President Pena Nieto Says New Penal System More Unified and Just Circe Vargon - The News
go to original May 31, 2013

MEXICO CITY – President Enrique Peña Nieto said on Thursday that the recently passed Unified Code of Penal Procedures and the General Penal Law would make significant changes to Mexico’s justice system.

Peña Nieto said that Mexico would see a more unified and just penal system that would apply to all levels of government. Previously crimes were divided into federal and state jurisdictions. The changes will mean that states have to adhere to a federal penal code.

The General Penal Law will establish clear regulations and ethics to help courts and law enforcement officials work with greater clarity and coherence across the country without affecting the states’ right to create their own penal codes, Peña Nieto said.

State can create their own laws so long as those laws do not contradict federal law.

Speaking at the 29th National State Attorneys Meeting, Peña Nieto said that true justice was very clear.

“The criminal should receive the punishment they deserve and no innocent person should be imprisoned,” he said.

Peña Nieto added that the penal system “is going through a period of historic change.” The president said that he was fully committed a penal justice reform passed almost five years ago.

So far only three of Mexico’s 31 states have adopted the reform. Though the remaining states legally have three more years to impose the reform, their reluctance to do so has been strongly criticized.

The reform introduces a new oral trial system, where both defendants and victims are required to give statements before a judge. It also seeks to resolve more disputes through conciliation before they go to court.

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