MEXICO: An Introduction to Dispute Resolution: Monterrey

The Use of Artificial Intelligence as Support in the Administration of Justice in Nuevo León

According to official data published by the Government of the State of Nuevo León, whose capital city is Monterrey, this federal entity had approximately 5.75 million inhabitants in 2020, representing 4.6% of the national population. By 2023, its GDP per capita had reached USD23,300, in contrast to the national average of USD13,900. Its economic growth rate for 2024 was 3.8%, whereas the national average was only 1.2%. Nuevo León is a well-established manufacturing base: in 2023, the manufacturing sector accounted for 34.2% of its local GDP and contributed 12.6% to the total national manufacturing output.

Nuevo León has become the leading global beneficiary of nearshoring, thanks to its geographical location bordering the USA and its advanced communications network. This includes efficient customs infrastructure, two international airports, an extensive railway network, and close proximity to several ports on the Gulf of Mexico, all of which facilitate international trade operations.

While the current economic outlook of Nuevo León is promising, it remains vulnerable to geopolitical risks, especially the trade policies of its principal commercial partner, the USA.

Judicial system and digital transformation

Transitioning to the sphere of public services, the Judicial Power of Nuevo León (PJNL) has been a national pioneer in implementing online justice. As indicated on its official website, in 2001 the PJNL launched its “Tribunal Virtual” platform. Initially, this platform only allowed electronic access to judicial files; however, over time, new functionalities have been added. Supported by robust operational infrastructure, the platform currently makes it possible to initiate and conclude civil and commercial proceedings entirely online, without any need for physical presence in court.

Given that the Mexican judicial system often allows cases originating in local courts to reach the Federal Judiciary through the amparo trial when constitutional rights are infringed, it is important to highlight that the federal courts also offer an online justice modality. Through the “Portal de Servicios en Línea del Poder Judicial de la Federación”, parties in Nuevo León can follow a judicial process completely virtually.

Artificial intelligence: a disruptive tool

The rapid evolution of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), has generated profound changes in various professions, and the legal field is no exception. Since late 2022, AI has become a disruptive tool with transformative potential, reshaping how legal services are delivered and how judicial efficiency is conceived.

The PJNL has publicly reported the implementation of an AI-based tool called “Profesor Virtual” within its Judiciary Institute. Furthermore, the PJNL plans to deploy AI in its Media Communication Unit to generate, digitally sign and dispatch judicial records – an initiative expected to save more than 107,000 working hours annually. In first-instance courts, AI will be used to automate the completion of forms and to produce anonymised rulings.

When introduced with due caution, AI has the potential to reduce the backlog of judicial files significantly. Its advantages include continuous availability, immunity to fatigue, and the ability to instantly process, analyse and summarise vast volumes of legal documents.

Advantages and practical applications

Applied ambitiously, AI could also provide support in the evidentiary phase of proceedings. For example, AI can generate draft questionnaires, assist judges or parties in understanding the subject matter of expert evidence – without replacing the professional judgement of court-appointed experts – and even propose automated draft rulings.

A notable example of AI-assisted decision-making is the AI4JUSTICE pilot project, implemented in 2025 by the Government of Catalonia. According to El País, this initiative reduced the time required to issue judgments in low-complexity cases from approximately two hours (human work) to just 20 minutes, representing a significant efficiency improvement.

Regulatory framework and ethical and security considerations

Achieving these benefits is not a trivial matter, particularly given the current absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for AI in Mexico. Nevertheless, legislative initiatives are underway. According to the Parliamentary Gazette of the Chamber of Deputies, from September 2021 to July 2025, a total of 55 AI-related legislative proposals have been introduced. Likewise, the Chamber of Senators recorded 20 similar initiatives during the same period. At the local level, five AI-related initiatives are currently under review by the Congress of Nuevo León.

Beyond regulation, there are important ethical and security challenges. AI systems may exhibit algorithmic bias, leading to discriminatory outcomes due to outdated or unbalanced data sets. Data protection is another major concern, as AI technologies are frequent targets of cyberattacks aimed at extracting sensitive information.

The recent Judicial Reform in Mexico, which has been widely discussed in legal forums, may represent both a risk and an opportunity for AI integration. On the one hand, structural changes could delay technological innovation; on the other hand, new judicial officers might embrace AI as a supportive tool to improve efficiency – provided that its inherent risks are properly managed.

Nuevo León’s leadership role

Nuevo León fulfils all the necessary conditions to maintain its leadership both in economic matters and in the administration of justice. The PJNL has historically been a trailblazer in digital transformation, and sustaining this position requires ongoing efforts to modernise judicial services while enhancing efficiency.

AI will be instrumental in achieving this objective. While the PJNL has already incorporated AI into specific functions, further progress could involve pilot programmes for automated procedural rulings or draft judgments in repetitive and low-complexity cases. Such initiatives – without replacing judicial discretion – could help reduce case backlogs and improve the quality and timeliness of judicial services.

Conclusion

The integration of AI into the justice system of Nuevo León is no longer a theoretical discussion but a practical necessity. The state’s economic strength and its history of judicial innovation create favourable conditions for adopting AI-driven solutions.

Nevertheless, success will depend on the establishment of clear regulations, strong ethical safeguards and robust cybersecurity measures.

AI should be viewed not as a replacement for human judges but as a complementary instrument that enhances efficiency and allows judicial officers to focus on higher-value tasks. If implemented responsibly, AI has the potential to make the administration of justice faster, more transparent, and more accessible for all citizens in Nuevo León.