Over the spring and summer 2025, a crucial conversation about the future of justice in Mexico brought together legal professionals, academics, and students from across the nation and beyond. This online seminar, titled “Implementation of the Méndez Principles in Mexico”, was more than a series of lectures—it was a foundational event that brought together leading experts from Mexico, Spain, and Argentina to forge a new path for effective and humane investigations.
The seminar focused on the Méndez Principles, a global framework designed to move away from coercive interrogation techniques toward a rapport-based, information-gathering approach. Participants were led on a transformative journey through a series of expert-led sessions:
April 25: The Méndez Principles Framework The series commenced with Dr. Eduardo Pérez-Campos Mayoral, who established the fundamental framework by explaining the history, ethics, and revolutionary potential of the Méndez Principles.
May 2: Distinguishing Effective and Coercive Interviews Dr. Adriana Reyes Flores delivered a presentation that drew a distinction between effective and coercive interviews, exploring the fundamental principles of rapport-based practice.
May 31: Overcoming Linguistic Barriers Dr. Alberto Hijazo Gascón delivered a presentation on the often-overlooked linguistic barriers in police communication.
June 7: Detecting Deception in Interviews Dr. Jaume Masip tackled one of the most intricate aspects of any investigation: identifying deception.
June 21: Training and accountability: Keys to implementing the Mendez principles in legal practice Professor Lucía Fernanda Araya addressed the critical gap between understanding a concept and successfully implementing it, emphasizing the importance of proper training and accountability.
July 5: The Role of Human Memory Professor Victor Moloeznik explored the function of human memory and its profound impact on interviews.
This seminar proved to be an essential gathering for legal professionals, forensic psychologists, human rights advocates, and students. The rich exchange of ideas and practical knowledge has laid a strong foundation for advancing the cause of justice in Mexico.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed panel of international experts and to every participant who dedicated their time to this significant dialogue. The discourse and momentum generated by this event are a testament to a collective dedication to progress. Stay connected with us for information regarding our forthcoming events and ongoing endeavors in this pivotal field.