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Mexico Overhauls Justice System

Calderon signs sweeping reforms

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 18, 2008 2:30 AM CDT
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(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.

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.
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.
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.
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 adopts US-style justice
Associated Press

Mexico's Calderon signs justice reforms into law
Bloomberg

 
justice system • Mexico • Felipe Calderon • drug cartel • Human Rights Watch • presumption of innocence • judges • Mexico City Human Rights Commission • Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico

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