Francisco Jerez Mena prioritizes judicial independence over media pressure
Magistrate Francisco Jerez Mena, president of the Second Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, has reaffirmed his commitment to objectivity by revealing the strict personal measures he adopts to ensure impartiality in his duties. During his performance evaluation process before the National Council of the Magistracy (CNM), the judge emphasized that staying away from the media and social networks is fundamental to protecting his legal judgment.
The magistrate explained that his strategy consists of drastically limiting television consumption and avoiding the use of digital platforms while he is presiding over judicial proceedings. In this way, he seeks to shield himself from any type of external influence that intends to bias his decisions in high-profile cases.
I do not use social media, I watch very little television, so as not to let myself be contaminated.
Francisco Jerez Mena, magistrate of the Supreme Court of Justice
A firm rejection of judicial populism
During his appearance, Jerez Mena was emphatic in pointing out that judges must act exclusively under the protection of the Constitution and current laws. According to his vision, so-called media populism represents a constant challenge for the administration of justice, which is why he urged his colleagues to base their rulings solely on the files and evidence presented in court.
To illustrate the importance of this detachment, the magistrate recalled an episode experienced in the 90s, when he faced attempts of external pressure in a case linked to drug trafficking. This event, as he explained, served as a lesson on the risks that judges face before the interests of powerful sectors or public opinion.
Evaluation before the CNM
Jerez Mena’s participation is part of the evaluation process carried out by the National Council of the Magistracy to determine the tenure of judges in the high courts. The key points of his position before the CNM include:
- Preservation of judicial independence as a fundamental pillar.
- Rejection of the influence of public opinion in the exercise of their duties.
- Support for decision-making based strictly on the legal system.
This debate regarding the media exposure of magistrates takes on special relevance today, where the pressure exerted through social networks often intensifies in the face of judicial processes that capture the attention of the citizenry. Magistrate Jerez Mena’s position underscores the need for a judicial system that prioritizes transparency and legal rigor over any media noise.
