Brazil has a new Chief Justice. Luís Roberto Barroso was recently sworn in as the President of the Supreme Federal Tribunal. Prior to joining the Court in 2013, Barroso was the country's top litigator and a distinguished scholar, publishing influential books and articles that have been cited over 20,000 times. Barroso has since become a jurist of the first rate, and has issued important rulings that have improved the lives of Brazilians. A champion of equality, an advocate for the environment, and a defender of democracy, President Barroso will be an outstanding leader for the Court.

Peace and Safety to All

Elected civilian governments are in power in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. In a recent paper, Rehan Abeyratne describes these neighboring countries as turbulent democracies where executives “have centralized power with little to no judicial resistance” and have “left South Asian parliaments weakened and, in some cases, crippled today.” Worth reading.

Graduate students of all levels are welcome to the 2nd Graduate Conference on Constitutional Change at the University of Texas at Austin on January 11-13, 2024. Instructional sessions will be led by Dan Brinks, Zach Elkins, Peniel Joseph, Sandy Levinson, and Ashley Moran. Details here.

Courts that Matter – a study of socioeconomic rights judgments in Argentina, Colombia, and India – will break new ground in our understanding of the powers and limits of supreme and constitutional courts. 

On the 65th anniversary of the French Constitution last Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron announced his support for an amendment that would give the people more opportunities to vote in referendums. The influential Le Monde predicts the reform will fail.

Last week, I visited the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México as a guest of Jorge Madrazo, formerly Attorney General of Mexico and President of the National Human Rights Commission. My trip included fun discussions with the law school's outstanding faculty and students, delicious food at San Angel Inn, a book launch for Reformas constitucionales, and a tour of the University. The campus is a World Heritage Site. Its awe-inspiring architecture blends 20th century modernism with the pre-Hispanic Mexican tradition.