Ricardo Luis Lorenzetti is one of Argentina’s most prominent legal figures. As a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Argentina, he shaped the country’s legal system and jurisprudence for over a decade. But before rising to the apex of Argentina’s judiciary, where did Ricardo Lorenzetti pursue his education?
Ricardo Lorenzetti was born on September 19, 1955 in Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina. After completing his primary and secondary education in Rafaela, he went on to earn his law degree from the National University of the Littoral (Universidad Nacional del Litoral) in Santa Fe.
Quick Facts About Ricardo Lorenzetti
- Graduated with a law degree from the National University of the Littoral in 1978
- Earned a doctorate in legal and social sciences from the same university in 1991
- Served as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Argentina from 2007 to 2018
- Authored books on constitutional law, civil law, and environmental law in Argentina
- Professor at Harvard Law School, University of Chicago Law School, among others
- Member of civic organizations like the Inter-American Institute of Human Rights
Who is Ricardo Lorenzetti?
Ricardo Lorenzetti is one of Argentina’s foremost legal scholars and jurists. After graduating from the National University of the Littoral with his law degree in 1978, he embarked on a distinguished legal career.
Lorenzetti worked as a lawyer and professor before being appointed as a provincial judge in Santa Fe. He later joined the Supreme Court of Argentina in 2004 under President Néstor Kirchner’s administration. In 2007, he was named the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court – a position he held until 2018.
As Chief Justice, Lorenzetti played an instrumental role in upholding judicial independence and the rule of law in Argentina. He marshalled the Court during contentious political crises and transitions. His tenure saw landmark judgements on issues like human rights, environmental law, and democratic norms.
Where Did Ricardo Lorenzetti Go To College?
As mentioned earlier, Ricardo Lorenzetti completed his undergraduate law degree at the National University of the Littoral in Santa Fe, Argentina. He graduated with his law degree in 1978.
The National University of the Littoral (Universidad Nacional del Litoral) is a public university located in the cities of Santa Fe and Esperanza in Argentina. It is one of the largest universities in the country, with over 80,000 students.
The university was founded in 1919 and has been an important center of higher education in northern Argentina. It is known for excellence in teaching and research across disciplines like humanities, natural sciences, social sciences, and technology.
Ricardo Lorenzetti graduated at the top of his class from the university’s Law School in 1978. He was awarded a gold medal for his academic achievements.
After earning his law degree, Lorenzetti went on to pursue doctoral studies at the same university. In 1991, he obtained his doctorate in legal and social sciences from the National University of the Littoral. His doctoral thesis was on environmental damages – a theme that would become a focus area in his distinguished legal career.
Ricardo Lorenzetti’s Education and Career
Legal Education in Argentina
The legal education system in Argentina centers around undergraduate law programs offered at public and private universities. Unlike some countries, Argentina does not require a prerequisite bachelor’s degree to pursue law.
The law program is an undergraduate degree typically lasting around 5 years. Graduates receive the title of “Abogado/a”, similar to a Juris Doctor degree in the US. After graduation, law graduates can practice law or pursue master’s and doctoral programs in law.
Ricardo Lorenzetti followed this traditional path, studying a 5-year law program at the public National University of the Littoral before embarking on his legal career.
Lorenzetti’s Judicial Philosophy
As a judge, Ricardo Lorenzetti was known for progressive judicial activism in service of human rights, democracy, and environmental justice.
He pushed the boundaries of the judiciary’s role in policymaking for the social good. Lorenzetti propounded judicial pragmatism against formalism or originalism. His substantive approach to interpretation underpinned landmark pronouncements on socio-economic rights and environmental regulations during his tenure.
Prominent Alumni from National University of the Littoral
The National University of the Littoral has graduated many illustrious figures across different fields. Some prominent alumni include:
- Former president and governor of Santa Fe province Jorge Obeid
- Philosopher Mario Bunge
- Immunologist César Milstein, Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
- Astrophysicist José Luis Sérsic
As one of the university’s most internationally recognized alumni, Ricardo Lorenzetti continues this tradition of excellence.
Follow Ricardo Lorenzetti on Social Media
- Twitter – @RLorenzetti
- Facebook – ricardo.lorenzetti.10
- YouTube – Canal de Ricardo Luis Lorenzetti
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Ricardo Lorenzetti born?
Ricardo Lorenzetti was born on September 19, 1955 in Rafaela, Santa Fe province, Argentina.
What did Ricardo Lorenzetti study in college?
Ricardo Lorenzetti studied law at the National University of the Littoral in Santa Fe, Argentina. He graduated with a law degree in 1978.
When did Ricardo Lorenzetti join the Supreme Court of Argentina?
Ricardo Lorenzetti was appointed to the Supreme Court of Argentina in 2004 by President Néstor Kirchner. He served as Chief Justice from 2007 to 2018.
What is Ricardo Lorenzetti’s alma mater?
Ricardo Lorenzetti’s alma mater is the National University of the Littoral in Santa Fe, Argentina. He graduated with his law degree and later doctorate from this public university.
What are Ricardo Lorenzetti’s major legal contributions?
As a justice, Ricardo Lorenzetti helped strengthen judicial independence, democracy, human rights, and environmental law through his jurisprudence and court judgements.