Brazil Judiciary reform proposals emerge amid transparency debates

Legal expert Cássio Telles, representing the OAB Paraná, has proposed significant structural changes to the National Council of Justice (CNJ) as part of a modernization study commissioned by Minister Luiz Edson Fachin. Key proposals include expanding the CNJ from 15 to 21 members to ensure parity between the Judiciary and civil society, and dividing the Council into two specialized chambers to redistribute the workload from the plenary.

Telles also advocates for increased transparency regarding the administration of judicial budgets and court fees. In disciplinary matters, he suggests that decisions resulting in the loss of judicial functions should take immediate effect to reduce delays in application.

Separately, Senator-elect Samanda de Lula has called for broader judicial reforms to increase transparency and address inequalities in legal access. She emphasized that judicial authorities must be subject to oversight and limits, noting the disparity in how cases are resolved based on a citizen's ability to afford legal representation. Her comments come amid discussions regarding the appointment process for Supreme Federal Court (STF) ministers and their terms of office.