The government elite and the definition of STF ministers

Abstract

The article discusses the nominating process of the new ministers for the Brazil’s Federal Court of Justice in comparison with its model of inspiration, originated in the Supreme Court of the United States. We emphasize the role played by the Senate of the two countries following the presidential indication. The data presented demonstrate an absence of refusals or questioning on the part of the Brazilian Senate, differently from what is seen in the American case. Considering such discrepancy, different possibilities of interpretation are presented, adding statements from different actors involved in the Legislative and Judiciary branches.