In Custodia Legis
Official blog from the Law Library of Congress
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Resolution Allowing Use of In Vitro Fertilization by Gay Couples and Single Persons Published (May. 13, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
On May 9, 2013, Resolution No. 213, issued by the Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine (Conselho Federal de Medicina CFM) on April 16, 2013, was ...
Topic: Health
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New WTO General Director Is a Brazilian Diplomat (May. 08, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
For the first time, a Latin-American citizen will lead the World Trade Organization (WTO). Roberto Azevedo, a Brazilian diplomat, was selected to be the Director-General of ...
Topic: Trade and commerce
Jurisdiction: Brazil / World Trade Organization
Agreement to Skip Visas (May. 03, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
Topic: Documents
Jurisdiction: Brazil / Mexico
No More Visa Cap for Haitian Citizens (May. 03, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
On April 29, 2013, the Brazilian National Council of Immigration (Conselho Nacional de Imigraandccedil;andatilde;oandmdash;CNIg), published Normative Resolution No. 102 (Resoluandccedil;andatilde;o Normativa No. 102, de ...Topic: Documents
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Mandatory Pre-School Enrollment for Four-Year-Old Children (Apr. 18, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
A federal law approved on April 4, 2013 (Lei No. 12.796, de 4 de Abril de 2013>, PLANALTO.GOV.BR) amends Law No. 9,394 of December ...
Topic: Education
Jurisdiction: Brazil
No More Initials on Supreme Court Criminal Cases (Apr. 18, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
On April 10, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court decided during an administrative session that the criminal cases under analysis in the Court and future criminal ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Constitutional Amendment Creates Four New Federal Regional Tribunals (Apr. 09, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
On April 3, 2013, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved, on its second reading, a constitutional amendment that creates four additional Federal Regional Tribunals (Tribunais Regionais ...
Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Bloc Creates Development Bank (Mar. 29, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
On March 26, 2013,the BRICS bloc announced that its members had reached an agreement to create a development bank to finance infrastructure projects. The announcement was ...
Topic: Banks and financial institutions
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Labor Rights of Household Workers (Mar. 27, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
On March 26, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Senate unanimously approved, on a second and final round, a constitutional amendment that extends to household workers the same ...
Topic: Labor
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Congress Rejects Presidential Vetoes to Petroleum Royalties Law (Mar. 11, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
On March 7, 2013, the Brazilian Congress rejected the vetoes by President Dilma Roussef on November 30, 2012, of parts of a law that redefined the ...
Topic: Natural resources
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Naturalization Annulment Requires a Judicial Procedure (Feb. 20, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
On February 7, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court decided that an alien's naturalization as a Brazilian citizen can only be annulled through a judicial procedure ...
Topic: Nationality and citizenship
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Zero Tolerance of Drunk Driving (Jan. 31, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
On January 29, 2013, a Resolution (Resoluandccedil;andatilde;o CONTRAN No. 432 de 23 de Janeiro de 2013, DENATRAN (Brazilian Department of Transportation website)) issued by the ...
Topic: Driving while intoxicated
Jurisdiction: Brazil
President Vetoes Amendment to Disarmament Statute (Jan. 11, 2013) by Eduardo Soares
On January 10, 2013, Brazilian President Dilma Roussef vetoed a bill (Mensagem de Veto No. 002, de 9 de Janeiro de 2013, PLANALTO.GOV.BR) that amended ...
Topic: Firearms
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Requires Listing of Taxes on Receipts (Dec. 28, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
According to Law No. 12,741, promulgated by Brazilian President Dilma Roussef on December 8, 2012 (Lei No. 12.741, de 8 de Dezembro de 2012, PLANALTO.GOV.BR), ...
Topic: Taxation
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Amends Penal Code to Criminalize Electronic Offenses (Dec. 11, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On November 30, 2012, Brazilian President Dilma Roussef promulgated two new laws that amend the Penal Code and establish Internet and electronic crimes and their punishments. ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Petroleum Royalties Law Promulgated (Dec. 10, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On November 30, 2012, a new law defining the distribution of petroleum royalties to states, the Federal District, and municipalities was promulgated in
Topic: Natural resources
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Minister Appointed to Federal Supreme Court (Nov. 08, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On November 1, 2012, Teori Zavascki was appointed as a new Minister of the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court. Zavascki is taking over the position left open ...
Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Quota Law Reserves 50% of the Places at Federal Universities for Public School Students (Sep. 07, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On August 29, 2012, Brazilian President Dilma Roussef signed Law No. 12,711 (Lei No. 12.711, de 29 de Agosto de 2012, PLANALTO.GOV.BR), which reserves 50% ...
Topic: Education
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Venezuela Joins Trade Bloc (Aug. 03, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On July 4, 2006, Venezuela signed the adhesion protocol to Mercosur, which established a four-year term for full incorporation into the economic bloc. (Mercosul, Venezuela ...
Topic: Trade and commerce
Jurisdiction: Mercosur / Venezuela
Judges and Prosecutors More Protected (Aug. 03, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
Almost one year after a criminal judge was brutally murdered in Rio de Janeiro by a criminal organization, some of whose members were being prosecuted, Brazilian ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Strengthens Fight Against Money Laundering (Jul. 16, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On July 9, 2012, Brazilian President Dilma Roussef sanctioned Law No. 12,683 (Lei No. 12.683, de 9 de Julho de 2012, PLANALTO ), which amends ...
Topic: Money laundering
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Search Engines Not Responsible for Internet Content (Jul. 13, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On June 27, 2012, the Brazilian Superior Tribunal of Justice (Superior Tribunal de Justiandccedil;a STJ) decided that search engines are not responsible for content available ...
Topic: Communications and electronic information
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Criminalizes Collateral Security for Emergency Medical Care (Jun. 05, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On May 28, 2012, the Brazilian government promulgated Law No. 12,653, to prohibit the practice of asking for collateral security (cheque cauandccedil;andatilde;o) or asking a patient ...
Topic: Health and safety
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Creates DNA Database to Help Resolve Violent Crimes (Jun. 05, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On May 29, 2012, Brazil promulgated Law No. 12,654 of May 28, 2012, which creates a national DNA database designed to help resolve violent crimes. The ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
12 Articles of New Forestry Code Vetoed by the Government (Jun. 04, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On May 25, 2012, the Brazilian government vetoed 12 articles of the new Forestry Code, Law No. 12,651 of May 25, 2012 (Lei No. 12.651, ...
Topic: Natural resources
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Father Sentenced to Pay Compensation to Daughter for Abandonment (May. 07, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On May 2, 2012, in an unprecedented decision, Brazil's Superior Tribunal of Justice (Superior Tribunal de Justiandccedil;a STJ) sentenced a father to pay R$200,000 (about ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
The Federal Supreme Court and the National Council of Justice Have a New President (Apr. 24, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On April 19, 2012, Minister Ayres Britto was inaugurated as the new President of the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court, with Minister Joaquim Barbosa as the Vice-President. ...
Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Criminalization of Some Abortions Ruled Unconstitutional (Apr. 19, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On April 12, 2012, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal Federal, or STF), by a majority vote, ruled unconstitutional the interpretation of articles 124, 126, ...
Topic: Abortion
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Federal Supreme Court Launches Central Database (Apr. 19, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On April 13, 2012, the President of the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court ...
Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Federal Supreme Court Elects New President (Mar. 16, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
Brazil Federal Supreme Court Elects New President
As of April 19, 2012, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court and the National Council of Justice will ...Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Provisional Measures Must Follow Procedure Established in the Constitution (Mar. 14, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On March 8, 2012, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court ruled that from now on, analysis and approval of provisional measures by the National Congress must follow ...
Topic: Constitutional law
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Federal Supreme Court Confirms Powers of National Council of Justice (Feb. 13, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On February 8, 2012, in a very close, six-to-five decision, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court decided to keep the rules currently in force that standardize the ...
Topic: Judges
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Immigration Policy Needed (Jan. 20, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
During a meeting on January 13, 2012, in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian Minister of Defense, Celso Amorim, stated that Brazil needs to rethink its immigration ...
Topic: Immigration
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Judiciary Under Attack (Jan. 18, 2012) by Eduardo Soares
On January 12, 2012, another criminal attack occurred against Brazil's judiciary, the third to date in the new year, leaving two people wounded. The incident took ...
Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Newly Enacted Laws Guarantee Access to Information, Create Truth Commission to Investigate Human Rights Violations (Nov. 28, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On November 18, 2011, the Brazilian government enacted a law (Lei No. 12.527, de 18 de Novembro de 2011) to regulate access to information as ...
Topic: Freedom of information
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Creates National Program for Access to Technical Education and Employment (Nov. 18, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On October 26, 2011, Brazilian President Dilma Roussef enacted Law No. 12,513 (Lei No. 12.513 de 26 de Outubro de 2011, PLANALTO.GOV.BR), which creates a ...
Topic: Education
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Federal Supreme Courts Rules on Bar Exam (Nov. 03, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On October 26, 2011, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court ruled that passage of the Brazilian Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil) exam is a necessary ...
Topic: Lawyers
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Labor Law Extends Notice of Dismissal to Up to 90 Days (Oct. 19, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On October 11, 2011, Brazilian President Dilma Roussef signed into law legislation that amends the Consolidation of Labor Laws (Decreto-Lei No. 5.452, de 1 de Maio ...
Topic: Labor
Jurisdiction: Brazil
National Borders Plan (Oct. 07, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On October 3, 2011, Brazil's Minister of Justice, Jos; Eduardo Cardozo, was quoted as saying that the National Borders Plan currently being discussed by the government ...
Topic: Border security
Jurisdiction: Brazil
State Law Cannot Overrule Federal Law on Transportation of Asbestos (Oct. 05, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
In a six to three decision, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court ruled on September 28, 2011, that a law issued by the State of Sandatilde;o Paulo ...
Topic: Transportation
Jurisdiction: Brazil
First Gay Marriage Authorized by Judiciary (Jul. 11, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On June 28, 2011, the Brazilian judiciary authorized the first same-sex marriage in Brazil. After eight years of living together, a gay couple was able to ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Provisions of Code of Criminal Procedure on Preventive Detention Amended (Jul. 07, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On July 4, 2011, an amendment of Brazil's Code of Criminal Procedure revising 32 articles entered into force (Law No. 12, 402, May 4, 2011, amending ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Homosexual Inmates Granted Right to Conjugal Visits (Jul. 06, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
In June 2011, the Brazilian National Council on Criminal and Prison Policy (Conselho Nacional de Politica Criminal e Penitenciandaacute;ria) issued an administrative act (resoluandccedil;andatilde;o) granting homosexual ...
Topic: Discrimination
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Freedom of Assembly and Expression Upheld by Federal Supreme Court (Jun. 20, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On June 15, 2011, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court ruled in favor of public demonstrations that defend the legalization of drug use, like the Marijuana March ...
Topic: Constitutional law
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Sale of Spray Paint to Minors Prohibited (May. 31, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On May 25, 2011, Brazil's Law No. 12,408 prohibiting the sale of spray paint to persons who are less than 18 of age was issued. This ...
Topic: Health and safety
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Use of Cell Phones Prohibited Inside Banks in the State of Rio (Apr. 08, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
In an effort to curb the crimes that occur when customers leave bank branches after withdrawing funds, on April 4, 2011, the Legislative Assembly of the ...
Topic: Communications and electronic information
Jurisdiction: Brazil
White Roofs to Fight Global Warming (Apr. 06, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On March 29, 2011, the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro approved, during the first session of debate, a bill of law that ...
Topic: Environment
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Regulation for Stem Cell Research (Mar. 01, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
The Portuguese Council of Ministers approved a bill of law on February 24, 2011, regulating the use of stem cells for human research on the prevention, ...
Topic: Health and safety
Jurisdiction: Portugal
Improvement of the Justice System (Feb. 25, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On February 17, 2010, the Portuguese Council of Ministers approved a Resolution designed to improve the efficiency of the judicial system. The Resolution is the result ...
Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Portugal
Money Laundering to Be Monitored by the Central Bank (Jan. 10, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
The Governor of the Angolan Central Bank, Jos; Lima Massano, recently announced that in the beginning of 2011 the bank will create a unit designed to ...
Topic: Money laundering
Jurisdiction: Angola
New Decrees Regulate the Service Sector and Import of Goods (Jan. 10, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
It was reported on January 3, 2011, that the Cape Verdean Council of Ministers (Cabinet) approved a new decree-law that will regulate the services sector of ...
Topic: Commerce and industry
Jurisdiction: Cape Verde
New National ID Card Launched (Jan. 04, 2011) by Eduardo Soares
On December 30, 2010, former Brazilian President Luis Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva and former Minister of Justice Luiz Paulo Barreto launched a new ID card, to ...
Topic: Identification
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Code of Criminal Procedure Approved by the Federal Senate (Dec. 17, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On December 7, 2010, the Brazilian Federal Senate approved a bill of law that reforms the current Code of Criminal Procedure, Decree-Law No. 3,689 of October ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
UN Human Rights Expert Calls for Independent Judiciary (Dec. 15, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
According to a report being prepared by United Nations human rights expert Gabriela Knaul that will be submitted to the Geneva-based U.N. Human Rights Council in ...
Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Mozambique
New Standardized Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates (Dec. 15, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On December 14, 2010, the Ministry of Justice of Brazil launched a Unified Certificates program designed to provide registrars nationwide with standardized forms to be used ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Antibiotics to Be Sold with Prescription Only (Nov. 05, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On October 26, 2010, the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa - Agencia Nacional de Vigilandacirc;ncia Sanitandaacute;ria) issued an Administrative Act (Resoluandccedil;andatilde;o da Diretoria Colegiada ...
Topic: Health and safety
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Federal Supreme Court Decision on Clean Record Law (Nov. 04, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
After five votes in favor and five votes against, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (STF Supremo Tribunal Federal) decided to follow the decision issued by ...
Topic: Elections
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Federal Deputy with the Most Votes May Lose His Seat Due to Illiteracy (Oct. 07, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
The Federal Deputy (Deputado Federal) elected with the most votes in the Brazilian general elections of October 2010, who represents the State of Sandatilde;o Paulo, may ...
Topic: Elections
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Maritime Border Expanded (Sep. 10, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
Resolution No. 3 of August 26, 2010 (Resoluandccedil;andatilde;o No. 3 de 26 de Agosto de 2010), published in Brazil's official gazette on September 3, 2010, by ...
Topic: Maritime law
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Tax Regime to Be Instituted (Sep. 08, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
During a news conference on Friday, September 4, 2010, the Angolan Minister of State, Carlos Feijo, was quoted as saying that the government will soon revise ...
Topic: Taxation
Jurisdiction: Angola
Parental Alienation Criminalized (Sep. 02, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On August 26, 2010, Brazilian President Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva approved as law a bill that criminalizes parental alienation. (Alienaandccedil;andatilde;o Parental Agora ; Crime Previsto ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Land Acquisition by Foreigners Limited (Aug. 26, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On August 23, 2010, Brazilian President Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva signed an order, binding on the entire public administration, which limits the amount of land ...
Topic: Real property
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New State Petroleum Company Created (Aug. 05, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On August 2, 2010, Brazilian President Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva sanctioned a bill that created a new state petroleum company, Pr;-Sal Petroleo S.A. The new ...
Topic: Energy
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Surrogate Motherhood (Aug. 05, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
The Justice Tribunal of the State of Sandatilde;o Paulo (Corregedoria do Serviandccedil;o de Controle das Unidades Extrajudiciais do Tribunal de Justiandccedil;a de Sandatilde;o Paulo) in Brazil ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Council of Ministers Approves Bills Creating an International Business Center and Other Incentive Measures (Jul. 08, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On June 17, 2010, the Council of Ministers of Cape Verde approved the drafts of three bills granting legislative authorization to the government for the creation ...
Topic: Commerce and industry
Jurisdiction: Cape Verde
Parliament Approves Money Laundering Law (Jun. 03, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On May 27, 2010, the Angolan Parliament unanimously approved a law to fight money laundering and terrorism financing. The law has 60 articles and, in regard ...
Topic: Money laundering
Jurisdiction: Angola
Employers Can No Longer Test Employees for HIV (Jun. 02, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
According to an administrative act (portaria) issued on May 31, 2010, by the Ministry of Employment, Brazilian companies are now prohibited from requiring prospective employees to ...
Topic: Labor
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Will Require Journalists to Have a Degree (May. 05, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
A new Journalist Statute was approved by the Cape Verdean Parliament in April 2010 and must be voted on by the National Assembly in May 2010 ...
Topic: Education
Jurisdiction: Cape Verde
Cooperation Agreements Being Prepared to Fight Corruption (May. 05, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On April 23, 2010, during the International Conference to Fight Corruption that was held in Dili, East Timor, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of East Timor, ...
Topic: Government ethics
Jurisdiction: East Timor
Gay Marriage Law Approved by Constitutional Tribunal (Apr. 12, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On April 8, 2010, the Portuguese Constitutional Tribunal confirmed the legitimacy of a law, passed in January 2010 by the Parliament, which modifies the definition of ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Portugal
Proposal for an Internet Law Soon to Be Launched (Apr. 08, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
The Ministry of Justice will soon launch a draft proposal for a law that would regulate the use of the Internet in Brazil. The proposal ...
Topic: Communications and electronic information
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Gay Marriage Approved by Parliament (Jan. 13, 2010) by Eduardo Soares
On January 8, 2010, the Portuguese Parliament approved a proposal for a law that authorizes persons of the same sex to get married. The proposal was ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Portugal
President Nominates 8th Justice for Federal Supreme Court (Oct. 23, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
On September 30, 2009, the Brazilian Federal Senate approved the nomination of Jos; Antandocirc;nio Dias Toffoli as the new Justice of the Federal Supreme Court, to ...
Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Adoption Law (Aug. 05, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
On August 3, 2009, Brazilian President Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva signed a new Adoption Law, which revises legislation currently in force in the country. Law ...
Topic: Adoption
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Grants Amnesty to Illegal Immigrants (Jul. 08, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
On July 2, 2009, Brazil issued Law No. 11,961, granting amnesty to immigrants who currently are in an irregular or illegal situation and who entered the ...
Topic: Immigration
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Grants Public Land in the Amazon to Adverse Possessors (Jul. 07, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
On June 25, 2009, Brazilian President Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva signed Law No. 11,952, which regulates agrarian occupations in lands belonging to the government that ...
Topic: Real property
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Reform of the Judiciary (Apr. 24, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
On April 13, 2009, the presidents of the Chamber of Deputies, Federal Senate, and the Federal Supreme Court and Brazilian President Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva ...
Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Penal Code Amended to Cover "Lightning" Kidnappings (Mar. 30, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
On March 24, 2009, the Brazilian Federal Senate approved a bill criminalizing a new type of crime currently being practiced in Brazil, the "lightning kidnapping" (sequestro-relandacirc;mpago). ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
International Child Custody Battle Transferred to Federal Court (Mar. 19, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
On March 14, 2009, Brazilian President Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva met for the first time with the President of the United States, Barack Obama. Lula ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Former President Discusses Marijuana Decriminalization (Feb. 23, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
Former Brazilian President Fernando Henique Cardoso suggested during a meeting of the Latin-American Commission on Drugs and Democracy, which is composed of former presidents of Latin ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Payment of Unemployment Insurance Extended (Feb. 19, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
On February 11, 2009, Brazil's Ministry of Labor extended the payment of unemployment insurance (seguro-desemprego) to sectors of the economy that are facing high levels of ...
Topic: Labor
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Federal Supreme Court Issues Binding Decision on Attorney Access to Evidence (Feb. 09, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
On February 2, 2009, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (Supremo Tribunal Federal or STF) issued a binding decision (Sanduacute;mula Vinculante No. 14) that grants attorneys in ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Castration for Pedophiles (Feb. 09, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
The Brazilian Congress is currently debating a proposed law that amends the Penal Code to impose a punishment of chemical castration on persons convicted of committing ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Agreements on Defense Include Transfer of Technology (Jan. 05, 2009) by Eduardo Soares
On December 22, 2008, Brazilian President Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva and French President Nicolas Sarkozy signed several agreements in the area of defense during Sarkozy's ...
Topic: International law
Jurisdiction: Brazil / France
Proposed Law Defines Child Pornography and Punishes Pedophilia (Nov. 25, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On November 11, 2008, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a proposed law designed to improve the fight against the production, sale, and distribution of child ...
Topic: Children
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Makes Payment of Child Support Mandatory During Pregnancy (Nov. 10, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On November 5, 2008, Brazilian President Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva signed Law No. 11,804, making it mandatory that the allegedfather of a child pay child ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Parliament Rejects Same-Sex Marriage (Oct. 20, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On October 10, 2008, the Portuguese Parliament rejected two proposed laws that were presented by two minority parties (Bloco Esquerdista e Verde) that would have amended ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Portugal
Divorce in One Hour (Oct. 17, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
As part of a simplification program that started in 2006, known as the Simplex Initiative and designed to make the services provided by the public sector ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Portugal
Decree Changes Orthography in Brazil (Oct. 06, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On September 29, 2008, Brazil's President, Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva, signed Decree No. 6583, which promulgates the Orthographic Agreement of the Portuguese Language, previously signed ...
Topic: Languages
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Federal Supreme Court Prohibits Nepotism in All Three Branches of Government (Sep. 16, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On August 21, 2008, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court issued a decision (Sanduacute;mula Vinculante No. 13 de 21 de Agosto de 2008) prohibiting nepotism in the ...
Topic: Government ethics
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Maternity Leave Expanded to Six Months (Sep. 03, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved, on August 13, 2008, the proposal for a new law that expands maternity leave from the current four months established ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Law Makes Law Offices Inviolable to Searches and Seizures (Sep. 03, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On August 7, 2008, the acting Brazilian President, Jos; Alencar, signed into law a bill that makes law offices inviolable to searches and seizures. Alencar vetoed ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Use of Handcuffs Restricted to Exceptional Situations (Sep. 03, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On August 7, 2008, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court decided, by unanimous vote, that the use of handcuffs must be restricted to exceptional situations in which ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Paternity Leave Expanded to 15 Days (Sep. 03, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On August 6, 2008, the Commission on Social Affairs of the Brazilian Federal Senate approved a proposal for the expansion of paternity leave from five days ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Shared Custody of Children Approved (Jul. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On June 13, 2008, a proposed law amending the Brazilian Civil Code was sanctioned by President Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva, allowing parents to share the ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Stem Cell Research Approved (Jul. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On May 29, 2008, following a close vote, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court approved the use of embryonic stem cells to conduct research for finding cures ...
Topic: Health and safety
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Violation of an Attorney's Rights Will Soon Be Criminalized (Jul. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On May 20, 2008, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a proposal for a law that defines the crime of infringement of an attorney's rights and ...
Topic: Lawyers
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Child Pornography to Be Criminalized (Jul. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On May 21, 2008, the Commission of the Constitution, Justice, and Citizenship of the Brazilian Federal Senate approved a proposal for a law that criminalizes the ...
Topic: Child pornography
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Punishment for Money Laundering Increased (Jun. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On May 7, 2008, the Brazilian Federal Senate approved a proposal for a law that increases the punishment for the crime of money laundering from ten ...
Topic: Money laundering
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Chamber of Deputies Amends Code of Criminal Procedure (Jun. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On May 14, 2008, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a law amending the Code of Criminal Procedure. According to the new law, criminal convictions for ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Parliament Approves Second Protocol to Orthographic Agreement (Jun. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On May 16, 2008, the Portuguese Parliament approved the second protocol that modified the Orthographic Agreement of the Portuguese Language of 1990, an agreement between several ...
Topic: Languages
Jurisdiction: Portugal
Government Ratifies Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (May. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On April 8, 2008, the Mozambican Republic Assembly ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, becoming the 145th state to do so. According to the treaty, ...
Topic: Arms limitation
Jurisdiction: Mozambique
New Law Punishes Trafficking in Persons (May. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
In April 2008, the Mozambican Parliament approved a law specifically criminalizing trafficking in persons. According to the new law, trafficking in persons is defined as the ...
Topic: Trafficking in persons
Jurisdiction: Mozambique
Electoral Propaganda Restricted (May. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
The Brazilian Superior Electoral Tribunal (Tribunal Superior Eleitoral - TSE) will soon vote on an opinion (parecer t;cnico) in response to a consultation formulated by Federal ...
Topic: Elections
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Accession to Patent Cooperation Treaty (May. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On April 18, 2008, the United Nations Intellectual Property Agency announced that Sao Tome and Principe acceded to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), a pact designed ...
Topic: Intellectual property
Jurisdiction: Saint Tome (Sao Tome) and Principe
U.N. Office Ordered to Shut Down (May. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
The United Nations Office for Human Rights has until May 31, 2008, to close its office in Angola by order of the Angolan government. According to ...
Topic: Human rights
Jurisdiction: Angola
New Law Would Implement Electronic Control of Felons on Parole (May. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On April 15, 2008, the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, received a proposal for a law, prepared by State Deputy ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Harsh Punishment for Bad Drivers (May. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
In Brazil, a driver who receives a certain number of negative points on his driver's license due to traffic violations may temporarily lose his license and ...
Topic: Drivers
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Protocol on Immigration (May. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On April 1, 2008, in Madrid, Brazil and Spain signed a Protocol on Immigration designed to put an end to the recent diplomatic crisis involving tourists ...
Topic: Immigration
Jurisdiction: Brazil / Spain
Freedom of the Press (Apr. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
The Brazilian Federal Supreme Court preliminarily suspended for six months 20 articles of the Brazilian Press Law. Within this period, the highest court of Brazil will ...
Topic: Freedom of the press
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New President of Federal Supreme Court (Apr. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On March 12, 2008, Justice Gilmar Mendes was elected to preside over the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court for the next two years and Justice Cezar Peluso ...
Topic: Courts
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Federal Supreme Court Authorizes Extradition of Colombian Drug Trafficker to United States (Apr. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On March 13, 2008, the Federal Supreme Court (FSC) of Brazil authorized the extradition of Colombian national Juan Carlos Ramirez Abadia, who is considered by the ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Broad Range of Cooperation Agreements Signed (Apr. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
In February 2008, in Buenos Aires, the President of Brazil, Luiz Inandaacute;cio Lula da Silva, and the President of Argentina, Cristina Fernandez Kirchner, signed cooperation agreements ...
Topic: International law
Jurisdiction: Argentina / Brazil
Proposals to Amend Constitution to Be Voted on in 2008 (Mar. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
In 2008, the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies and the Federal Senate will vote, inter alia, on two proposals to amend the Constitution. The first proposal establishes ...
Topic: Constitutional law
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Government Inefficiency Leads to Increase in Lynching (Mar. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
Tired of the government inefficiency in the fight against crime, the population of Beira, the second largest city in Mozambique, is taking justice into its own ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Mozambique
Cooperation Agreement on Immigration Signed (Mar. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On January 27, 2008, the Foreign Minister of Spain, Miguel Angel Moratinos, visited Guinea-Bissau to meet with Prime Minister Martinho N'Dafa Cabi. At the meeting, representatives ...
Topic: Immigration
Jurisdiction: Guinea Bissau / Spain
Government Decides to Charge for Official Gazettes (Feb. 08, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On October 23, 2007, the Director-General of the Brazilian National Press, Fernando Tolentino de Sousa Vieira, issued Administrative Act (Portaria) No. 275 establishing the commercialization of ...
Topic: Government publications
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Free Trade Agreement Signed (Feb. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
Following negotiations that began in 2005, on December 18, 2007, in Montevideo, Uruguay, the member states of MERCOSUR, the trade bloc that comprises Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, ...
Topic: Commerce and industry
Jurisdiction: Israel / Mercosur
Judges Will Have to Make Monthly Inspections in Penitentiaries (Feb. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On December 18, 2007, the Brazilian National Council of Justice issued a resolution (Resoluandccedil;andatilde;o No. 47 de 18 de Dezembro de 1007) determining that the judges ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Proposed Law Authorizes 16-Year Olds to Drive (Feb. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies is currently examining a proposed law authorizing 16-year olds to drive motor vehicles. According to the author of the law, Deputy ...
Topic: Transportation
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Proposal to Require Chaperones for Medical, Dental Exams (Jan. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
In an effort to obviate sexual abuse, the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is analyzing a proposed law that makes mandatory the presence of ...
Topic: Health and safety
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Senate Approves Changes in Jury Procedures (Jan. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On December 5, 2007, the Brazilian Senate approved a proposed law that amends the Code of Criminal Procedure, particularly the part that regulates the procedures of ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Free Trade Accord to Be Signed (Jan. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
Delegations representing Mercosur and Israel held meetings in Geneva to negotiate a free trade accord that can be signed in early 2008. It will be the ...
Topic: Commerce and industry
Jurisdiction: Israel / Mercosur
Air Companies Charged for Flight Delays (Jan. 02, 2008) by Eduardo Soares
On December 5, 2007, the Brazilian Minister of Defense, Nelson Jobim, announced that airline companies will have to indemnify passengers for flight delays. According to Jobim, ...
Topic: Transportation
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Proposed Law Gives Estranged Couples Equal Rights over Children (Dec. 02, 2007) by Eduardo Soares
On October 23, 2007, the Brazilian Federal Senate approved the draft of a proposed supplemental law that changes the way children of estranged couples are raised. ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Proposed Constitutional Amendment Changes Divorce Law (Dec. 02, 2007) by Eduardo Soares
A Special Commission of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies is analyzing a proposal for a constitutional amendment that would reduce to one year the necessary period ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Strike Rights Limited by the Federal Supreme Court (Dec. 02, 2007) by Eduardo Soares
On October 25, 2007, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (STF) ruled that public servants have the right to go on strike, but imposed limitations on this ...
Topic: Government employees
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Congress Analyzes Changes to Code of Criminal Procedure (Nov. 02, 2007) by Eduardo Soares
The Commission of Constitution, Justice and Citizenship of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a proposed law amending the Code of Criminal Procedure. The proposed law ...
Topic: Criminal law and procedure
Jurisdiction: Brazil
New Subjects Included in Curriculum of Public Basic Education (Nov. 02, 2007) by Eduardo Soares
On October 1, 2007, the Legislative Assembly of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, approved and promulgated Law No. 5,096, on the inclusion in the ...
Topic: Education
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Maternity Leave Extended (Nov. 02, 2007) by Eduardo Soares
On October 18, 2007, the Commission on Human Rights of the Brazilian Federal Senate unanimously approved a draft law extending maternity leave from four to six ...
Topic: Family
Jurisdiction: Brazil
Federal Supreme Court Decision Changes Electoral Law (Nov. 02, 2007) by Eduardo Soares
On October 4, 2007, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court issued a decision determining that the "electoral mandates" (seats) of Members of Congress who keep switching from ...
Topic: Elections
Jurisdiction: Brazil
