Legal systems are dynamic, continually evolving, and adapting to the changing norms of society. These adaptations can be found in all areas of law, all over the world. Revisions to the law often follow regional trends. This is certainly true in Latin America.

In the past, countries in the region may have looked outside the region for ideas or guidance when developing their own laws, just as the U.S. once looked to Britain. But today, Latin America appears to be evolving independently as a region. Latin American countries look to each other; they follow each other’s lead. When the law evolves in one country, similar changes will likely surface elsewhere. As a result, when change comes to Latin American law, it comes regionally.