Facultad de Derecho

Gazing up at the Facultad de Derecho, can you sense the weight of history it carries? This grand building, right here on 18 de Julio Avenue, isn’t just a place of learning. It’s the heart of Uruguay’s legal system, the very core of the Universidad de la República. The Facultad de Derecho has witnessed the evolution of law in this nation. It has shaped generations of legal minds since its establishment in 1849. Its very walls echo with the debates and discussions that have molded Uruguay’s legal landscape. Originally, this Renaissance-style edifice, designed by architects Juan M. Aubriot and Silvio Geranio, housed several university faculties. Its cornerstone was laid on July 18, 1906, during the presidency of Dr. Claudio Williman. The building officially opened its doors on January 22, 1911. But the roots of the Facultad de Derecho go even deeper. They stretch back to the Academia Teórico-Práctica de Jurisprudencia, founded in 1838. And even before that, a Jurisprudence Department existed, established just five years after Uruguay’s independence. From these humble beginnings sprang the institution we stand before today. The Facultad de Derecho has nurtured some of Uruguay’s most influential figures. Presidents, legislators, political and social leaders, even journalists, have passed through its hallowed halls. The faculty’s influence extends beyond Uruguay’s borders. Thousands of students have studied within its walls, both here in Montevideo and at its Regional Norte facility in Salto. Hundreds of professors have imparted their wisdom. More than 200 administrative staff members keep the wheels of this institution turning. The Facultad de Derecho offers five undergraduate programs. These programs include Law, Notary Public, International Relations, Labor Relations, and Public Translation. In 2012, the faculty had a student body of over 14,000. This represented nearly 20% of the total student population of the Universidad de la República. It offers a wide range of postgraduate programs. These programs cover specialized areas such as tax law, procedural law, commercial law, and public administration. The Facultad de Derecho’s library is a treasure trove of knowledge. Founded alongside the university in 1849, it houses a vast collection of historical and cultural documents. This library serves as a vital resource for students, teachers, researchers, and alumni alike. The faculty is organized into various institutes, each dedicated to a specific field of law. These institutes play a crucial role in shaping the curriculum. They also conduct research and host conferences and seminars, contributing to the ongoing development of legal thought. So, as we stand here, before the Facultad de Derecho, let’s appreciate its role. It’s not merely a building. It’s a living testament to the power of law, education, and the enduring pursuit of justice in Uruguay.