Antonio Herman Benjamin, founder of the Brazilian NGO Instituto O Direito por Um Planeta Verde and Co-chair of INECE’s Executive Planning Committee, has been appointed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to become a Justice on the Supreme Court (Superior Tribunal de Justiça) of Brazil.

Brazil has two highest federal courts, the Constitutional Court (STF) and the Supreme Court (STJ), whose Justices are appointed by the President and approved by the Federal Senate, which will hold confirmation hearings on Professor Benjamin next week. His inauguration is expected to take place on the second week of August.

"Through his work with INECE, Antonio has repeatedly demonstrated his commitment to strengthening environmental compliance, the rule of law, and good governance. I commend President Lula for nominating of one of the world's most brilliant legal minds to serve on Brazil's highest court," said Durwood Zaelke, Director of the INECE Secretariat.

Mr. Benjamin has been a tireless advocate of INECE's work, promoting the results of INECE products, such as the Principles of Environmental Enforcement and INECE Indicators, to new audiences, including prosecutors and members of the judiciary. Mr. Benjamin has provided key contributions to setting INECE's agenda for the next three years through his participation in the revision process for INECE's Strategic Implementation Plan.

Mr. Benjamin teaches Environmental Law and Products Liability in both Brazil and the United States; founded and serves as Coeditor-In-Chief of the Brazilian Environmental Law Journal; and has drafted or co-drafted several Brazilian laws, including the 1998 Crimes against the Environment Act, the Forest Code, and the Anti-Corruption Act.