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November 22, 2008 11:49:45 AM CST

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Mexico Overhauls Justice System

Posted Jun 18, 08 2:30 AM CDT in Crime & Courts,  World 

(Newser) – Sweeping reforms of Mexico's criminal justice system were signed into law by President Felipe Calderon yesterday. US-style public trials and presumption of innocence will replace Mexico's slow, closed-door system that proceeds almost exclusively through briefs, reports the Washington Post. The reforms also give investigators power to hold suspects 80 days without charges.     

The reforms are so far reaching and involve such radical retraining of the Mexican judiciary that they won't all be implemented until 2016. "What is at stake is not the liberty, security or integrity of the government, but above all the security and integrity of the governed," said a statement by Calderon.

Source Washington Post

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Mexican soldiers display seized heroin during an anti-drug operation. Sweeping reforms of Mexico's justice system will make it easier to combat drug cartels.   (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)
Mexico's President Felipe Calderon has signed into law sweeping reforms of Mexico's justice system.   (AP Photo/Karel Navarro)
Mexican soldiers question a man during an anti-drug operation. Under a new law suspects may be held up to 80 days without trial.   (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini)
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Mexico • drug cartel • Felipe Calderon • Human Rights Watch • justice system • judges


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