Judiciary

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. ↑ Constitution ( Constitution ) Constitutions are fundamental legal documents that define government structures, rights and principles. They can be rigid or flexible, existing at national, regional or local levels, and are created by a sovereign constituent power. Constitutional reforms are typically carried out by a derived constituent power with specific limitations. Key features include protecting fundamental rights, establishing state mechanisms and maintaining legal supremacy. Control mechanisms ensure constitutional compliance through diffuse and concentrated review processes. Most democratic constitutions are developed through constituent assemblies and include provisions that protect core normative elements. International influences, particularly from the American and French revolutions, have shaped modern constitutional theory. Notably, some constitutions such as India's are extensively detailed, with hundreds of articles and amendments. The principle of constitutional unity emphasises the harmonious interpretation of legal principles, resolving potential conflicts through balanced approaches.

3. ↑ justice. Justice is a complex philosophical and social concept that has been examined through various lenses in different historical periods. Ancient Greek philosophers such as Socrates and Aristotle explored its subjective and corrective dimensions, while medieval thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas connected justice to divine will. Modern theorists such as Rawls, Sen and Dworkin offer diverse perspectives on fairness, equality and social organisation. Key approaches include utilitarian views that emphasise collective happiness, libertarian perspectives that prioritise individual rights and capability-based frameworks that focus on human potential. Academics debate the fundamental principles of justice, examining the distribution of resources, opportunities and social goods. Symbolically represented by scales, a sword and blindfolded figures, justice embodies impartiality, balance and rational decision-making. Contemporary discourse continues to explore how justice can be achieved through legal, economic and philosophical mechanisms, recognising its dynamic and multifaceted nature.

4. ↑ system. A system is a complex arrangement of interconnected components working towards a common goal. Characterised by functional integration and synergy, systems can be physical or conceptual, ranging from biological organisms to organisational structures. Biological systems follow a hierarchical organisation from atomic to cosmic levels, while information systems in computer science focus on algorithmic processes. Systems interact dynamically with their environment through inputs and outputs, maintaining homeostasis through continuous communication between elements. Different types of systems exist across disciplines, including human biological systems such as digestive and nervous systems, and social systems such as economic and legal structures. The core principle underlying all systems is the interdependence of the components, where changes in one part can significantly influence the functionality and performance of the entire system.

5. ↑ 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.