THE COURTS, LAW, AND DEMOCRACY IN BRAZIL

This article analyses the relationship between the Federal Supreme Cou rt and democratic politics in Brazil from 1988 to 1996. It discusses t he Court's institutional role indefinition with respect to participati on in the political. system and argues that, In a context of heightene d public self-awareness and conflict resulting from the implementation of anti-inflationary policies, the Court has acted with judicial rest raint, but also with political assertiveness. Opposition use of the Co urt is described, and there is a discussion of the significance of ref orm proposals to establish the Court's participation in the democratic system of politics.