Giovanni Figueroa Mejía: A Humanist and Progressive Candidate for SCJN Minister

Web Editor

May 20, 2025

a man in a suit and tie giving a speech at a podium with his hands up in front of him, Carlos Enríq

About the Candidate

Giovanni Azael Figueroa Mejía is a candidate for a minister position in the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) with a strong academic background. He is not a traditional judge but aims to bring fresh perspectives and strengthen the relationship between the judicial power and citizens.

The Need for Judicial Renewal

Figueroa Mejía emphasizes the importance of judicial reform, which has allowed non-presidential nominees like himself to run for minister positions. He believes this reform is crucial to refresh, renew, and reconstruct the judicial branch, which lacked self-criticism.

Academic Expertise in Constitutional Law

Although Figueroa Mejía does not have direct judicial experience, his academic career focusing on constitutional law and juridical interpretation makes him well-suited for the SCJN. He has created new typologies of constitutional sentences and analyzed the SCJN’s attribution extensively.

Diversity in the SCJN

Figueroa Mejía believes the SCJN should consist of diverse profiles to analyze matters from various perspectives, leading to better-quality decisions. He advocates for transparent court resolutions that are concise and understandable to the public.

Restoring Dialogue Between Powers

As a minister, Figueroa Mejía intends to rebuild the lost communication with the legislative and executive branches. He emphasizes the importance of constant dialogue, collaboration, and coordination among state powers.

Legitimacy Through Elections and Strong Sentences

The candidate believes that elections will grant legitimacy to the judges, complemented by well-founded arguments and sentences. Although this process will take time, he aims to rebuild the SCJN’s lost objectivity and focus on social justice.

Candidate Profile

  • Law degree from the Autonomous University of Nayarit; master’s in Advanced Studies in Constitutional Law and a doctorate in Constitutional Law from the Complutense University of Madrid.
  • Research fellowship at the University of Bolonia, Italy.
  • Academic at the Iberoamerican University, coordinating the Human Rights Doctorate program, as well as at the Complutense University of Madrid, the University of Bolonia, and the Castilla-La Mancha University.

Previous roles include Director of Human Rights at the Federal Judicial Council and advisor to the President of the Superior Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judicial Power.

Key Questions and Answers

  • What makes Figueroa Mejía a suitable candidate? His strong academic background in constitutional law and commitment to social justice make him an ideal candidate for the SCJN.
  • How will Figueroa Mejía improve the SCJN? He aims to diversify the court, promote transparency in resolutions, and rebuild dialogue with other state powers.
  • What is Figueroa Mejía’s approach to judicial legitimacy? He believes elections and well-founded, concise sentences will restore the SCJN’s lost objectivity and focus on social justice.