How to Bring Authoritarians to Justice

Abstract: Brazil's judiciary played a pivotal role in containing Jair Bolsonaro's authoritarian drive, culminating in his September 2025 conviction for attempting a coup. Unlike in most countries—and in Brazil's own history—where leaders who undermine democracy typically evade post-tenure punishment, high courts constrained Bolsonaro both during and after his presidency through strategic choices. Equally important, their rulings enabled rivals to weaken Bolsonaro's grip on power while avoiding open confrontation with powerful congressional forces. This experience offers concrete lessons for democracies confronting similar threats, including those now investigating former presidents who sought to subvert democratic rule.