In this article, Mexico scholar Viridiana Rios discusses the relationship between economic development and the rule of law. She argues that the rule of law provides a foundation for economic development by fostering a secure climate for investment, creating an environment of certainty about conflict resolution, providing all economic actors equal access to justice, and limiting corruption, predatory behavior and informality. She concludes that Mexico’s economy will not grow unless it acknowledges the importance of diminishing crime and having an effective justice system.