A recent LA Times article examines the alleged judicial activism of the Mexican Supreme Court, which has recently created a committee to investigate the political violence in Oaxaca. The Court made news earlier this month for overturning the anti-competitive “Televisa Law,” impacting Mexico's two leading media conglomerates. Next on the docket is the eagerly-anticipated case of Mexico City's controversial law legalizing abortion.
The Court's independence is due in large part to judicial reforms in 1994 that granted the Court broad powers to make decisions that have the force of law. Prior to that, one political party ruled all governmental branches. While some may criticize the Court's recent actions as over-stepping its role, its autonomy and authority are certainly positive developments for Mexican democracy.
