SCJN President Norma Piña highlighted the historical tension between the branches of government during her speech at the Supreme Court’s bicentennial celebration.
“Throughout its 200-year history, the Supreme Court has faced inevitable tensions with other powers. Sometimes it confronted them, and other times, unfortunately, chose to compromise its role as guardian to prevent these tensions from escalating,” Piña said without specifying instances.
Historical Examples of Tension
- Flores Magón Brothers’ Cases: Amparos against censorship and attacks by the Porfirio Díaz regime.
- Oil Expropriation and Nationalization: Legal disputes arising from the nationalization of oil, electricity, and banking industries.
- Electric Industry Opening Analysis: Assessments regarding the opening of Mexico’s electric industry.
- Militarization of Public Security: Evaluations on the militarization of public security.
- Constitutional Reform Review: Analysis of potential review for a constitutional reform concerning the Judicial Power.
Recent Challenges
According to Piña, “If the Supreme Court’s duty is to safeguard the Constitution and ensure all citizens’ rights are respected, it must inevitably challenge any power that attempts to evade justice. Whether public, economic, or factual, every branch should operate within constitutional limits,” she emphasized.
