In the recently released 2017-2018 version of the “Rule of Law Index,” Mexico isn’t being spared the rod in regards to its criminal justice system, coming in behind both El Salvador and Iran in the index’s estimation.
The Rule of Law Index is a document drawn up yearly by the World Justice Project, a Washington-based independent organization which seeks to advance the cause of human rights and justice around the world. A few of its honorary chairmen include ex-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, President Jimmy Carter, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu.The index itself evaluates the justice systems of 113 countries according to eight parameters: limitations on governmental power, level of corruption, an open and transparent government, fundamental human rights, order and security, regulatory enforcement, civil justice, and criminal justice.
Mexico, long plagued by inert and corrupt governance at all levels, placed 92nd on the list of 113 countries. That dismal showing is an average of the country’s ratings in all eight of the aforementioned parameters. For instance, the nation placed 99th for order and security, and 102nd for corruption.
The United States, for its part, could have faired better, falling one place to 19th. (The Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Estonia and Singapore are just a few of the countries placed ahead of the United States). Scandinavia, of course, faired the best, with Denmark, Norway and Finland occupying the first, second and third places, respectively.