Background and Relevance of the New Supreme Court Justices
Following the first judicial elections held on June 1, 2025, the newly elected members of Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), along with federal magistrates and judges, are set to take their oaths in a solemn ceremony on September 1, 2025. This event marks the formal beginning of their functions in the newly transformed judicial power.
The Judicial Reform and Its Impact
These elections, part of the September 2024 judicial reform, allowed for popular election of judges, magistrates, and ministers for the first time. The reform significantly changed the system by introducing direct popular voting, which has sparked debate.
- Criticism: The use of “acordeones” (a type of electoral strategy) by Morena was criticized, with opposition parties warning about potential impacts on judicial independence.
Key Details of the Inauguration Ceremony
The ceremony will be convened by the Senate of the Republic at 7:30 PM on September 1, 2025. The nine new SCJN justices, members of the Tribunal Electoral (TEPJF), the Tribunal de Disciplina Judicial (TDJ), and federal magistrates, judges will attend.
Symbolic Changes in the SCJN
The new SCJN will commence its duties immediately following the ceremony, reducing the number of justices from 11 to 9. Their terms will range from eight to eleven years, depending on their votes.
Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, a mixteco lawyer, was elected with high votes to preside the SCJN. His selection, alongside eight other official magistrates aligned with his views, signifies a shift in the judicial power.
Timing with Other Key Events
The inauguration ceremony on September 1, 2025, coincides with the first report of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. When asked if she would attend the justices’ oath-taking, Sheinbaum expressed willingness to do so if invited.
Key Questions and Answers
- When will the new SCJN justices take their oaths? They will do so on September 1, 2025.
- Who will attend the ceremony? The nine new SCJN justices, TEPJF members, TDJ members, and federal magistrates will be present.
- What changes does the new SCJN bring? The number of justices will decrease from 11 to 9, with staggered terms ranging from eight to eleven years.
- Who are the newly elected SCJN president and other magistrates? Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, a mixteco lawyer, was elected to preside the SCJN. Eight other official magistrates aligned with his views also secured their positions.
- Will President Claudia Sheinbaum attend the ceremony? She expressed willingness to attend if invited.
