Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación: Review of Judicial Processes and Institutional Structure

1 Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación: Review of Judicial Processes and Institutional Structure Report Prepared by Stefanie A. Lindquist, JD PhD 1 Principal Investigator and Foundation Professor of Law and Political Science Arizona State University Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................................................ 1 TEPJF Context and Challenges ........................................................................................................................................ 2 Hyper-Lexis and Hyper-Reform .................................................................................................................................. 5 A Shifting Legal Tradition ............................................................................................................................................ 7 Institutional Design and Comparison to the SCJN .................................................................................................. 8 Decision Making Process: Recommendations ............................................................................................................. 11 Case Assignment Procedures ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Hearing Process and Ex Parte Meetings .................................................................................................................. 13 Judicial Symbols and Protocol.................................................................................................................................... 15 Social Media Usage and Voluntary Ethical Guidelines .......................................................................................... 16 Precedent, Opinion Justification, and Docket Control .......................................................................................... 18 Administrative Law Standards of Review ................................................................................................................ 20 Appendix: Brief History of the Tribunal....................................................................................................................... 24 Executive Summary At the request of the Mexican Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación (TEPJF), 2 this report was prepared to reflect upon the institutional context, structures, norms and rules that shape and govern the TEPJF’s judicial functions, with the objective of offering recommendations on how to bolster the TEPJF’s efficiency and efficacy as a crucial institution supporting Mexican democracy. This study was informed by (1) the academic literature on the TEPJF and on electoral Tribunals in other nations, (2) news reports and other public commentary on the TEPJF and on Mexican elections, (3) the Mexican Constitution and laws governing the TEPJF and other associated institutions such as the Instituto Nacional Electoral de Mexico (INE), 3 (4) documents, 1 The author thanks Markus Benavidez and Eric Braeutigam for their invaluable assistance in completing this report. 2 Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary of Mexico. References herein to the TEPJF generally refer to the Superior Chamber of the Tribunal, with the Regional Chambers referenced specifically where relevant. 3 National Electoral Institute of Mexico.

Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación: Review of Judicial Processes and Institutional Structure

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