High Courts and Autocratic Consolidation: The Venezuelan Supreme Court under Nicolas Maduro's Rule (2013-2018)

This article discusses the role of high courts in the context of a political transition from competitive authoritarianism towards full autocratic rule. What are the roles of high courts in processes of authoritarian consolidation? Why, and under what conditions, would authoritarian rulers employ high courts to consolidate their rule and entrench their power? What advantages – if any – would a politicized, dependent, illegitimate high court afford a consolidating authoritarian regime?