OAB-SP proposes judicial reforms including 12-year STF mandates

The São Paulo section of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB-SP) has submitted a comprehensive 77-page proposal to reform the Brazilian judiciary, aimed at addressing a crisis of credibility and transparency. The proposal, which will also be sent to the National Congress, includes several constitutional amendments and legislative projects.

Key recommendations include establishing fixed 12-year mandates for Supreme Federal Court (STF) justices and raising the minimum age for appointment from 35 to 50 years. To increase social participation, the OAB-SP suggests holding public hearings before Senate confirmation hearings.

The document also proposes a strict code of conduct for the STF to regulate issues such as political manifestations, the use of private jets, and conflicts of interest involving relatives of justices. Additionally, the OAB-SP advocates for the removal of senators, federal deputies, and governors from special jurisdiction (foro privilegiado) at the STF and Superior Court of Justice (STJ), suggesting instead that they be tried by Regional Federal Courts to prevent the distortion of the STF's role as a Constitutional Court.