In recent years, Brazil’s judicial system has emerged as the most capable and respected of the country’s democratic institutions. During a period of great difficulty for Brazil, the judiciary has demonstrated continuing independence and high professional standards, and has gained the confidence of a Brazilian public that has become increasing distrustful of its government. The courts are particularly admired for their systematic investigation and prosecution of the major corruption scandals that have plagued Brazilian public life over the past year.

As the president of the Supreme Court and the National Justice Council since 2014, Ricardo Lewandowski is the top legal figure in Brazil and is leading his country’s judicial system through a defining moment in history. He is also a professor at the Faculty of Law of the University of São Paulo, and one of Brazil’s foremost jurists, scholars, and legal minds.