Courts and the Public Prosecutor

It has 13 judges. Parliament elects 10 by two thirds of the deputies present, and those 10 choose the other 3. Six judges must come from other courts. The term is 9 years and cannot be renewed.

Judicial courts handle most civil and criminal cases. Cases start in district courts (comarca), can go to the courts of appeal (Relação) and end at the Supreme Court of Justice.

Administrative and tax courts handle disputes with public administration and with the tax authority. At the top is the Supreme Administrative Court. The Court of Auditors checks public spending and gives an opinion on the State accounts.

The Public Prosecutor represents the State, leads criminal prosecution and defends democratic legality. It is headed by the Office of the Attorney General. The Attorney General is appointed by the President, on the Government's proposal, for 6 years.