Constitutional Court of Portugal

The Tribunal Constitucional de Portugal to German " Portuguese Constitutional Court " is the highest court in Portugal. It resides in the Palácio Ratton in Rua de O Século 111 of the Lisbon neighborhood Mercês

The Constitutional Court consists of 13 judges. Ten of these judges are elected by the Assembleia da República, each with a two-thirds majority of MPs. The other three judges are elected by the judges in each case already selected. Of the 13 judges that make up the Constitutional Court, six judges must previously have been at a court in Portugal judge. The other seven constitutional judges must at least have a pretty scientific study completion. The term of office of the judges is nine years, re- election is excluded. The Judges shall elect from their ranks the Constitutional Court president, and have its own budget. Current Constitutional Court President since October 2012 José Joaquim Coelho de Sousa Ribeiro.

Tasks of the Constitutional Court - in addition to the assessment and evaluation of laws for their constitutionality - the elections and referenda, organize, acceptable to the parties or to withdraw their consent and to confirm perform its duties in case of doubt, the unequivocal death of the President or his inability.