Starting September 1, 2025, the Mexican Federal Judicial Power (PJF) will introduce a new body: the Judicial Discipline Tribunal (TDJ). This tribunal will be responsible for investigating and sanctioning federal judges, magistrates, and even Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) ministers for negligence or serious misconduct in their duties.
Key Features of the TDJ
- The TDJ will be a collegiate body composed of five magistrates with gender parity: three women and two men.
- Its primary objective will be the oversight and discipline of judges, magistrates, and even SCJN ministers.
- The tribunal’s decisions will be final and not subject to appeal.
The Five Magistrates of the TDJ
According to official results announced by the National Electoral Institute (INE) after 100% of the ballots were counted, the profiles that will make up the TDJ have been determined. Here are their backgrounds:
Celia Maya García
– She will preside the TDJ during its first term (2025-2027).
– Born in Querétaro on December 4, 1949.
– Holds a law degree and a public accounting degree from the Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ), where she also earned a doctorate in law.
– Possesses three master’s degrees: in Criminal Procedure Law, Fiscal Law, and Taxes.
– Currently serves as a CJF councilor (appointed in 2023 for five years).
– Proposed by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Eva Verónica de Gyvés Zárate
– Born in Oaxaca on February 28, 1961.
– Holds a law degree from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and a master’s degree in Criminal Procedure Law.
– Specializes in Criminal Law, Amparo, and Criminal Procedure Law.
– Served as a CJF councilor from 2019 to 2024 and was also proposed by López Obrador.
Indira Isabel García Pérez
– Holds a law degree from the University of Colima.
– Possesses master’s degrees in Corporate Law and Education, along with specializations in fiscal taxes and public expenditure quality.
– Has worked in Colima’s state oversight and transparency bodies.
– Also served in the Colima Electoral Tribunal.
Bernardo Bátiz Vázquez
– Holds a law degree from UNAM and a master’s degree in Law from the Iberoamerican University.
– Served as the Mexico City Procurator of Justice during López Obrador’s tenure as Mexico City’s head of government (2000-2006).
– Served as a CJF councilor from 2019 to 2024.
– Has prior political experience as the PAN’s secretary-general in the 1970s and 1980s.
Rufino H. León Tovar
– Holds a law degree from UNAM and a master’s degree in Constitutional Law.
– Currently pursuing a doctorate in Law.
– Previously served as Procurator of Workers’ Defense to the State and currently presides a Federal Conciliation and Arbitration Tribunal chamber.
– Also served as Mexico City’s Secretary of Mobility.
Rotating Presidency of the TDJ
The TDJ presidency will rotate every two years and fall to the magistrate who receives the most votes. It will start with Celia Maya, followed by Eva Verónica de Gyvés Zárate, and then Bernardo Bátiz within a seven-year term per magistrate.
Concerns Over TDJ Independence
Despite the TDJ being the supreme body for discipline within the PJF, even above the SCJN in this area, its independence has been questioned by judicial experts like Laurence Pantin, Susana Camacho, and Cristian López due to the proximity of at least three of its members to the federal government.
- Experts worry that this closeness could lead to selective sanctions against independent judges or nullify resolutions contrary to the Executive or Legislative Branch’s interests.
- They also express concern that the sanction criteria defined in the judicial reform are ambiguous, potentially opening the door to arbitrary interpretations.
However, some voices call for giving the new body the benefit of the doubt, stating that Mexico needed a judicial reform and that the TDJ could strengthen accountability if it acts impartially.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the TDJ? The Tribunal de Disciplina Judicial (TDJ) is a new body within the Mexican Federal Judicial Power responsible for investigating and sanctioning federal judges, magistrates, and SCJN ministers for negligence or serious misconduct.
- When does the TDJ start? The TDJ will commence operations on September 1, 2025.
- Who are the five magistrates of the TDJ?
- Celia Maya García: President of the TDJ for 2025-2027, law and public accounting graduate from UAQ, holder of three master’s degrees.
- Eva Verónica de Gyvés Zárate: Specialist in Criminal Law, Amparo, and Criminal Procedure Law; served as a CJF councilor from 2019 to 2024.
- Indira Isabel García Pérez: Law graduate from the University of Colima, with master’s degrees in Corporate Law and Education; experience in state oversight and the Colima Electoral Tribunal.
- Bernardo Bátiz Vázquez: Law graduate from UNAM and master’s degree in Law from the Iberoamerican University; prior political experience as PAN’s secretary-general.
- Rufino H. León Tovar: Law graduate from UNAM, master’s degree in Constitutional Law, and doctoral candidate; experience as Procurator of Workers’ Defense to the State and Mexico City’s Secretary of Mobility.
- How will the TDJ presidency work? The TDJ presidency will rotate every two years, starting with Celia Maya, followed by Eva Verónica de Gyvés Zárate, and then Bernardo Bátiz within a seven-year term per magistrate.
- What concerns exist about the TDJ’s independence? Judicial experts question the TDJ’s independence due to the closeness of at least three members to the federal government, potentially leading to selective sanctions or nullifying independent resolutions.
