MEXICAN AND AMERICAN LEGAL SYSTEM/ UNIT 5

 

The Mexican and American legal systems have key differences, despite both aiming for justice and order. The United States follows a common law system, which relies heavily on judicial precedents — meaning court decisions play a crucial role in shaping the law. Judges interpret the law based on previous rulings, making case law a fundamental part of the legal process.

In contrast, Mexico operates under a civil law system, rooted in written codes and statutes. Laws are clearly outlined, and judges focus strictly on applying these codes rather than relying on past rulings. As a result, legal decisions in Mexico tend to be more predictable but less flexible than in the U.S.

Another major difference is the court structure. The U.S. has federal and state courts, with a strong emphasis on jury trials. Meanwhile, Mexico primarily uses judges to decide cases, as jury trials are rare.

Despite these differences, both countries are working toward greater transparency and fairness. For example, Mexico's judicial reforms in recent years aim to incorporate oral trials, making court processes more open and efficient — a shift inspired in part by the U.S. legal system.

Ultimately, while both systems uphold justice, their methods reflect their unique legal traditions and histories.

https://www.myenglishteacher.eu/blog/legal-terms/