In the Chilean system, the court lacks the broader power of judicial review—it cannot set binding precedent or invalidate laws.

The only exception is if a justice can be removed by "notorious abandonment of duty," as deemed by a majority of both chambers of Congress.

The composition of the Supreme Court changes relatively quickly, as judges attain the retirement age of 75.

The Chilean Supreme Court has made controversial decisions in the area of gay rights.

On September 21, 2007, the court accepted Peru's request to extradite former president Alberto Fujimori, on human rights and corruption charges.