Rosarito has introduced a new oral civil and family court system, marking a major shift in how legal cases are handled in the city—and across Baja California.
The system, launched by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and Chief Justice Alejandro Isaac Fragoso López, is part of a broader reform under Mexico’s National Code of Civil and Family Procedures. With this rollout, Baja California becomes the second state in the country to adopt the new model, with Rosarito leading at the municipal level.
Faster and more transparent proceedings
Under the new system, all new civil and family cases will be handled through oral hearings, which are designed to be more transparent and efficient than traditional written proceedings. Ongoing cases will continue under the previous system until they are resolved.
Online access to cases
A key feature is the Electronic Court system, which allows attorneys and individuals to track their cases online. This is expected to reduce the need for in-person visits and lower costs for those involved in legal processes.
More focus on resolving disputes early
The new model places strong emphasis on alternative dispute resolution, encouraging parties to settle conflicts through mediation with trained facilitators. This can happen at any stage of the legal process and may help avoid lengthy court proceedings.
Modern facilities designed for public access
The new courthouse in the Independencia neighborhood includes updated courtrooms, a virtual consultation module for reviewing case files, and dedicated spaces for the State Center for Alternative Justice (CEJA). It also features a specialized hearing room designed to protect the rights of children and adolescents.
What it means in practice
Officials say the goal is to create a system that is faster, more accessible, and easier to navigate—both for residents and for anyone who may need to resolve a civil or family matter while in the region.
The system begins operations with three judges—two assigned to civil cases and one to family matters—and is expected to play a key role in modernizing the state’s justice system.