NCJ Number
131810
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
A British magistrate describes the prison system and a rural prison in Mexico, based on a 1989 visit, observations, and interviews with three judges.
Abstract
The Mexican legal system rests on the Napoleonic Code, meaning a presumption of guilt until proved otherwise. Locally appointed judges with powers similar to those of English magistrates operate the basic judicial system. None of the courts use a jury system. The government handles the prosecution, and defendants lacking lawyers can select one from a list and receive free services. Many prisons are now called "Centers for Rehabilitation." The Geurrero Centre is clean, active, and designed to provide reasonable conditions for its inmates. However, visits and recreational opportunities are limited. Nevertheless, inmates have relative freedom to move within large areas of the complex. They work in workshops, agricultural activities, or maintenance and operations of this virtually self-sufficient facility. Basic education is becoming an increasingly important part of inmate programming.