Key Constitutional Terms in Brazilian Law

Introduction

This glossary defines key constitutional terms and procedural mechanisms in Brazilian law. These terms are essential for understanding the functioning of the constitutional review system and the operation of the Supreme Federal Court (STF).

Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade (ADI)

ADI (Direct Action of Unconstitutionality) is the primary instrument for abstract constitutional review before the STF. It challenges a federal or state law or normative act directly before the STF, without requiring a concrete case. The STF’s decision has erga omnes and binding effects. See Abstract Constitutional Review for detailed analysis.

Arguição de Descumprimento de Preceito Fundamental (ADPF)

ADPF (Argument of Non-Compliance with Fundamental Precept) is a residual constitutional action for cases not covered by ADI. It may challenge: (i) municipal legislation; (ii) pre-1988 laws; or (iii) acts that violate fundamental constitutional precepts (fundamental rights, separation of powers, democratic principles).

Repercussão Geral

General repercussion (repercussão geral) is a requirement for extraordinary appeals to the STF (Article 102, §3, Constitution; Articles 1,035-1,039, CPC/2015). The STF must determine that the constitutional issue has economic, political, social, or legal relevance beyond the parties’ interests. If general repercussion is absent, the appeal is rejected. The plenary may decide multiple appeals sharing the same constitutional issue through a single leading case.

Súmula Vinculante

Binding precedent (súmula vinculante), introduced by Constitutional Amendment 45/2004, is a summary statement of the STF’s jurisprudence on a constitutional matter that binds: (i) all lower courts; (ii) the public administration (federal, state, municipal). Only the STF may issue, revise, or cancel binding precedents, requiring a two-thirds majority.

Súmula (Non-Binding)

Non-binding precedent (súmula) is a summary of the STF’s or STJ’s consolidated jurisprudence. While not legally binding, non-binding precedents are highly persuasive and typically followed by lower courts.

Ação Declaratória de Constitucionalidade (ADC)

ADC (Declaratory Action of Constitutionality) confirms the constitutionality of a federal law. Procedurally similar to ADI, the ADC is available to the same standing petitioners and results in a binding, erga omnes declaration of constitutionality.

Ação Direta de Inconstitucionalidade por Omissão (ADO)

ADO (Direct Action of Unconstitutionality by Omission) addresses legislative or administrative omissions that violate the Constitution. If granted, the STF notifies the relevant body to adopt the necessary measure.

Amicus Curiae

Amicus curiae (friend of the court) is a third-party participant in constitutional proceedings, authorized by Law 9.868/1999. Civil society organizations, professional associations, and experts may submit briefs and present oral arguments in cases of general relevance.

Controle Concentrado

Concentrated review (controle concentrado) refers to abstract constitutional review exercised exclusively by the STF through direct actions (ADI, ADC, ADO, ADPF). The STF directly decides the constitutional question without a concrete case.

Controle Difuso

Diffuse review (controle difuso) allows any judge or court to declare a law unconstitutional in specific cases. The Federal Senate may suspend the law’s effects under Article 52, X of the Constitution.

Mandado de Segurança

Writ of security (mandado de segurança, Article 5, LXIX) protects a clear and certain right (direito líquido e certo) against illegal or abusive acts by public authorities, when not protected by habeas corpus or habeas data.

Mandado de Injunção

Writ of injunction (mandado de injunção, Article 5, LXXI) addresses legislative omissions that prevent the exercise of constitutional rights. The STF may directly regulate the right until legislation is enacted.