The Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela establishes an independent Judicial Branch responsible for the administration of justice. Judicial authority is exercised through the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia, TSJ), which is the highest court in the country, and the other courts established by law. The TSJ is responsible for the direction, governance, administration, inspection, and supervision of the judiciary. The Constitution also provides for the organisation of judicial circuits and the establishment of regional courts and tribunals to promote the administrative and jurisdictional decentralisation of the judicial system. 

The Constitution distinguishes between the Judicial Branch and the broader justice system. Under Article 253, the justice system comprises the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, other courts established by law, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Public Defence Service, criminal investigation bodies, court officials, the penitentiary system, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, citizens participating in the administration of justice as provided by law, and authorised legal practitioners. 

Judges should be selected through public competitive examinations designed to ensure the suitability and excellence of candidates. The Constitution provides for citizen participation in the selection and appointment process. Judges are appointed and sworn in by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice and may only be suspended or removed through procedures expressly established by law.

The Constitution also recognises alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as part of the justice system and promotes arbitration, conciliation, mediation, and other means of alternative justice. In addition, Indigenous authorities may exercise jurisdiction within their ancestral habitats and lands, based on their traditions and customs, provided that such decisions are not contrary to the Constitution, the law, or public order.