# Mexico judicial system and legal research autonomy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-judicial-system-and-legal-research-autonomy
> Updated: 2026-08-18T00:58:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Mexico has transitioned its justice system to utilize oral trials as the primary method for courtroom proceedings. This shift, occurring nearly two decades ago, is credited with enhancing transparency and litigation quality by allowing judges and lawyers to argue cases in real time before the public.

In support of these judicial structures, calls have been made to maintain the autonomy of legal research bodies, such as the Instituto de Investigaciones Jurídicas (IIJ) at UNAM. Advocates emphasize that independent research is necessary to scrutinize judicial reforms and provide unbiased technical analysis of legislative changes affecting the courts and the electoral system.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-18: Judicial reforms and accountability efforts reported in Mexico and Colombia

Judicial updates from Mexico and Colombia highlight efforts toward legal reform and accountability, including Hidalgo's new specialized courts and Colombia's JEP truth-seeking processes.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/judicial-reforms-and-accountability-efforts-reported-in-mexico-and-colombia

### 2026-08-03: Mexico advances oral trials and defends legal research autonomy

Mexico’s justice system now centres on oral trials, boosting transparency, while UNAM’s rector defends the independence of the Institute of Legal Research amid ongoing judicial reforms.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-advances-oral-trials-and-defends-legal-research-autonomy

---
Cite as: Mexico judicial system and legal research autonomy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mexico-judicial-system-and-legal-research-autonomy