The Pro Persona Principle and Mexico's Human Rights

For the casual observer, the dusty legal system of constitutional supremacy might seem like a relic from a bygone era. But venture south of the Rio Grande, and you'll find a legal landscape positively abuzz with this seemingly archaic concept. Here, in the heart of Mexico, a quirky legal principle known as the "pro persona" principle has become the unlikely protagonist in a fascinating narrative of legal evolution.

Imagine a magnificent pyramid, a la Hans Kelsen, each layer meticulously organized, representing the hierarchy of laws. In pre-2011 Mexico, the Constitution, our beloved "Magna Carta," sat proudly at the apex. Below it, international treaties resided in a layer of comfortable familiarity, nestled snugly beside federal laws. But this tidy arrangement was destined for a shakeup.