constitutional judgment

[ˌkɑːnstɪˈtjuːʃənəl ˈdʒʌdʒmənt]
nounpl: constitutional judgments
decisão constitucional
1. A judicial decision rendered by a constitutional court or supreme court that interprets and applies constitutional law
The constitutional judgment affirmed the right to freedom of speech.
A decisão constitucional reafirmou o direito à liberdade de expressão.
2. A ruling that determines the constitutionality of a law, government action, or legal provision
The constitutional judgment struck down the unconstitutional statute.
A decisão constitucional invalidou a lei inconstitucional.
3. A court's authoritative interpretation of constitutional provisions and their application to specific cases
The constitutional judgment established precedent for all lower courts.
A decisão constitucional estabeleceu precedente para todos os tribunais inferiores.
In Brazil, constitutional judgments are particularly significant as they are issued by the Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) and have binding effect throughout the nation. The Brazilian legal system gives considerable weight to constitutional precedents. In the USA, landmark constitutional judgments (such as Marbury v. Madison, Brown v. Board of Education) have shaped national policy and civil rights. These judgments represent the highest judicial authority in interpreting fundamental law.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
constitutional decisionconstitutional rulingconstitutional decreesupreme court judgment
Antonyms / Antônimos
unconstitutional judgmentstatutory judgmentadministrative decision

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
decisão constitucional
Standard term used in legal contexts across Brazil
Brazil - Legal System
julgado constitucional / acórdão constitucional
More formal legal terminology; acórdão refers to appellate court decisions
Portugal
decisão constitucional / acórdão do Tribunal Constitucional
Portuguese legal system uses similar terminology with reference to their Constitutional Court
USA - Legal System
sentença/decisão constitucional
Used in comparative constitutional law discussions

Related Words

constitutional lawconstitutional courtjudicial reviewsupremacy clauseconstitutional amendmentprecedent

Related Idioms & Phrases

render a constitutional judgment
deliver a constitutional judgment
issue a constitutional judgment on
in accordance with constitutional judgment
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