Brazil Has More than 45,000 Officials with Special Jurisdiction Due to Their Positions - 01/10/2026 - Brazil - Folha de S.Paulo

About 45,300 people have special jurisdiction due to their positions in Brazil, the right to be tried by higher courts rather than by a lower-court judge for ordinary crimes and crimes of responsibility. The figure comes from a Folha survey based on more than 70 official sources, the Federal Constitution and the 27 regional constitutions.

The issue returned to the debate with the Banco Master scandal, which triggered the recent crisis at Brazil’s Supreme Court and has also affected Congress. Political leaders told Folha that the discussion could resume after the election. Dozens of proposed constitutional amendments seek to abolish or restrict the privilege; the Senate approved its abolition in 2017, but the proposal has stalled in the Chamber of Deputies.

According to Senate legislative consultant João Trindade Cavalcante Filho, Brazil stands out compared with other countries. "In absolute numbers, no one comes close," he said. Supporters say the special jurisdiction protects holders of important public offices from political pressure and local judges.