Brazil top court honors 34th anniversary of Constitution

Brazil’s Supreme Court held a session Wednesday (Oct 5) in honor of the 34 years since the country’s present Constitution was promulgated.

In their speeches, the justices underscored the role of the Constitution in the recognition of individual rights and guarantees—which is why it is often called the “Constituição Cidadã,” in acknowledgment of its citizen-oriented nature. The document came into force on October 5, 1988.

Chief Supreme Court Justice Rosa Weber said that the Constitution brought about major democratic achievements for the construction of a free society, founded on institutional stability and the participation of the people.

“Everyday, the Supreme Court reveres the Constituição Cidadã in the execution of its primary activity, namely the provision of constitutional jurisdiction, charged with safeguarding it by the express commandment contained therein,” he declared.

Justice Gilmar Mendes argued that the Supreme Court has always preserved the autonomy of Congress and the Executive Branch.

“Only those living in some sort of metaverse version of the institutional world can believe the fiddle-faddle that says the Supreme Court has usurped something from the National Congress,” Justice Mendes declared.

The head of the Brazilian Bar Association, Beto Simonetti, also attended the session and said the promulgation of the Constitution represents the triumph over the repression of human rights.

“I wish to celebrate and exalt the meritorious work done by the constituents, as well as the valuable task accomplished by the legal profession, the justices of the Supreme Court, and the jurists,” he added.

In addition to the formal session, the Supreme Court will hold an exhibition of paintings on the 34th anniversary of the proclamation and also launch both a commemorative stamp and a documentary film.