Brazil deputies propose fixed terms for Supreme Court ministers

Two proposed constitutional amendments (PECs) are currently being coordinated in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies to establish fixed terms for future Supreme Federal Court (STF) ministers. These proposals do not affect current members and apply only to new appointments.

One proposal, introduced by Deputy Reginaldo Lopes, suggests terms of up to 10 years without the possibility of reappointment. It includes age requirements for nominees between 50 and 70 years and seeks to implement gender parity in bodies with an even number of members. The measure would also extend to the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) and other high courts.

A second proposal by Deputy Danilo Forte suggests eight-year terms for nominees aged 60 to 75. This text proposes a rotation for selecting ministers between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, requiring approval by an absolute majority of Congress. It also seeks to limit monocratic decisions that suspend laws or acts from heads of the Executive and legislative branches.