Following the example of what happens in many countries, the Brazilian Judiciary has different instances or degrees of jurisdiction.
Lawsuits initiated in the first instance may have appeals heard in the second instance, which, in turn, is subject to review by immediate superior courts - the so-called superior courts.
The mission of these superior courts, in their respective areas of specialization, is to standardize the jurisprudence and to resolve any conflicts between lower courts.
Currently, there are four superior courts in Brazil:
- National High Court of Brazil (Superior Tribunal de Justiça - STJ);
- Superior Labor Court (Tribunal Superior do Trabalho - TST);
- Superior Electoral Court (Tribunal Superior Eleitoral - TSE) and
- Superior Military Court (Superior Tribunal Militar - STM).
Finally, as a last resort, there is the Supreme Federal Court. The Supreme Federal Court (STF) is primarily responsible for protecting the Constitution, having the last say on constitutional matters.
The STF and the Brazilian superior courts have both original and appeal jurisdiction. They're based in the federal capital and have jurisdiction over the entire national territory.
Available at stj.jus.br