Brazil's Supreme Court rules on jurisdictional disputes

The Brazilian Supreme Federal Court (STF) is addressing two distinct legal matters involving jurisdictional authority.

First, the STF plenary will judge a request by Maranhão Governor Carlos Brandão to remove Minister Flávio Dino as the rapporteur for investigations involving the governor. Brandão’s defense argues that investigations into state governors should be handled by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) rather than the STF, as mandated by the Constitution. The defense also claims a lack of impartiality from Minister Dino due to past political alliances and asserts they have not had full access to the accusations.

In a separate ruling, the STF unanimously struck down a municipal law from São José do Rio Preto that attempted to regulate the activities of insurance companies. The court reaffirmed that the federal government holds exclusive authority to legislate on insurance matters. The invalidated municipal law had imposed specific rules on how insurers handle vehicle repairs, parts acquisition, and consumer communication. Industry representatives noted that the decision prevents regulatory fragmentation and ensures legal certainty across the national insurance market.