Supreme that can do anything is not good for the country
The excessive power of Brazil's Supreme Court is raising concerns about its ability to maintain institutional tranquility and accountability.
The expansion of the Supreme Federal Court's influence and the personal power of its 11 Justices have reached levels that compromise institutional tranquility in Brazil. Without reforms to limit their expansive reach, the court risks transforming into an untouchable state organization that operates without accountability or boundaries. The ongoing situation illustrates decades of growth, fueled by Brazil's 1988 constitutional design and questionable decisions by public officials.
The recent Banco Master scandal has brought to light the intricacies and dangers of this anomality. It exemplifies how the Justices' broad discretion leads to decisions that can manipulate the judicial landscape for personal or political advantages. An indicative case is that of Justice Dias Toffoli, who escalated an issue to the Supreme Court connected to a real estate deal that never materialized, involving the fraudulent bank owner and a deputy. This move, which raises questions about impartiality, is compounded by Toffoli's undisclosed familial ties to stakeholders involved in the corruption, further complicating the integrity of the court's decisions.
The growing concern surrounding the Supreme Court's power suggests that its unchecked authority could undermine democratic norms in Brazil. Critics argue for systemic reforms to rein in the court's capabilities and ensure that it remains a transparent and accountable institution. If left unaddressed, the trajectory of the Supreme Court may lead to further erosion of public trust and institutional stability, signaling a critical juncture for Brazilian democracy that demands urgent attention from lawmakers and society alike.