Introduction — State-building, the Modernization of the Legal System, and Institutional Effectiveness in Mexico: Notes on the 2013–2014 Energy Reform

Nobody can ensure that the economic gamble underlying the 2013–2014 energy reform will achieve the desired or expected success. However, the author presents evidence demonstrating that Mexico has gradually been building the institutions that will be able to perform governmental operations with reasonable effectiveness. This paper is part of a Baker Institute Mexico Center research project examining the rule of law in Mexico (https://www.bakerinstitute.org/the-rule-of-law-and-mexicos-energy-reform/) and the challenges it poses to implementing the country's energy reform

The time inconsistency of long constitutions: Evidence from the world

This article analyses the mechanisms establishing time consistency of constitutions. It explains why shorter and more locked constitutions are more likely to be time consistent (change less) and that long constitutions are more time inconsistent (change more, despite locking). Empirical evidence from all of the democratic countries in the world indicates that the length and locking of constitutions are not independent criteria, and that their combination leads to less time consistency. To address this inter‐relationship, a measure of time inconsistency (a combination of locking and amendment rate) is developed and it is demonstrated that it is connected with the length of constitutions. The article shows how time inconsistency is incompatible with theories of ‘constitutional amendment culture’ not only at the theoretical level, but also empirically. Finally, the article proves that the empirical finding that the length of constitutions is related to lower per capita income and higher corruption are not only in agreement with time inconsistency arguments, but this also extends beyond OECD countries to all democracies.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138893/1/ejpr12206_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/138893/2/ejpr12206.pd

Notes on the Impact of Lawyer Performance on the Administration of Justice in Mexico

This paper has the purpose of highlighting the role of lawyers in the justice system. It attempts to provide a basic conceptual framework for the analysis of lawyer performance as it relates to the operation of the administration of justice in Mexico, especially in criminal cases. For such purpose, and after presenting an overview of legal education and the legal profession in Mexico, the professional effectiveness of lawyers and their role as intermediaries between the justice system and society are examined. This allows identifying the main avenues for future reform, but much will depend also on having a more detailed and precise description of the actual behavior of lawyers and on an open and public debate on their proper role in the judicial process

Globalisation et changement juridique au Mexique : l'ALENA

Globalization and Legal Change in Mexico : the NAFTA. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) entered into force on January 1, 1994. For Mexico, the Agreement means a step toward consolidating a new development strategy based on open markets. The legal changes supporting this economic transition have been no less far reaching. This paper briefly presents some remarks on the relationship between the Agreement and the so-called « globalization of law », describes the contents of the Agreement and discusses some of its consequences for Mexican Law.L'Accord de libre-échange nord-américain (ALENA) est entré en vigueur le 1er janvier 1994. Pour le Mexique, l'accord signifie un pas en avant vers la consolidation de sa nouvelle stratégie de développement basée sur un marché ouvert. Les changements juridiques accompagnant la transition économique n'ont pas été moins importants. Cet article propose quelques observations sur le rapport entre l'accord et ladite « globalisation du droit », expose brièvement le contenu de l'accord et explique ses conséquences pour le droit mexicain.Fix Fierro Héctor, López Ayllón Sergio. Globalisation et changement juridique au Mexique : l'ALENA. In: Droit et société, n°35, 1997. Globalisation des échanges et espaces juridiques. pp. 37-46