Legal information, not legal advice. Every jurisdiction page carries its verification status and sources.

Brazil

Federative Republic of Brazil

Civil lawFederal presidential republicReviewed· 2026-04-27
Capital
Brasília
Population
217,000,000
Languages
Portuguese
Currency
BRL

Brazil · Legislation

Legislation and primary sources

Where to find the authoritative text of the law in Brazil, and how to confirm it is still in force.

Sources of law, ranked

Federal Constitution
Supreme; state constitutions must conform.
Complementary and ordinary laws
Complementary laws need an absolute majority.
Codes
Civil Code 2002, Penal Code, CLT labour code, CPC 2015.
Provisional measures
Presidential medidas provisórias needing congressional confirmation.
Binding precedent
Súmulas vinculantes of the STF bind all courts and administration.

The legislative process

Bills pass both chambers, with the initiating chamber reviewing amendments; the President may veto in whole or part, and Congress may override in joint session.

Found something out of date on Brazil · Legislation?

Corrections are reviewed against the primary source before anything changes.

Report a correction