Rights
An extensive rights catalogue, the Ombudsman and direct constitutional protection
The Constitution contains one of Europe's longest catalogues of rights, including social and economic guarantees. Rights are enforced through the ordinary courts with appeal to the Constitutional Court, and the Provedor de Justiça supervises the administration.
Key rules
- Rights, freedoms and guarantees are directly applicable and bind public and private entities.
- Restrictions on rights must be proportionate and may not reduce the essential content of the right.
- Habeas corpus is available against unlawful detention and decided urgently.
Governing law
- Constitution of the Portuguese Republic, Part I (1976)
- European Convention on Human Rights
In practice
Because social rights are constitutionalised, austerity and welfare measures have repeatedly been struck down as unconstitutional.