Reforming the Administration of Justice in Mexico

“The number one issue in Mexico today is crime. This edited work is the most comprehensive volume to date examining all facets of public security, ranging from the judicial system, to the practice of law, to the militarization of the police. It is an outstanding contribution theoretically and substantively on understanding an essential but little explored condition in Mexico, having implications for U.S. security, deserving a wide readership on both sides of the border.“ —Roderic Ai Camp, McKenna Professor of the Pacific Rim, Claremont McKenna College

“This book will interest academics and policy makers concerned with the sorry state of the administration of justice in Latin America at large, and Mexico more specifically. The chapters leave almost no controversial issues surrounding the justice system untouched. From diverse legal, criminal, social, and political perspectives the justice system is held under scrutiny and found to be wanting. The end result is a number of well-thought-out suggested solutions to a long-standing problem.” —Nibaldo H. Galleguillos, McMaster University

“Essays on such topics as the militarization of the Mexican police, access to justice for indigenous peoples, and the role of the Supreme Court in the process of federal judicial reform.” —The Chronicle of Higher Education

“Cornelius and Shirk present 21 chapters exploring the current status and reform potentialities of the Mexican judicial system.” —Research Book News

“This book examines the challenges Mexico faces in reforming the administration of its justice system, which Cornelius sees as critical for the consolidation of democracy, the well-being of Mexican citizens, and successful U.S.-Mexican relations. Contributors cover such topics as: policing, judicial reform, and oversight in the justice system. In addition, the book presents sources of empirical data, case studies evaluating state and local level challenges, and analyses of best practices.” —Law and Social Inquiry

“This study examines the challenges Mexico faces in reforming the administration of its justice system. The contributors cover five themes: crime and criminology, policing & police reform, legal actors and judicial reform, civic mobilization and oversight in the justice system, and practical policy recommendations.” —Sociological Abstracts

“For those of us who live on the U.S.-Mexico border and travel in Mexico, it's important to know how the justice system works. The question is, how has the justice branch of government unfurled as democracy has flourished in Mexico.” —El Paso Times