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Supreme Federal Court facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The Supreme Federal Court (known as the STF) is Brazil's highest court. Think of it as the most important court in the country! Its main job is to make sure that all laws follow the Brazilian Constitution. This means it acts like a special "Constitutional Court."

The STF is the final court for many legal cases in Brazil. Its decisions are very important and affect everyone in the country.

Quick facts for kids
Supreme Federal Court
Supremo Tribunal Federal
Supreme Federal Court of Brazil.jpg
The Supreme Federal Court building at the Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza)
Established 1808
Country Brazil
Location Brasília
Composition method Presidential nomination with Senate confirmation
Authorized by Constitution of Brazil
Judge term length Until aged 75
Number of positions 11
Website Official website: http://www.stf.gov.br/
President
Currently Dias Toffoli
Since September 13, 2018

What the STF Does

The Supreme Federal Court makes sure that the laws of Brazil are fair and follow the country's main rulebook, the Constitution. It handles important cases that affect the whole country. For example, it might decide if a new law is allowed by the Constitution.

The STF also hears appeals from lower courts. This means if someone thinks a decision from another court was wrong, they might ask the STF to look at it again. It's like the last stop for many legal problems.

Who Works at the STF?

The Supreme Federal Court has 11 judges, who are called Ministers. These Ministers are very experienced lawyers or judges. They are chosen by the President of Brazil and then approved by the Federal Senate, which is part of Brazil's parliament.

Ministers serve on the court until they are 75 years old. This long term helps them make decisions without worrying too much about politics. Their job is to interpret the law and protect the Constitution.

The current President of the Supreme Federal Court is Dias Toffoli. He leads the court and helps manage its work.

The Court Building

The Supreme Federal Court building is in Brasília, the capital city of Brazil. It's part of a special area called the Praça dos Três Poderes (Three Powers Plaza). This plaza brings together the buildings for the three main parts of Brazil's government: the Executive (President), the Legislative (Parliament), and the Judiciary (Courts).

The building itself is a famous example of modern architecture. It shows how important the court is to Brazil's government.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Supremo Tribunal Federal de Brasil para niños

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