President of the Supreme Federal Court

The President and Vice President of the Supreme Court are elected by their peers through a secret ballot, requiring a minimum quorum of eight justices. The election follows a two-round system, and the offices are held for a single, non-renewable two-year term. For most of Brazil’s republican history, the process has followed a tradition of rotation: the most senior justice who has not yet served becomes President, and the second-most senior is elected Vice President. This practice is not established by law but upheld as a long-standing custom of the Court.

The self-governance and self-determination of the Supreme Federal Court regarding the choice of its president did not exist in two historical periods. During the monarchy, the Emperor of Brazil appointed the President of the Supreme Court of Justice for a renewable three-year term. Under the Constitution of 1937, the President of Brazil appointed the President of the Court from among the justices of the current composition for an indefinite term.

The longest presidency was held by Hermínio do Espírito Santo for 13 years and 312 days, while the shortest was held by Leoni Ramos for 23 days. The current President is Justice Edson Fachin, who has held the position since 29 September 2025.

Presidents of the Supreme Court of Justice (1829–1891)