Interview: the impact of Mexico's legal system

Mexico Sofi Mendoza @sofidelangel4





1. What does justice feel like where you live/or where you were born ?”



Justice often feels absent where I was born. I was born in Monterrey, Mexico and have lived there for most of my life. As I grew older, and came back to visit after living abroad, I realised justice felt absent. When it comes to the security, the trust, and the well being of citizens living here, our police force and our legal system fails to serve most who aren’t wealthy. Money has corrupted our system, interfering with justice serving it’s people. Some of our police officers (whose job is to protect) are often bribed easily. People who call the police to help them, often get dismissed just because that other person whom they were accusing offered something to the officer such as money. Those types of things done by our most important officials show just how corrupt and unjust our systems can be. Unfortunately, justice for those who aren’t rich usually isn’t served in many parts of Mexico and even Latin America as a whole.









	2.	“How do people in your country usually resolve conflicts — through courts, community leaders, negotiation, or something else?”



In Mexico, conflicts are typically resolved through a combination of formal and informal methods, depending on the situation. While the legal system and courts are available, many people try to avoid them due to bureaucracy, high costs, and lengthy processes. Instead, negotiation and informal agreements are more common ways to settle disputes, especially in personal, business, or family matters. Like I mentioned however, sometimes violence and bribery are other methods used by people in Mexico.





	3.	“If someone is accused of a crime in your country, what’s the process like from accusation to verdict?”



In Mexico when someone is accused of a crime, the process begins with an investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (Ministerio Público). If there’s enough evidence, the accused may be charged and can be detained while the case moves forward. The accused person has the right to legal defense and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. A judge hears the case, reviews the evidence, and then issues a verdict. In more serious cases, pre-trial detention is common, but there are also efforts to use alternatives like bail or house arrest.







	4.	“How do people in your country view lawyers and judges — as respected, feared, distrusted, or something else?”





In Mexico, people often have mixed feelings about lawyers and judges. While they are respected for their education and authority, there's also a strong sense of distrust and even fear. This is because the legal system is sometimes corrupt, slow, or unfair, and there are always concerns that justice isn’t always served equally. Some people are genuinely afraid to deal with the courts or speak out, especially in serious cases, because they worry about retaliation or that those with money or power might influence the outcome. In some situations, the system can feel more cruel than protective, making people feel helpless.







	5.	“If you could change one thing about your country’s legal system, what would it be — and why?”



If I could change one thing about Mexico’s legal system, it would be that there would be equal treatment for everyone, no matter their social status, wealth, or connections. Too often, justice in Mexico feels gone, where people with power or money can influence outcomes, while others are left without proper legal support or protection. This creates fear, distrust, and a sense of injustice, especially among those who feel the system doesn’t defend their rights. I believe the law should work the same for everyone. Whether you're rich or poor, well-connected or not. Making the legal system truly fair and accessible would help rebuild trust, protect the vulnerable, and create a more just society.