Fachin Reopens STF Second Semester and Defends Public Criticism

Overview

• The Supreme Federal Court formally resumed work on Monday, August 3, when President Edson Fachin opened the second judicial semester and said public criticism, if exercised within republican bounds, strengthens the institution and democracy.
• Fachin publicly thanked Vice‑President Alexandre de Moraes for running the Court during July's limited duty period and reported that the tribunal completed 1,263 processes, issued 245 decisions and made 921 despachos while in recess.
• The president acknowledged persistent problems in the Court’s operation, naming long case duration, unclear communication of rulings and the need for ongoing dialogue with society and other branches, and he said the Court has invested in procedural technology, session publicity and systematic data production.
• Fachin put high‑impact matters on the near agenda, including ADI 7779 on tax exemptions for vehicle purchases by people with disabilities and ARE 1537713 on whether the Lei Maria da Penha applies outside family or domestic relationships.
• The plenary returned with ten ministers while Roberto Barroso’s seat remains vacant, a context shaped by recent political tensions and public scrutiny of judicial conduct that could influence how the Court balances independence, transparency and interbranch harmony this semester.