
The Supreme Court Court[3] The Federal Supreme 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 Constitution[1] It has the power 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[2] covers the interpretation of constitutional matters, the judgement of high authorities and the resolution of legal disputes, representing a fundamental pillar of the system[4] Brazilian democracy.
O Supreme Court (STF) is the higher court or the last instance of brazilian judiciarythe one that accumulates both the typical competences of a supreme courtIn other words, a court of last instance (popularly known as the third instance), like those of a constitutional courtIn other words, it judges questions of constitutionality independently of concrete litigation. Its fundamental institutional function is to serve as the guardian of the Constitution. Federal Constitution of 1988The Court of First Instance shall hear cases involving injury or threat to its provisions. Its decisions cannot be appealed to any other court.
Supreme Court (STF) | |
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STF headquarters | |
Q519138 | |
Organisation | |
Creation | 1808 (216 years) |
Country | ![]() |
Head Office | Three Powers Square, Brasilia |
Coordinates | 15° 48′ 08″ S, 47° 51′ 43″ O |
Composition | 11 ministers |
Name | Appointment by President of the Republicwith confirmation of Senate |
Mandate | Until the age of 75 |
President | Luís Roberto Barroso (2023-2025) |
Vice-President | Luiz Edson Fachin |
Official website | www.stf.jus.br |
Jurisdiction | |
Type | Constitutional and Appeals Court |
Territorial Jurisdiction | National territory |
Created after the Brazilian IndependenceIt was renamed the Supreme Court of Justice, and renamed the Federal Supreme Court after the proclamation of the RepublicThe STF exercises a long series of competences, among which the best known and most relevant is the concentrated control of constitutionality through direct actions of unconstitutionality. All of the Supreme Court's administrative and judicial meetings have been broadcast live on TV Justiça since 11 August 2002 and on Radio Justiça since 5 May 2004. The Court is also open to the public to watch judgements.
The eleven judges of the court are called Justices, even though the position bears no resemblance to that of the Justices of the Court. ministers of Executive branch. They are appointed by President of the Republicand must be approved by Federal Senate. With no fixed term of office, the maximum limit is compulsory retirement when they reach the age of 75.