The meaning of precedents (“súmulas”): a theoretical reflection from discourse analysis by Michel Pêcheux

Abstract

Precedents (“Súmulas”) integrate Brazilian legal system intending to provide coherence and consistency to legal decisions. However, such scopes are under threat due to unsystematic and merely positive text-based application of this legal doctrine institute. Contrary to this scenario, this article aims at investigating the meaning of precedents (“súmulas”) in Brazilian law, aiming at pointing out evidences of its discursive materialism and suggesting directions to a rational and democratically manageable legal practice. For this purpose, theoretical contributions of discourse analysis, highlighting concepts developed by Michel Pêcheux and comparing them to the problematics of subjective appropriation of precedent (“súmula”) meaning in forensic praxis.

Keywords

• hermenêutica
• análise de discurso
• súmula