14:22 Dec 29, 2010 

There is a lot in Muriel's proposed translation that doesn't reflect the Spanish source. I don't propose to do the work, here, but I would mention that 'amparo' under Mexican law is a lawsuit similar to 'habeas corpus' in the U.S. If I understand correctly, it is directed exclusively 'against' officials who have broken 'constitutional' laws in the performance of official duties and is filed outside any 'appeals' process under provisions of 'criminal court procedure' legislation. In the U.S., it alleges that the official acted 'under the color of law'; meaning that the official committed a crime using his/her official capacity to harm the plaintiff, who was jailed or imprisoned as a result.