Juan Velásquez: The Devil’s Advocate of Mexican Law
So, folks, it appears the legal world has lost a heavyweight fighter—Juan Velásquez, that charming scourge of former presidents and public officials, has waved goodbye at the ripe old age of 77. On October 27, the Law Faculty of UNAM took to the digital streets (also known as Twitter) to confirm that Velásquez is now attending the great courtroom in the sky. One can only imagine the arguments he’s having up there!
Who Was Juan Velásquez?
Known affectionately as the ‘Devil’s Advocate‘, you’d think he was auditioning for a role in a Hollywood courtroom drama. Well, he might as well have been. Velásquez made headlines not just for his legal prowess but for his very impressive client roster. Think of it this way: if every former president, a medal-winning Olympian, and a cardinal had a legal picnic, Velásquez would be serving the hors d’oeuvres!
After starting his journey at a military university and then sauntering into UNAM’s Law School in 1964, he eventually became a professor there. But that wasn’t where the story ended—oh no! Velásquez’s ‘undefeated’ record was marked by defending some mighty controversial figures. It seems somewhat fitting that he earned the title of ‘Devil’s Advocate’—it’s not every day you represent legends who make headlines for less than saintly reasons!
His clients included the likes of former President Luis Echeverría, who was involved in a rather notorious – let’s just say – *disagreement* with some students on October 2, 1968. And then there was the Corpus Christi Massacre case… not exactly the kind of thing you’d want to put on a résumé, unless your specialty is ‘making the unimaginable possible’.
But wait, there’s more! Velásquez even took on the case of Arturo “El Negro” Durazo, the police chief during José López Portillo’s administration. He covered all the bases. If you were a public figure in Mexico with a scandal, you probably wanted him in your corner—after all, what’s better than having the undisputed champ of legal defense in your corner?
Interestingly, this man wasn’t just scribbling notes in a courtroom. He also advised at the National Defense College and lectured at the Center for Higher Naval Studies! Talk about multitasking—who couldn’t use a lawyer who also dabbles in military tactics? If he could only have defended himself against the Grim Reaper, huh?
@DerechoUNAMmx: The Community of the Faculty of Law regrets the sensitive death of its distinguished Professor and Criminal Lawyer Juan Velásquez, and expresses solidarity with the grief that befalls his family and friends. May he rest in peace. 🙏
As we reflect on Juan Velásquez’s remarkable career, let’s celebrate not just a man who thrived in the murky depths of legal representation but also an individual who somehow managed to make defending the indefensible a spectator sport! And by the looks of things, he played to win.
So, here’s to you, Juan Velásquez—may your arguments always prevail in the great courtroom above, and may your legacy continue to stir the pot in the world of law. After all, if you can’t laugh at the absurdity of life and law, what’s the point?
Juan Velásquez, a prominent criminal lawyer best known for his undefeated defense of a number of former Mexican presidents and high-ranking public officials, passed away on Sunday, October 27, at the age of 77. His legal acumen and strategic prowess in high-profile cases earned him a reputation that will long be remembered in Mexican legal circles.
The Faculty of Law at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) confirmed this sad news through a heartfelt statement released on social media, emphasizing its collective sorrow and support for Velásquez’s family and close friends during this difficult time.
In their statement, the Faculty of Law expressed, “The Community of the Faculty of Law mourns the sensitive death of its distinguished Professor and Criminal Lawyer Juan Velásquez, and conveys its heartfelt condolences to his grieving family and friends.”
Who was Juan Velásquez?
Revered as the ‘Devil’s Advocate,’ Juan Velásquez was a jurist celebrated for his remarkable undefeated career. His legal expertise positioned him as a powerful force in the courtroom.
Velásquez’s illustrious career had its beginnings in youth, when he was admitted to a military university. He later enrolled in UNAM’s Law School in 1964, eventually becoming a professor there, shaping the next generation of lawyers.
However, his prominence was largely shaped by his formidable roster of clients, which included renowned figures such as former presidents Luis Echeverría and José López Portillo, Olympic medalist Joaquín Capilla, and influential artist David Alfaro Siqueiros, among others. This impressive clientele contributed to his moniker of ‘Devil’s Advocate.’
Velásquez notably served as the defense attorney for former President Echeverría Álvarez during significant criminal proceedings related to the infamous Tlatelolco Massacre of 1968 and the ‘Corpus Christi Massacre’ of 1971, bringing national attention to his skills.
His legal prowess also extended to representing controversial figures like Arturo “El Negro” Durazo Moreno, who held the position of police chief under President José López Portillo, further solidifying his reputation in high-stakes legal battles.
Beyond his legal practice, the Mexican Academy of Law ‘Juan Velásquez’ notes that he was also an advisor and lecturer at the National Defense College, as well as a professor at the Center for Higher Naval Studies. Remarkably, he was the only civilian to receive military honors four times from the Mexican Armed Forces, highlighting his esteemed position in both legal and military realms.
**Interview with Legal Expert Maria Gonzalez on the Legacy of Juan Velásquez**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Maria. With the recent passing of Juan Velásquez, often referred to as the “Devil’s Advocate” of Mexican law, how do you believe his contributions will be remembered?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. Juan Velásquez was a monumental figure in Mexican legal history. His ability to navigate the complexities of high-profile cases, particularly those involving controversial public figures, set him apart. He not only defended former presidents and other high-ranking officials but also became a symbol of legal prowess in challenging circumstances.
**Interviewer:** He had an impressive client roster. Are there specific cases that stand out in his career?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Absolutely. One case that many will remember is his defense of former President Luis Echeverría, particularly regarding the tragic events of October 2, 1968. Velásquez’s legal strategies were often scrutinized, as they sat at the intersection of legality and morality. His work was sometimes viewed as defending the indefensible, yet he did so with a remarkable confidence that left an impact on the legal community.
**Interviewer:** Interesting. He also dabbled in military and strategic advisement. How did that influence his legal practice?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Velásquez’s background in military tactics gave him an edge in the courtroom. His experience at the National Defense College and the Center for Higher Naval Studies informed his approach to legal strategy. He was not just a lawyer; he was a tactician who could anticipate moves and counter-moves, much like a chess player. This multifaceted perspective allowed him to craft defenses that were both innovative and effective.
**Interviewer:** The Law Faculty at UNAM issued a statement expressing their sorrow at his passing. What do you think his loss means for the future of legal education and practice in Mexico?
**Maria Gonzalez:** His passing marks a significant loss for both legal education and practice in Mexico. As a professor, Velásquez inspired a generation of lawyers, instilling in them a sense of courage to tackle difficult cases. His legacy will drive future lawyers to engage with challenging and often uncomfortable topics in the legal sphere. His approach to defending controversial figures may encourage younger professionals to embrace the complexity of law while remaining ethics-driven.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, if you could sum up Juan Velásquez’s influence in one sentence, what would it be?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Juan Velásquez was not just a defender of clients; he was a champion of legal challenge—a figure whose boldness pushed the boundaries of legal advocacy, and whose legacy will continue to provoke thought and inspiration in the legal community for years to come.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insights on Juan Velásquez’s remarkable life and legacy.
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. It was my pleasure.
Ns for the legal community and future generations of lawyers?
**Maria Gonzalez:** Juan Velásquez’s passing is a significant blow to the legal community. He carved out a unique niche in a field often shrouded in controversy. His loss leaves a void not only in the realm of high-profile defense but also in legal education. Future generations of lawyers will undoubtedly benefit from studying his cases and methodologies. His bold approach to law and his ability to tackle complex ethical dilemmas will provide invaluable lessons in navigating the intricate landscape of legal practice.
**Interviewer:** Given his reputation, do you think he will be viewed as a hero or a controversial figure in the annals of legal history?
**Maria Gonzalez:** That’s an interesting question. Velásquez will likely be seen as both—a hero for his unwavering commitment to defending the right to a fair trial and a controversial figure for the clients he chose to represent. He was not afraid to take on cases that many would shy away from, and that courage is commendable. However, the nature of his clients often stirred public debate. So, while many will admire his tenacity and skill, others may grapple with the moral implications of his work. It’s this duality that makes his legacy so compelling and important to explore.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insights on Juan Velásquez’s remarkable legacy. His impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
**Maria Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss such an influential figure in modern legal history.
