Democracy in danger: judicial dialogues as means to refrain setbacks in Latin America

Latin-American States are facing democratic challenges: has been witnessing the collapse of democratic institutions in many of its countries. When democracy is in danger, because of their bond, human rights are also in risk and courts should play an active role of resistance. Dialogues can hold setbacks in the human rights field. In this sense, this essay aims to investigate how judicial dialogues can prevent and reverse authoritarian tendencies and, thus, contribute to the strengthening of democracy in Latin America. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) holds a prominent position in this task since it establishes minimum standards that must be observed by the States subject to its jurisdiction. Because national courts tend to disregard international parameters in moments when democracy is overlooked, these interactions with international courts appear to be relevant means to preserve the rule of law and guarantee the protection of human rights.