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Paraguay The Judiciary
Article 193 of the Constitution provides for a Supreme Court of
Justice of no fewer than five members and for other tribunals and
justices to be established by law. The Supreme Court supervises all
other components of the judicial branch, which include appellate
courts with three members each in the areas of criminal, civil,
administrative, and commercial jurisdiction; courts of first
instance in these same four areas; justices of the peace dealing
with more minor issues; and military courts
(see The Criminal Justice System
, ch. 5). The Supreme Court hears disputes concerning
jurisdiction and competence before it and has the power to declare
unconstitutional any law or presidential act. As of 1988, however,
the court had never declared invalid any of Stroessner's acts.
Supreme Court justices serve five-year terms of office
concurrent with the president and the National Congress and may be
reappointed. They must be native-born Paraguayans, at least thirtyfive years of age, possess a university degree of Doctor of Laws,
have recognized experience in legal matters, and have an excellent
reputation for integrity.
Data as of December 1988
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