Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approves 'relevance filter' for top court appeals

The Chamber of Deputies in Brazil has approved a legislative proposal to implement a "relevance filter" for special appeals submitted to the Superior Court of Justice (STJ). This measure introduces a set of rules designed to streamline the STJ's process for deciding whether to hear appeals against decisions from lower appellate courts.

Under the approved bill, a special appeal will only be considered if at least two-thirds of the STJ ministers deem it relevant. This aims to significantly reduce the overwhelming volume of cases the court handles annually. The bill, originally proposed by Senate President Davi Alcolumbre, has passed the Chamber and will now be sent to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his final approval or veto.

The legislation mandates that appellants must specifically demonstrate the relevance of their federal legal issue for exclusive consideration by the STJ. Relevance is defined by the presence of economic, political, social, or legal questions that extend beyond the immediate interests of the parties involved. If a federal question is not deemed relevant, the STJ will not proceed with the appeal.

Alcolumbre stated that the filter will help the STJ transition from acting as a mere review court to functioning as a true court of precedents. He noted the "avalanche of processes" the court receives, citing over 260,000 appeals in the first half of the current year alone. The bill's rapporteur in the Chamber, Deputy Raniery Paulino, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for procedural efficiency and greater significance for the STJ's rulings. This project further regulates a constitutional amendment approved in 2022.