In Brazil, justice expenditure accounted for 1.3% of GDP

The National Council of Justice (CNJ) released today (Oct. 17) data that show the total spent by the Brazilian judiciary in 2015—$24.7 billion. The figure accounts for 1.3% of the gross domestic product (GDP).

According to the survey, every citizen paid R$121.25 last year to ensure the functioning of the legal system.

The figures are part of the survey dubbed "Justice in Numbers", annually published by the CNJ that analyzes the situation of the State and Federal courts, Election, Military, Labor and higher courts. The figures do not include the Supreme Court (STF) expenses.

According to the survey, expenditure on human resources accounts for 89% of the costs, including wages of judges, civil servants, and outsourced employees, in addition to aid, daily rates, and flight tickets. According to the CNJ, 56% of total expenditures return to public coffers through the payment of court costs.

For the first time, the survey has also analyzed the duration of proceedings. In the implementation phase, which is the most important for reaching a court decision, it lasts on average nine years.

Cases

Data from the National Council of Justice (CNJ) also show that about 102 million cases are under deliberation at the judiciary branch, pending a final decision. The number increased compared with 2014, when 100 million cases were in progress.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta