The courts, law, and democracy in Brazil

This article analyses the relationship between the Federal Supreme Court and democratic politics in Brazil from 1988 to 1996. It discusses the Court's institutional role indefinition with respect to participation in the political. system and argues that, In a context of heightened public self-awareness and conflict resulting from the implementation of anti-inflationary policies, the Court has acted with judicial restraint, but also with political assertiveness. Opposition use of the Court is described, and there is a discussion of the significance of reform proposals to establish the Court's participation in the democratic system of politics.