How Does Brazil's Supreme Court Work? Understanding the STF's Power

⚖️ The STF's Key Functions

1. Guardian of the Constitution

• Decides whether laws or government actions are constitutional.

• Judges ADIs (Direct Actions of Unconstitutionality) and ADPs (Allegations of Violation of Fundamental Precepts).

2. Court of Last Resort

• Hears appeals from cases exhausted in lower courts.

• Tries ordinary crimes by officials with privileged jurisdiction (e.g., President, lawmakers, ministers).

3. Arbiter of Federal Disputes

• Mediates conflicts between federal, state, and local governments.

👨⚖️ Who Are the STF Justices?

11 justices, nominated by the President and approved by the Senate.

- Requirements: Eminent legal knowledge and spotless reputation.

- Term: Lifetime appointment (mandatory retirement at 75).

• Current Justices:

- Flávio Dino

- Rosa Weber

- Luís Roberto Barroso

- Alexandre de Moraes

- Cármen Lúcia

- Dias Toffoli

- Gilmar Mendes

- Kassio Nunes Marques

- Edson Fachin

- André Mendonça

- Luiz Fux

⚡ How Trials Work

1. Case Reaches the STF (via appeal, direct action, or federal dispute).

2. Rapporteur Justice Is Assigned (leads case analysis).

3. Plenary Vote (in-person or virtual; simple majority decides).

4. Decision Published (binding nationwide).

📌 Controversies and Criticisms

- Case backlog: Some processes stall for 10+ years.

- Politicization: Justices perceived as aligned with specific ideologies.

🔍 Key Facts

- Annual budget: R$1.2 billion (2024).

- Pending cases: ~100,000 (2024).

- Rulings per year: ~3,500.

✅ Conclusion: Is the STF Powerful?

Yes, the Supreme Federal Court (STF in Brazil) has proven indispensable to safeguarding Brazil's democracy, particularly during the 2022-2023 political transition, when it played a decisive role in thwarting anti-democratic threats.

1. 2023 Coup Prevention

- Ordered raids against election-denying rioters who attacked government buildings on January 8.

- Approved investigations into anti-democratic financiers and military involvement in post-election unrest.

2. Checks on Authoritarianism

- Blocked attempts to overturn voting systems (2022).

- Criminalized disinformation campaigns targeting electoral integrity.

3. Protecting Institutions

- Maintained judicial independence despite pressure from populist leaders and military factions.

- Upheld election deadlines, ensuring peaceful transfer of power.

Without the STF’s interventions, Brazil could have faced:

- Delayed presidential transition

- Violent escalation by extremist groups

- Erosion of trust in electoral systems

The STF’s defense of democracy in 2023 cemented its role as Brazil’s institutional firewall—but its long-term credibility depends on balancing authority with restraint.

[STF's Official Portal](Portuguese)

"STF Brazil", "Brazil Supreme Court", "STF justices", "STF decisions",.