Prosecutor General of the Republic (Brazil)

The Prosecutor General of the Republic (Portuguese: Procurador-Geral da República, PGR) is the head of the Brazilian Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público da União). The PGR is appointed by the President of Brazil, subject to approval by the Federal Senate, for a two-year term, renewable once.

The primary function of the Prosecutor General is to defend the legal order, the democratic regime, and the collective and individual interests of society. The PGR acts as the custos legis (guardian of the law) before the Supreme Federal Court (STF) and the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), Brazil's highest courts. In this role, the PGR offers opinions on matters of constitutional significance and other legal issues before these courts.

Key responsibilities of the Prosecutor General include:

• Prosecuting crimes committed by individuals with special jurisdictional privilege (e.g., the President of the Republic, members of Congress, Ministers of State) before the Supreme Federal Court.
• Initiating actions of unconstitutionality (Ações Diretas de Inconstitucionalidade) before the Supreme Federal Court.
• Promoting investigations into alleged violations of human rights.
• Coordinating the activities of the various branches of the Public Prosecutor's Office at the federal level.
• Acting as the electoral prosecutor in elections for President and Vice President.
• Representing the Public Prosecutor's Office internationally.

The Prosecutor General plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability within the Brazilian government. The independence of the office is constitutionally guaranteed to ensure its ability to act without undue political influence. The PGR's powers and responsibilities are enshrined in the Brazilian Constitution.