The ineffectiveness of the Mexican system of justice allows most violations of human rights to go unpunished. Ordinary courts lack jurisdiction to try members of the armed forces for violations of human rights committed against civilians. This erodes the independence of these courts.
During 1999 frequent violations of due process rights continued in the country and especially in the states of Chiapas, Guerrero and Oaxaca.
The government passed a series of legislative measures that weaken individual rights and undermine the ability of the ordinary judge to effectively impart justice.
The powers of the Public Prosecutor have also been significantly increased to the detriment of judges’ powers.
Attacks on Justice 2000 – Mexico (full text, PDF)