Constitutional Court (Portugal)
The Constitutional Court (Portuguese: Tribunal Constitucional, pronounced [tɾiβuˈnal kõʃtitusiuˈnal]) is a special court, defined by the Portuguese Constitution as part of the judicial branch of the Portuguese political organization. Unlike the rest of the country's courts, the Constitutional Court has important characteristics, such as a special composition, and unique competences. The main task of the court is to review the constitutionality of the newly approved laws, but it also has important powers related to the President of the Republic, the political parties, and referendums.
| Constitutional Court | |
|---|---|
| Tribunal Constitucional | |
Ratton Palace in Bairro Alto, Lisbon, seat of the Constitutional Court | |
| Established | 1982 |
| Location | Lisbon |
| Composition method | 10 justices elected by the Assembly of the Republic, 3 justices elected by co-option |
| Authorized by | Portuguese Constitution |
| Appeals to | None |
| Judge term length | 9 years, with no possible reelection |
| Number of positions | 13 justices |
| Website | www |
| President of the Constitutional Court | |
| Currently | José João Abrantes |
| Since | 26 April 2023 |
Politics of Portugal |
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| Constitution |
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The Portuguese Constitution defines the Constitutional Court as a completely independent organ that operates independently from the other branches of government, such as the Executive or the Legislative. The Justices of the Constitutional Court are independent and cannot be impeached. The decisions of the court are above the decisions of any other authority.
The court convenes in Lisbon, in the Ratton Palace located in Bairro Alto.