"BEYOND THE LEGAL MANDATE TO FOLLOW BINDING PRECEDENTS: STABILITY OF JURISPRUDENCE AND POLITICAL LEGITIMACY OF THE BFRAZILIAN SUPREME COURT".
Precedentes – binding effect – civil procedure – legitimacy - stability
This interdisciplinary research examines critically the central role of the Brazilian Supreme Court in maintaining a stable and coherent jurisprudence, shedding light on its profound implications for the legitimacy of the court. Based on in-depth analysis of doctrine, case law, and comprehensive national research data from "A Cara da Democracia no Brasil," this study investigates public perceptions of the court and its decisions during a crucial period for Brazilian democracy.
The hypothesis is that the failure to act in accordance with the legal duty to preserve a stable jurisprudence has fueled the emergence of populist approaches contrary to the Court, jeopardizing the institution's legitimacy. The study emphasizes the need to transcend the mere establishment of a legal mandate on the binding effect of judicial precedents, shifting the focus to the duty of consistency. By demonstrating the Supreme Court's commitment to this foundational principle, it will be possible to foster increased support for the institution among citizens, which is essential for protecting its independence, particularly during times of democratic instability.
The work underscores the importance of going beyond mere legal formalities and emphasizes the significance of jurisprudential stability as a cornerstone for the legitimacy and public trust in the Brazilian Supreme Court.