Freedom of Association in Mexico

Abstract Freedom of association has been constitutionally recognized in Mexico since the mid-19th century. But it has been in recent years that academic scholarship and case law have constructed its content and scope. It is a freedom right that requires the performance of a negative conduct on the part of the State. Its constitutionally protected scope comprises a positive, a negative, as well as a collective dimension. Additionally, it is an instrumental right through which other fundamental rights can be exercised and the constitutional and democratic Rule of Law is consolidated. The greatest academic scholarship and case law development in Mexico refers to two specific types of associations: political parties and labor unions.