Background on Norma Piña Hernández and the SCJN
Norma Lucía Piña Hernández, the outgoing President of Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), delivered her final speech during the last session of the nine-member Plenum before their terms end on August 31st. The session took place amidst the anticipation of the constitutional reform of 2024, which will bring a new integration to the SCJN starting September 1st.
Who is Norma Piña Hernández?
Norma Lucía Piña Hernández has served as the President of the SCJN since 2019, making her the first woman to hold this position. She has been a prominent figure in Mexico’s judicial system, advocating for transparency, accountability, and human rights. Her leadership has been marked by significant decisions that have shaped the country’s legal landscape.
The Significance of the SCJN
The Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) is Mexico’s highest court of appeals and plays a crucial role in interpreting the Constitution, protecting human rights, and ensuring the balance of power within the government. Its decisions have far-reaching implications for Mexican society, influencing various aspects of law and policy.
Key Points from Norma Piña Hernández’s Final Speech
In her farewell address, Piña Hernández emphasized the importance of societal and historical judgment over the actions of those who have held power.
La sociedad y la historia misma nos juzgarán a quienes hemos juzgado.
She expressed gratitude to her fellow ministers and the unsung heroes who have supported the SCJN’s work daily.
The New Integration of the SCJN
Starting September 1st, the SCJN will be composed of five women and four men, elected through a process that took place on June 1st. The new ministers are:
- Lenia Batres Guadarrama
- Yasín Esquivel Mossa
- Sara Irene Herrerías Guerra
- Loretta Ortiz Ahlf
- María Estela Ríos González
- Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, the new President of the SCJN
- Irving Espinosa Betancourt
- Arístides Rodrigo Guerrero García
- Giovanni Azael Figueroa Mejía
Key Actions and Ideas from the Session
During the extraordinary session, the SCJN validated the election of magistrates for the Superior Chamber of the Electoral Tribunal of the Judicial Power.
Piña Hernández concluded the session by calling for the next meeting on August 26th, where the heads of the Chambers, Javier Laynez Potisek and Loretta Ortiz Ahlf, will present their management reports.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Norma Piña Hernández? She is the outgoing President of Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), the first woman to hold this position.
- What is the significance of her final speech? Piña Hernández emphasized that society and history will judge those who have held power, rather than the judges themselves.
- What changes are coming to the SCJN? A new integration of the SCJN will take place on September 1st, with five women and four men elected through a process that concluded on June 1st.
- Who are the new ministers of the SCJN? The new ministers are Lenia Batres Guadarrama, Yasín Esquivel Mossa, Sara Irene Herrerías Guerra, Loretta Ortiz Ahlf, María Estela Ríos González, Hugo Aguilar Ortiz (new President), Irving Espinosa Betancourt, and Arístides Rodrigo Guerrero García, and Giovanni Azael Figueroa Mejía.
