Precedentes no direito brasileiro: uma análise crítica sobre a utilização do “distinguishing” no Supremo Tribunal Federal

Abstract

The paper discusses judicial precedents in the Brazilian reality, to contribute to a better understanding of the distinguishing through the analysis of cases the Federal Supreme Court. The Brazilian system needs the force of precedent, especially given our control of constitutionality, the presence of open procedural clauses and of content of the principle of equality. However, we emphasize that the implementation of stare decisis in Brazil will not occur automatically, either via legislative imposition. From the contrast of two general theories of precedent (as previous rule Frederick Schauer principle and precedent as Ronald Dworkin), we discuss two decisions of the Federal Supreme Court, in order to establish criteria for the use of the technique of distinguishing. In the research, the precedents are considered principles, with space for a possible distinction and for the protection of fundamental rights. The theory of law chosen to support the conclusions of the study wasth at of Ronald Dworkin.