In the wake of President Lula's re-election, Brazil finds itself at a critical juncture, with numerous questions arising about the relationship between the political, legislative, and judicial systems. As Brazil grapples with its political dynamics, it is crucial to understand the extent to which the judiciary maintains its autonomy and upholds the rule of law. In this episode, we dive deep into this crucial aspect, highlighting the challenges and potential implications for the country's democratic fabric.Conrado Hübner Mendes is a Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of São Paulo. His work encompasses the separation of powers, judicial review, theories of justice and democracy, and the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court. Twitter: @conradohubner Key highlights:Introduction - 00:43Current political situation in Brazil - 03:10Relationship between the political and judicial systems - 06:38Tackling poverty, inequality, and corruption - 23:36Constitutionalization of environmental protection in Latin America- 29:54 Host:Professor Dan Banik (Twitter: @danbanik  @GlobalDevPod)Apple Google Spotify YouTubeSubscribe: https://globaldevpod.substack.com/https://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com/