Piauí Court Appoints Two Female Judges, Reaching Historic Gender Representation

The Court of Justice of the State of Piauí (TJPI) in Brazil has appointed two new female judges, Maria Célia Lima Lúcio and Maria Luíza de Moura Mello e Freitas, to the position of desembargadora. This historic appointment brings the total number of women serving as desembargadoras on the court to four, the highest in its history. Previously, the court had a maximum of two women in this role simultaneously. The ceremony, presided over by TJPI President Aderson Nogueira, took place in Teresina and was attended by magistrates and authorities from the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Judge Maria Célia Lima Lúcio was promoted based on merit, while Judge Maria Luíza de Moura Mello e Freitas advanced based on seniority. Judge Moura Mello e Freitas highlighted the National Council of Justice's (CNJ) Resolution 525/2023, which mandates gender alternation in merit-based promotions to ensure women constitute at least 40% of court compositions. President Nogueira emphasized that while the appointments align with the CNJ resolution, they also recognize the nearly four decades of dedicated service and deep understanding of the state by both magistrates, who began their careers in 1987. He noted their extensive experience in various judicial roles, including sensitive areas like violence and juvenile cases, as well as administrative positions such as court director and head of the public finance court. Both new desembargadoras expressed their commitment to serving the public. Judge Moura Mello e Freitas plans to continue her work closely with the community, a hallmark of her prior role as a children's court judge. Judge Lima Lúcio aims to increase the speed of case processing at the appellate level, ensuring timely justice for the citizens of Piauí.