Eros Grau

1. ↑ Supreme Court ( Supremo Tribunal Federal ) The Supreme Federal Court (STF) is Brazil's highest judicial body, established in 1822 and serving as a supreme and constitutional court. Located in Brasilia since 1960, it is made up of 11 Justices appointed by the President and confirmed by the Federal Senate, with compulsory retirement at the age of 75. Its primary function is to safeguard the 1988 Constitution, with powers to review constitutionality through mechanisms such as the Direct Action for Unconstitutionality. The court's sessions are broadcast publicly, and its president holds significant institutional importance, being fourth in the line of presidential succession. Throughout Brazilian history, the STF has played a critical role in maintaining judicial independence, particularly during challenging political periods such as the military regime. Its jurisdiction covers the interpretation of constitutional matters, the judgement of high authorities and the resolution of legal disputes, representing a fundamental pillar of the Brazilian democratic system.

2. ↑ doctorate. A doctorate is an advanced academic degree that signals high-level expertise in a specific field. In Brazil, these degrees must be recommended by CAPES and follow national educational guidelines. Typically requiring 3-6 years of study, doctorates can be obtained through coursework, research, or a combination of both, often requiring a prior master's degree. There are two primary types of doctorate-PhD and DSc-which differ in research focus and regional recognition. Doctoral degrees enable individuals to make original contributions of knowledge and pursue careers in academia, research and leadership roles. Foreign doctoral degrees require recognition by CAPES-approved programmes to maintain national validity. The achievement represents a significant personal and academic accomplishment, demonstrating advanced academic competence and specialised understanding in a particular discipline.

3. ↑ advocacy. Lawyers are legal professionals who represent individuals and organisations in legal matters, playing a crucial role in the administration of justice. Originating from the Latin term "ad vocatus", they have traditionally held significant status in several countries. In Brazil, becoming a lawyer requires passing a rigorous two-stage exam with challenging pass rates. The legal profession emerged from liberal movements in the early 19th century, with law schools established to serve political agendas. Lawyers have specific competences, including exclusive legal rights, and are governed by ethical codes. They can specialise in different areas of law and serve in various roles, such as defence lawyers, public defenders and volunteer legal assistants. The profession is regulated by national bar associations, which oversee professional conduct and discipline.

4. ↑ Assembly ( Assembly ) An assembly is a gathering of people for political, religious or social purposes, typically made up of representatives or delegates. Assemblies serve as forums for discussion, decision-making and collective action, playing a crucial role in democratic governance. They can take various forms, including legislative bodies, constituent assemblies and representative assemblies. Throughout history, notable assemblies have shaped political movements and governance, such as the French National Assembly during the Revolution and the United Nations General Assembly. While assemblies are essential for public participation and representation of community interests, they face challenges such as polarisation and ensuring balanced representation. Their role involves passing laws, drafting policies and providing a check on government power, with their importance and methods continuing to evolve in the modern political landscape.

5. ↑ jurist. A jurist is a legal professional with extensive knowledge of law, as distinct from a lawyer who practises law. Originating in the Roman legal system of the 4th century BC, jurists were initially legal advisors who interpreted public legal norms. In Latin America, the term denotes a specialist recognised for theoretical legal contributions. Jurists can work in the public and private sectors, including roles such as prosecutors, judges, public defenders and arbitrators. Their main focus is to study and analyse legal principles, contributing to the development of jurisprudence through academic interpretations. Unlike lawyers who apply the law in practice, jurists provide deeper theoretical insights into legal systems. A jurist's professional recognition is often conferred by the legal community, signifying a high level of expertise and theoretical understanding of legal structures.

6. ↑ Law ( Law ) Law is a complex system of rules that regulate human behaviour through rights and duties, shaped by various social and cultural influences. Rooted in Latin and Sanskrit origins, it encompasses various legal families such as civil law and common law. The field largely distinguishes between public and private law, addressing corporate and individual interests respectively. Its foundations date back to archaic societies, with early codifications such as the Code of Ur-Namu and the Code of Hammurabi. Roman law significantly advanced legal systems, separating law from religion and morality, and developing sophisticated legal concepts. Modern law comes from multiple sources, including state legislation, international treaties and individual contracts. Courts and tribunals apply legal norms through interpretation guided by doctrine, custom and judicial precedent, reflecting the dynamic and adaptive nature of law.

7. ↑ Court ( Court ) Courts are legal institutions that resolve disputes in the civil, criminal and administrative fields, operating under the rule of law in common and civil law systems. Comprising at least three key participants - plaintiff, defendant and judiciary - courts operate in specific forums or courtrooms with varying structural complexity. Their authority, known as jurisdiction, is legally defined and allows them to determine facts, interpret laws and apply appropriate remedies. Historically rooted in the English and Roman legal traditions, courts have evolved to address increasingly complex societal legal needs. They serve critical functions in contemporary democratic societies by providing individuals with access to legal remedies, upholding due process of law and maintaining systemic order. Courts remain essential conflict resolution mechanisms, adapting to changing social, political and legal landscapes while preserving fundamental principles of justice.

Eros Grau

Eros Grau in 2009
Justice of the Supreme Court of Brazil
Period	30th June of 2004 a 2nd August of 2010
Appointment by	Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Predecessor	Maurício Corrêa
Successor	Luiz Fux
Deputy Director of Institute of Brazilian Lawyers
Period	2002 a 2003
Official Speaker Institute of Brazilian Lawyers
Period	2000 a 2002
Vice-President of Institute of Brazilian Lawyers
Period	1998 a 2000
Personal details
Birth	19th August of 1940 (84 years old) Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul
Wife	Tania Marina Stolle Jalowski
Children	Karin Grau-Kuntz and Werner Grau Neto
Nationality	Brazilian
Religion	roman catholic

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