This report considers the work of the Special Prosecutor's Office (SPO) in Mexico, established to deal with crimes that public servants commit against social and political groups. It describes the basic requirements of investigation into "system crimes," emphasizing the need for an approach that differs from that used in the investigation of ordinary crimes. It also analyzes the SPO's interpretation of its mandate, examines the way in which it has sought to address victim participation, and considers the role it will play in establishing an official record of serious human rights violations.
