serve non-renewable eight-year terms. Chapter II: Supreme Court of Justice The Supreme Court of Justice (Corte Suprema de Justicia) is the highest appellate court for the general jurisdiction. It is currently made up of a total of 23 judges, subdivided into three cassation chambers: civil and agrarian (7 judges), labour (7 judges) and criminal (9 judges) – with the presidents and vice presidents of each chamber forming a governing chamber. The powers of the Supreme Court of Justice are: Act as a court of cassation. Try the President and members of the Comisión de Aforados. Investigate and prosecute members of Congress. Try, upon charges brought by the Attorney General or delegates thereof, the Vice President, cabinet ministers, Inspector General, Ombudsman, agents of the public ministry, directors of administrative departments, Comptroller General, ambassadors, heads of diplomatic or consular missions, governors, judges of tribunals, general and admirals for punishable acts. Take cognizance of all contentious issues of accredited diplomatic personnel in cases provided by international law. Other responsibilities assigned by law. Chapter III: Council of State The Council of State (Consejo de Estado) is the highest appellate court for administrative law. It is currently made up of a total of 31 councillors or judges, subdivided into an administrative litigation chamber (27 members) and a consultative chamber (the rest). The powers of the Council of State are: Act as the supreme administrative court. Take cognizance of constitutional challenges to decrees issued by the government not under the jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court. Act as the supreme consultative body for the government on administrative matters. In cases of the transit or stationing of foreign troops, vessels or aircraft in the national territory, the government must obligatorily hear the opinion of the Council of State. Prepare and submit constitutional amendments and bills. Hear and decide cases on congressmen's loss of mandate (investidura). Since 2009, hear and decide electoral disputes. Other responsibilities assigned by law. Chapter IV: Constitutional Court The Constitutional Court (Corte Constitucional) is the supreme court for constitutional law, created by the 1991 Constitution. It is made up of nine judges or magistrates elected by the Senate to individual non-renewable eight-year terms from lists of three names each presented by the President, the Supreme Court of Justice and the Council of State. The Court safeguards the integrity and supremacy of the Constitution. Its powers are: Deciding on petitions of unconstitutionality brought by citizens against