Mexico and Dominican Republic push major criminal‑justice reforms

In Mexico, the National College of Criminal Lawyers called for reforms to the National Code of Criminal Procedure to expand the use of alternative dispute‑resolution mechanisms in criminal cases. The organization noted that only about 13 % of criminal processes end through such alternatives and urged legislative changes, increased funding for state and federal prosecutor offices, and better training for personnel to improve victim assistance and respect for human rights.

In the Dominican Republic, the new Penal Code will take effect on 3 August. Former Supreme Court judge Alejandro Moscoso Segarra warned that most practicing lawyers are unaware of the changes and emphasized the need for comprehensive training and curricular reforms in law schools. The code introduces higher fines—up to 50 times the public‑sector minimum wage—and tougher penalties, prompting concerns about a trend toward harsher sentencing.