Supreme Court of Cartadania
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The Supreme Court of Cartadania (Cartadanian: Supremo Tribunal de Cartadania; SUTRICA) is the highest court in the judiciary of the Federative Republic of Cartadania. It resides inside the Supreme Court building in the Giulia district of Alahuela, overlooking the Federal gardens. It has both original and appellate jurisdiction, the power of judicial review over laws passed by the National Congress and the legislatures of the states, and the ability to interpret the Constitution of Cartadania and thereby shape the development of federalism within the country. It also judges, in original jurisdiction, cases involving members of congress, senators, secretaries, members of the federal courts, and the President and Vice-President of the Republic.
| Supreme Court of Cartadania | |
|---|---|
 Coat of Arms of Cartadania | |
 The Supreme Court Building | |
| Established | 1632 |
| Location | Giulia, Alahuela |
| Composition method | Supreme Court bench with Senate and Presidential confirmation |
| Authorized by | Constitution of Cartadania |
| Appeals from |
|
| Judge term length | Life tenure |
| Number of positions | 9, by statute |
| Website | Official website |
| Chief Justice of Cartadania | |
| Currently | Esperança Rodrigues |
| Since | 13 May 2024 |
Its bench is composed of nine justices, including a Chief Justice, currently Esperança Rodrigues. Justices of the Supreme Court are appointed by the court's bench with the advice and consent of the president and Congress, though, in times of judicial emergency, they may conditionally appoint a justice without legislative or executive input. Justices are appointed to the court for a period of no more than twenty years, though chief justices may serve for a period of 25 years, a departure from the former life tenure of justices unless they were to retire earlier. Currently sitting justices will continue to serve their term not to exceed 25 years.
History
The historical evolution of the Supreme Court of Cartadania reflects a dynamic path of development, driven by the nation's changing needs and the evolving structure of its government. Following the establishment of the Caridon Federation in 1630, there was a notable absence of a central apex court. Calls for such an institution to address issues beyond the jurisdiction of state courts were made, but these suggestions were initially dismissed due to concerns regarding the associated costs and the practicality of establishing a centrally located court that could serve the entire federation. However, the course of history took a different turn in 1632 when the constitution forming the Caridon Federal Republic, later renamed the present, Cartadania, mandated the creation of a central court. This court was tasked with adjudicating disputes between states, interpreting federal law, assessing the constitutionality of laws, and holding original jurisdiction over cases involving Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a state was a party. While its powers were relatively limited compared to its contemporary counterpart, this marked the inception of the Supreme Court.
In its early days, the Supreme Court operated within a constrained scope, with justices drawn from state supreme courts, each serving for a designated period, usually ranging from one to two years. This arrangement persisted for nearly sixty-five years. However, the period leading up to the Ano Vermelho saw a Supreme Court that was increasingly hesitant to accept cases, often deferring them to lower courts. This hesitancy was rooted in the court's limited powers, as some judicial authority still resided with the president, and in the close affiliations between certain state justices and those in power. In response to these challenges, the Constitution of Cartadania underwent revisions in 1710. These revisions ushered in a significant transformation, stripping the president of all judicial powers and transferring them to the Supreme Court. Concurrently, the number of Justices was expanded from five to nine, a configuration that endures to this day.
The issue of the court's mobility, with the possibility of hearing cases in various locations, had been contemplated for many years. However, when the present Supreme Court building was constructed in the early 20th century, a decision was made to establish a permanent seat for the court in Alahuela, with the assumption that mandatory relocations would not be necessary. This choice underscored the court's commitment to stability and continuity within the judicial system.
