The President of the Supreme Judicial Council (CSM) and the Supreme Court of Justice (STJ), João Cura Mariano, addressed the Constitutional Affairs Committee regarding the CSM’s annual report, stating that having the right to a third opinion in the STJ is a luxury not afforded in most European countries.
He noted there are currently 60 judges in the STJ and argued for stricter criteria for appeals to reduce this number, emphasizing the Supreme Court’s role in setting guidelines.
In response to questions about specialized courts, he expressed opposition, citing potential drawbacks such as judges handling only domestic violence cases. He stated, “I completely disagree with specialized courts.”
Discussion topics included legislative measures to expedite court proceedings, with the STJ president highlighting the need for changes in the instruction phase, which currently resembles a preliminary trial. He remarked, “It is almost as if the person is tried twice.”
Mariano also criticized the lack of technological investment in courts and the Ministry of Justice’s control over judicial process systems, insisting that “it is unacceptable for the government to manage judges’ processes” and suggesting that the system should be district-based rather than centralized in the Ministry of Justice.
The CSM’s annual report, presented in Parliament in July, revealed a significant decline in the number of active judges in 2024—down to 1,716 from 1,739 in 2023, marking the steepest drop in five years. Judicial exits in 2024 included 57 retirements, one resignation, four deaths, and one voluntary dismissal, totaling 63 departures.
