elected Presidents of the Republic Five members designated by the President of the Republic, whose office ends with the term of office of the President of the Republic that appointed them. Five members elected by the Assembly of the Republic, whose membership expires at the end of the legislature. Taking Office and Term Limits The members of the Council of State are sworn in by the President of the Republic. Members of the Council of State designated by the President and the Assembly of the Republic remain in office until the members who replace them in their respective positions take office. Immunity Councillors of State enjoy immunity as a sign of the highest honour of the office they hold. Thus, a Councillor of State may only be brought before a court with the prior authorisation of the Council, which waives his immunity. Unlike the immunity of the Members of the Assembly of the Republic, which must be waived when the crime in question is punishable by a sentence of more than 3 years imprisonment, the decision of the Council of State regarding the waiver of immunity of one of its members is free. In case of refusal the suspected member only answers in Court when he ceases to be a Councillor of State. Current Counsellors of State Former Counsellors of State References Government of Portugal Politics of Portugal Advisory councils for heads of state