I attended Ricardo Sodi’s report as president of the Court of Justice of the State of Mexico. As I listened to his review of very meritorious achievements, many thoughts came over me. Some, as memories. Others, like premonitions. Perhaps, also, as restlessness. Fortunately, hope never abandons me.
His mandate began at the time of a pandemic and everything that had to be done. And it ends at the moment of a reform and everything that will perish. In that case, they managed not to suspend the service. In this, they will have to manage not to suspend the assignment. They were not and will not be easy times, but neither were they nor are they fragile rulers.
Sodi did not strive for statistics, but for justice. Because, at the bottom of each file, there are not figures, but lives. Therefore, his work was successful. I am Mexican and I must confess that I brag a lot to my colleagues from other entities. And it’s no wonder. Not only for what has been accomplished but also for what has been left behind. They leave, for the future, a wealth of laws and teachings that are available to all states. I only mention a model of the Penal Code that is to be imitated in Mexico and even to be exported to friendly countries.
It has been a constant that justice systems are harassed around the world. They are squeezed by the budget, limited by legislation, dominated by the Executive, reviled by public opinion, criticized by academia, pressured by society and threatened by the comptroller’s office.
As if that were not enough, judges are poorly paid and, almost always, are sterilized for a life of litigation or a political career. As a general rule, only three paths await the judge: continue with the court, seek refuge in the university or take refuge in retirement. They never receive applause, decorations or tributes. Neither the high ruler nor the high magnate ever invites them to work.
I have a lot of respect and a lot of appreciation for them. I am the son and father of judges. Many of my dearest friends are also or have been. I never was. When I could, I didn’t want to and, when I wanted to, I couldn’t. But half of my professional life I have been an accuser and the other half I have been a defender. I have almost always been very successful and I owe it to honest, wise and brave judges. Never to the political power of my bosses nor to the generous money of my clients.
Outside of criminal matters, in constitutional control trials I was often the lawyer of the President of Mexico and many times I was his opponent. But I always won and I always owed it to Mexican justice, of which I am very proud. Because it is worth saying that, although many doubt it, lawyers can also be knowledgeable, honest and brave.
I tell all this only to attest to my recognition of the work of the Mexican president of justice. I am a tiger for many years and have always lived in the same jungle. I know all the sounds and I recognize all the shadows. I speak from what I know because I am not a “hearsay witness” nor a library dweller nor a mere lover of sayings.
Mexican institutions have been able to resist all the successive crises to which they have been subjected, but nothing assures us that they could resist all of these crises simultaneously. History has shown us governments and rulers who work very well in crises. Other governments and rulers that work very well in the lysis. And governments and rulers that do not work well in crises or lysis.
Ricardo Sodi has made it clear that today, more than ever, justice requires strength, prudence and temperance because it is perverted when it becomes complicit with the false similes of the former. Not even with simple strength, which appears to be authentic strength, but is not. Not with the pure fear that tries to disguise itself as genuine prudence, but is not. Not even with mere abstention, which is decorated as if it were true temperance, but it is not.
**In the context of the article’s emphasis on strength, prudence, and temperance in upholding justice, what concrete steps can be taken to empower Mexican judges facing complex pressures and demands while maintaining impartiality and integrity?**
## Interview: The State of Justice in Mexico
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we delve into the vital subject of justice in Mexico, reflecting on the accomplishments of the outgoing president of the High Court of Justice of the State of Mexico, Ricardo Sodi. To help us analyze this crucial topic, we’re joined by two distinguished guests: [Guest 1 Name], a renowned legal scholar and analyst, and [Guest 2 Name], a former judge and active advocate for judicial reform.
**Section 1: Legacy and Achievements**
**Host:** Let’s begin by discussing the tenure of Ricardo Sodi. [Guest 1], what are your reflections on his legacy as president of the Court? What do you consider to be his most significant achievements?
**Guest 1:**
**Host:** [Guest 2], you served as a judge for many years. How do you view Sodi’s impact on the Mexican judicial system? Did his leadership resonate with those working within the courts?
**Guest 2:**
**Section 2: Challenges Facing the Judicial System**
**Host:** The article highlights the many challenges facing justice systems worldwide, such as limited resources, political pressure, and public scrutiny. [Guest 1], could you elaborate on the specific pressures facing the Mexican judicial system?
**Guest 1:**
**Host:** [Guest 2], how have these pressures impacted your own experience as a judge? Do you believe these challenges are surmountable, and if so, what steps can be taken to address them?
**Guest 2:**
**Section 3: The Need for Strength, Prudence, and Temperance**
**Host:** The article emphasizes the importance of strength, prudence, and temperance in upholding justice. [Guest 1], can you unpack these concepts in the context of the Mexican judicial system?
**Guest 1:**
**Host:** [Guest 2], considering the delicate balance needed to ensure justice, how can judges best navigate the complex pressures and demands placed upon them while maintaining impartiality and integrity?
**Guest 2:**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: The Future of Justice in Mexico**
**Host:** Given the ongoing confluence of crises facing Mexico, what are your hopes and concerns for the future of justice in the country? [Guest 1],
**Guest 1:**
**Host:** [Guest 2],
**Guest 2:**
**Host:** Thank you both for this insightful discussion. The future of justice in Mexico is undoubtedly crucial for the well-being of its citizens, and thoughtful dialogues like this are essential for finding solutions and fostering a more just society.
**Call to Action:** We encourage our viewers to share their thoughts and engage in the conversation on this important topic.
