Mato Grosso do Sul sanctions new rules for magistrate promotions

Governor Eduardo Riedel has sanctioned Law 6.617 in Mato Grosso do Sul, establishing new regulations for the promotion and removal of magistrates. The law amends the state's Judicial Organization and Division Code to ensure that promotions based on seniority and merit are preceded by two removals using alternating criteria.

Under the new rules, the first removal must follow the same criterion as the corresponding promotion contest, with the exception of initial appointments, which will be based exclusively on merit. If no judges express interest in removal, the vacancy will be filled through a promotion vote among registered candidates. These regulations will take effect 60 days after official publication and do not apply to processes already concluded.

The legislative change was proposed by the state judiciary to align local laws with a ruling by the Supreme Federal Court (STF) in ADI 6.757-RR. The STF determined that constitutional principles of seniority and merit must also be strictly observed during judicial removal processes. The Court of Justice of Mato Grosso do Sul stated that this alignment aims to provide greater legal certainty, predictability, and standardization for judicial career movements within the state.