ABSTRACT
This article presents a brief description of the Brazilian judicial system followed by a critical explanation of why, as a rule, this system looks much better on paper than it is in practice. In doing so, it provides not only a general description of the judiciary in Brazil, but also explains many problems associated with judicial delay, corruption, nepotism, and politicisation. These problems have undermined the rule of law by dramatically reducing the level of social confidence in the overall judicial system. Some specific suggestions and recommendations are provided with a view to remedial actions.
