen oversight, ethics, and accountability within the Federal Judicial Power.
Election of TDJ Magistrates
The five TDJ magistrates were elected by popular vote on June 1, 2025. The presidency will rotate every two years, beginning with Celia Maya García, who received the most votes. Magistrates will serve for six years without re-election possibilities.
Magistrates’ Backgrounds
The TDJ magistrates include:
- Celia Maya García: Former CJF Advisor, Doctor in Law, Specialist in Penal Law and Amparo
- Eva Verónica de Gyvés Zárate: Specialist in Penal Law and Amparo
- Indira Isabel García Pérez: Expert in fiscalization and electoral justice
- Bernardo Bátiz Vázquez: Former Procurator of Mexico City, with political background
- Rufino H. León Tovar: Former President of the Labor Court Sala in the Tribunal of Conciliation
While it’s positive that all magistrates have judicial experience, concerns arise as none possess disciplinary or judicial evaluation expertise.
TDJ Structure and Functions
The TDJ consists of:
- Pleno: The definitive resolving organ
- Commissions: Three working groups for administrative cases, judicial evaluation, and labor disputes
Concerns and Challenges
Various experts have raised concerns about the TDJ’s independence due to political ties of some magistrates. Ambiguity in sanction grounds also poses a risk, potentially allowing discretionary interpretations.
The TDJ’s success hinges on its ability to act impartially, transparently, and respect the rule of law.
Impact on Federal Judicial Power
The TDJ plays a crucial role in implementing the judicial reform, holding the power to maintain or remove Federal Judicial Power members through sanctions or judicial evaluations.
The current setup, where those evaluating judicial careers also wield sanctioning power, creates excessive vulnerability for Federal Judicial Power members against the five disciplinary magistrates.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Judicial Discipline Tribunal (TDJ)? The TDJ is an independent body established in Mexico as part of the 2024 constitutional judicial reform, aiming to strengthen oversight, ethics, and accountability within the Federal Judicial Power.
- Who are the TDJ magistrates? The five magistrates, elected by popular vote in June 2025, include Celia Maya García, Eva Verónica de Gyvés Zárate, Indira Isabel García Pérez, Bernardo Bátiz Vázquez, and Rufino H. León Tovar, each with diverse judicial backgrounds.
- What are the concerns surrounding the TDJ? Concerns include potential political influence among magistrates and ambiguity in sanction grounds, which may lead to discretionary interpretations.
- How will the TDJ impact the Federal Judicial Power? The TDJ will play a significant role in implementing judicial reform by maintaining or removing Federal Judicial Power members through sanctions or evaluations. However, the current setup creates excessive vulnerability for judicial members against disciplinary magistrates.
