Morena Opposes Cap and Gown at Supreme Court of Justice
This article by Andrea Becerril and Georgina Saldierna appeared in the June 12, 2025 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier leftist daily newspaper.
Senators from Morena and allied parties presented a bill to the Permanent Commission that eliminates the mandatory use of the cap and gown for Supreme Court justices, with the goal of “eradicating symbols” of remoteness and elitism from the country’s highest court.
The initiative was presented by Morena senators Laura Estrada Mauro and Antonino Morales, and Luis Alfonso Silva Romo of the PVEM (Green Party), who propose amending Article 4 of the Organic Law of the Federal Judiciary, which currently establishes that during sessions, ministers must wear black silk robes and white cuffs, in accordance with a decree in force since 1941.
The reform, the Oaxacan senators explain in their explanatory statement, aims to require ministers to dress in a formal or traditional manner, “in accordance with their origins, customs, and preferences.”
The new Supreme Court must reflect closeness to the people and address historical injustices, they emphasize.
“The people freely decided, through their vote, to elect the justices of the Supreme Court. It’s time for justice to also be represented, in its form, in its image, as an institution that answers to the people.”
Senator Morales noted that the fact that the new Supreme Court will be presided over by Hugo Aguilar, an indigenous jurist from Oaxaca, represents a historic change and an opportunity to strengthen the rights of the country’s indigenous peoples and communities.
In this context, he maintained that “the judicial robe is a symbol of the justice system of the past, that of privilege and elitism,” and therefore should be discontinued. “The justice system that is beginning must be clothed in the garb of our people, the simple, hardworking people of the countryside and the city.”
-
Mexico Expresses Concern over China’s 54.3% Tariffs on Pecans
China’s anti-dumping ruling hits Mexican pecan exporters with duties up to 51.6% starting Tuesday; the Economy Secretariat says it will seek to prevent their final imposition.
-
Two Far-Right Organizations Seek to Revive in Mexico… but End Up Alone
A century after the Cristero War, sinarquistas and a Carlist circle rallied to the Paseo del Pendón, but failed to gather support, even among the right.
-
People’s Mañanera August 10
President Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, with comments on children online, solidarity with Colombia, reforestation, renaming Paso de Cortés, avocado plants, water for the eastern Valley, and the Central American Games.
