Brazil’s judicial system is gearing up for its annual recess, which will begin on December 20, 2024, and last until January 6, 2025. During this period, various courts and the Defensoria Pública da União (DPU) will implement limited operational capacities to handle urgent legal matters.
The DPU will run on emergency protocol, attending to pressing cases only, such as those involving risk to life or loss of rights. This includes situations where there is lack of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, urgent surgeries, or necessary medications. Citizens requiring legal assistance during this recess can reach out via phone or email—information can be accessed through the DPU’s official channels.
Specifically, the Federal Regional Tribunal of the 5th Region (TRF5) announced operational directives through Portaria nº 274/2024, asserting its limited functionalities during the recess. The court will primarily offer non-face-to-face support, with virtual assistance available from judicial personnel and scheduled face-to-face meetings. For administrative functions, only indispensable services will remain operational on weekdays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., with possible adjustments per demand.
Meanwhile, the Corregedoria-Geral da Justiça (CGJ) of the Tribunal de Justiça da Bahia (TJ-BA) has issued guidance for judges, lawyers, and public defenders on operating procedures during the recess. Legal processing, which will occur electronically on certain days, must be filed digitally through the PJE system. Specific electronic jurisdictions must be selected to facilitate proper processing. Urgent requests outside standard hours will be handled through the Unified Judicial Plantão.
The Tribunal Regional Eleitoral de Mato Grosso (TRE-MT) will also observe its judicial recess, halting regular operations at electoral offices but maintaining emergency services through the Eleitoral Central Service. They will operate during designated days of the recess, with specific hours for public service dedicated to urgent and unavoidable matters without normal processing activities.
Further measures have been taken by President Carlos Alberto França of the Tribunal de Justiça do Estado de Goiás (TJGO), who has prioritized the processing of judicial alvarás (court authorizations) before the commencement of the recess, hoping to resolve outstanding issues rapidly. França emphasized the necessity for swift administrative action, echoing sentiments shared by the regional advocate Rafael Lara Martins about efficient judicial processes as the year draws to a close.
Also noteworthy is the arrangement concerning the Justice of Childhood and Youth within the Federal District, which will maintain limited operations to manage urgent socio-educational measures during the recess. Office hours will be curtailed around holidays, but certain urgent matters will receive attention, maintaining connectivity via digital platforms.
Lastly, the TREDF has prepared for this recess by putting administrative processes and elections measures on hold, except for urgent proceedings. Appointed judges will handle all pressing matters during this time, ensuring the continuity of judicial oversight even amid limited activity.
The conscientious management of these judicial operations during the 2024-2025 recess period reflects the judiciary's commitment to ensuring citizens have access to justice—even during times when most civil functions are temporarily paused. The outlined protocols and emergency measures across the different courts demonstrate proactive measures for protecting rights and responding to urgent legal needs, emphasizing the judiciary’s role as pivotal during the holiday season.
