Faculdade de Direito 2

Opened in 1935, the Faculdade de Direito da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FDir – UERJ) stands as a beacon of legal education. It’s the second oldest law school in Rio de Janeiro, surpassed only by the Faculdade Nacional de Direito at UFRJ. The Faculdade de Direito 2, affiliated with the Universidade Federal Fluminense, holds its own unique story. Its creation was driven by a group of professors who saw a need for greater access to legal education. They recognized the limitations imposed by the 1934 Constitution, which restricted enrollment. This made it difficult for many aspiring lawyers to pursue their dreams. The founders envisioned the Faculdade de Direito as a free institution. It would provide a place for those who, despite passing the entrance exams at the Federal University, couldn’t enroll due to quotas. This independent spirit is woven into the fabric of the Faculdade de Direito. Originally located in a mansion on Catete Street, it later moved to its current home on the seventh floor of the Maracanã Campus in 1976. The Faculdade de Direito has an impressive track record. It boasted a 100% pass rate on the Brazilian Bar Exam (OAB) for over two decades. The OAB itself even recommends the program. Various rankings frequently list the undergraduate program among the best in Brazil, including the prestigious Folha de S.Paulo University Ranking. The faculty at Faculdade de Direito is a constellation of legal luminaries. Past professors include influential figures like Afonso Arinos de Melo Franco, Heleno Fragoso, Nilo Batista, and Barbosa Moreira. Current faculty members like Daniel Sarmento, Gustavo Tepedino, and Flávio Galdino continue this tradition of excellence. Notably, when Luís Roberto Barroso was appointed to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) in 2013, the Faculdade de Direito had three professors simultaneously serving as ministers on the nation’s highest court. The others were Joaquim Barbosa and Luiz Fux. Several other STF ministers have also taught at the Faculdade de Direito, including Ary Franco, Aliomar Baleeiro, and Oscar Dias Correia. Beyond its academic achievements, the Faculdade de Direito played a significant role in political resistance. During the Estado Novo regime (1937-1945) and the Military Dictatorship (1964-1985), the school became a hub for political activism and democratic ideals. This often put it at odds with the ruling powers, leading to repression and crackdowns. Its very founder, Luiz Carpenter, was arrested in 1935 for alleged involvement in the Communist uprising. The student body, represented by the Centro Acadêmico Luiz Carpenter (CALC), founded in 1935, actively participated in these movements. During the Military Dictatorship, many students and alumni were persecuted, tortured, or exiled. The Faculdade de Direito and CALC also played a key role in the Diretas Já movement and the 1987 National Constituent Assembly, further demonstrating its commitment to democratic principles. In 1991, the Faculdade de Direito launched its strictu sensu postgraduate program (PPGD – UERJ). This program has become one of the most prominent in Brazil, contributing significantly to legal scholarship and research. The Faculdade de Direito da Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro has a rich history of academic excellence, political engagement, and societal impact. Its legacy continues to shape the legal landscape of Brazil.