After discomfort in the STF, Fachin says self-correction is not recognizing errors of the ministers
Minister Edson Fachin stated that the concept of 'self-correction' in the Supreme Court refers to institutional maturity and not admitting faults on the part of the ministers.
Edson Fachin, the president of Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF), explained during the opening of the judicial year that the term 'self-correction' should be viewed as a sign of institutional maturity rather than an admission of mistakes by other ministers. Despite the intention behind this statement, it raised concerns among some ministers, whom perceived it as implying a moral superiority over their actions, leading to a divided reception for the call for self-correction.
The push for a Code of Ethics, which is one of Fachin's main objectives, faced resistance after this discourse. Critics within the court argued that suggesting self-correction effectively questioned the integrity of all judges, thus uniting a faction against the implementation of his proposed ethics reforms. This contentious environment illustrates the ongoing struggles within the STF regarding accountability, transparency, and the dynamics of power among its members.
Fachin acknowledged the importance of the STF in the context of Brazil's democracy but emphasized the need for self-reflection and correction amidst changing historical moments. His comments reflect broader discussions about ethical conduct and institutional responsibility within the judiciary, underscoring the challenges faced in establishing a robust ethical framework for the court, especially in light of intra-court tensions and resistance to reform proposals.