Politics · Brazil · 3 hrs ago
Brazilian lawmaker proposes changes to how Supreme Court justices are chosen
Brazilian lawmaker Danilo Forte has proposed a constitutional amendment to reform the country’s judiciary.
It would end the president’s exclusive power to nominate Supreme Court justices and rotate nominations among the three branches of government.
The full Congress would approve nominees in a joint session, rather than the Senate alone, as it does now.
The proposal would also give justices 10-year terms, require them to be at least 60 when appointed, and rule out reappointment.
It would restrict judges’ ability to issue decisions alone, with some exceptions, and limit the Supreme Court’s power to overturn laws passed by Congress.
Forte plans to begin discussions this month and hopes the lower house will approve the proposal this year; he says passage in 2027 could be harder if the next president does not support it.
His proposal contrasts with another amendment, which would set terms for justices but keep nominations with the president.
Brazilian lawmaker Danilo Forte proposed a constitutional amendment that would change how justices of the Supreme Federal Court are selected.
The proposal would end the president’s exclusive power to nominate justices and introduce a rotation involving the three branches of government.
It would also require approval of nominees in a joint session of Congress rather than only by the Senate.
The draft includes 10-year terms for justices, a minimum age of 60 and no possibility of reappointment.
Forte plans to begin discussions in October and hopes the Chamber of Deputies will approve the measure this year.
- Who
- Deputy Danilo Forte of the Progressistas party proposed the amendment.
- What
- It would change the process for selecting Supreme Federal Court justices and introduce other judicial reforms.
- When
- Forte proposed it before a planned presentation to party leaders on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- Brazil.
- Why
- Forte said the judiciary needs to be more trustworthy and less politicized.
Danilo Forte's proposal
Reginaldo Lopes's proposal
Nomination process
Danilo Forte's proposal
Selection would rotate among the three branches of government, with approval in a joint session of Congress.
Reginaldo Lopes's proposal
The president would retain the power to nominate justices.
Term limits
Danilo Forte's proposal
The proposal provides for 10-year terms, with no reappointment.
Reginaldo Lopes's proposal
The proposal establishes terms for justices; the article does not state their length.
There is a public outcry for a more trustworthy judiciary. It is necessary to depoliticize the institution. Brazil needs to address this issue soon.
That way, he won't go to the court wanting to make a fortune.
Folha reported that Danilo Forte had proposed a constitutional amendment on judicial reform.
Forte planned to present the text at a meeting of party leaders, the first after the first round of elections.
Forte intended to begin discussions on the proposal.
Forte aimed to secure approval in the Chamber of Deputies.
- Proposer
- Danilo Forte, Progressistas deputy for Ceará
- Nomination model
- Rotation among the three branches of government
- Approval body
- Joint session of Congress
- Justice term
- 10 years, with no reappointment
- Minimum age
- 60 years
Sources
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