Justice Luís Roberto Barroso announced his retirement from the Supreme Federal Court (STF) this Thursday (9). The information was released at the end of the Court's plenary session. At 67 years old, Barroso leaves the court early — he could remain until 2033, when he would turn 75, the age limit for public service.
Barroso stated that "the time has come to pursue a different path." The judge intends to dedicate himself to writing a memoir and pursuing academic pursuits, one of his passions before joining the Supreme Court in 2013.
Barroso presided over the Supreme Federal Court for the past two years and concluded his term as head of the Court last week, handing over the reins to Justice Edson Fachin. Since then, he has kept his decision on whether or not he will continue as a member of the court open.
A legacy marked by impactful decisions
Appointed to the Supreme Court by then-President Dilma Rousseff in June 2013, Barroso served as rapporteur for cases of major national significance. Notable among these are appeals in the mensalão scandal, the ruling that restricted the privileged jurisdiction of public officials, and the measure that suspended evictions and displacements during the COVID-19 pandemic, in defense of vulnerable populations.
During his tenure as president, the minister led the Court at decisive moments, such as the start of the trial of defendants accused of the anti-democratic acts of January 8, 2023, when the headquarters of the three branches of government were invaded and vandalized. He also oversaw decisions by the First Chamber that convicted former President Jair Bolsonaro and his allies of attempted coup d'état.
Profile and trajectory
A professor, constitutionalist, and former lawyer, Barroso has always had strong ties to academia. Before joining the Supreme Federal Court, he served as a prosecutor for the state of Rio de Janeiro and taught constitutional law at the State University of Rio de Janeiro (UERJ).
Known for his teaching style and for championing issues related to fundamental rights and the modernization of the Judiciary, the minister stood out for his speeches defending democracy, freedom of expression, and transparency in institutions.
The retirement creates another vacancy on the Supreme Court, which will be filled by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. There is no official indication yet as to who will take over the position.
See the moment of the announcement:
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