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๐Ÿ‡ง๐Ÿ‡ท Brazil /Crime & Justice

Judges' association praises Supreme Court decision on allowances

From Folha de S.Paulo · () Portuguese

Translated from Portuguese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Brazil's Federal Judges Association (Ajufe) praised the Supreme Court's decision to partially reinstate judicial "penduricalhos" (bonuses and allowances).
  • Ajufe argues these payments are essential for service delivery and that judges perform vital functions.
  • The Supreme Court allowed payments for back pay and other benefits, such as seniority bonuses, while maintaining a 35% limit on allowances relative to the constitutional ceiling.

The Federal Judges Association (Ajufe) has lauded the Supreme Court's recent decision to reinstate certain bonuses and allowances for the judiciary, often referred to as "penduricalhos." The association asserts that these payments are justified by the essential services judges provide to the country.

This development comes after the Supreme Court initially blocked these payments in March. The court has now formed a majority in favor of allowing the reinstatement of these additional payments for judges, prosecutors, and attorneys. The authorization covers retroactive payments and other benefits, including seniority bonuses.

Ajufe President Ana Lya Ferraz stated that the ruling places the debate on technical grounds. She emphasized the judiciary's commitment to transparency, independence, and constitutional adherence. While advocating against irregular funds, the association points out that public discourse often overlooks specific instances where payments stem from actual work performed, such as unused vacation days due to service needs or court duty shifts.

The Supreme Court upheld the principle that indemnity payments should not exceed 35% of the constitutional ceiling, which is currently set at R$46,366.19. However, ministers have permitted certain payments, like those for judicial custody and court duty, to be excluded from this limit.

A transparรชncia, a independรชncia do Poder Judiciรกrio e o respeito ร  Constituiรงรฃo sรฃo compromissos da magistratura

โ€” Ana Lya FerrazAna Lya Ferraz, president of the Ajufe, commented on the Supreme Court's decision regarding judicial allowances.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Folha de S.Paulo in Portuguese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.