In the past century in Latin America, democracy has not been the only game in town. During the constant changes of political regimes in Brazil and Argentina, important institutional changes took place in the Judicial Power, particularly in the Supreme Court. In this paper we analyze the institutional change of the Supreme Court from a comparative perspective. Looking at the cases of Argentina and Brazil, we will review the trajectory of both High Courts (1930 - 1985). In particular, we analyze the ways in which they were altered in moments of breakdowns. Our analysis focuses on the means used to alter each Court and the objectives of these modifications. Although the cases share some similarities, each case has a particular trajectory that is fundamental to remark. To understand this, the means and objectives of change will be observed concurrently with the context in which they tend to occur. Thus, through an analysis of the course of institutional change of the High Court in these two countries, we will deepen our understanding of these institutions today.
