The Ascendancy of Brazil’s Supreme Court
Brazil’s Supreme Court has emerged as a formidable force in the nation’s political landscape. It has not only imprisoned presidents but has also engaged in high-stakes confrontations with influential figures like Elon Musk, emerging victorious in these encounters. Furthermore, it has established itself as one of the most stringent overseers of the internet globally. Now, it seems ready to add former President Jair Bolsonaro to its list of high-profile prosecutions.
This judicial body has become arguably the most powerful institution in Brazil, and one of the most influential top courts worldwide. Its ascent to power has been largely self-initiated, as the court has progressively expanded its authority over the years.
For an extended period, the Supreme Court has been at the helm of extensive criminal investigations targeting Bolsonaro and his supporters. Consequently, many on Brazil’s left believe that the court played a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s democracy during an attempted coup, while those on the right view the court as a potential threat to democratic principles.
A recent article in The New York Times delved into the court’s growing influence and power. The chief justice, LuĂs Roberto Barroso, 66, is a former state prosecutor with academic accolades from prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale University. In an insightful interview, he defended the court’s assertive actions and posited that they could serve as a blueprint for combating the rising global far-right movement.
What has prompted Brazil’s Supreme Court to adopt such a proactive approach compared to many other top courts around the globe?