Business law in Brazil

Legal Framework

Independence of Justice

Although judicial power is to a large extent independent of the executive branch, it is quite powerless in the face of organised crime, which is rife in the country. Legal reforms advance very slowly. There have been allegations of corruption throughout the judicial system and the public has little trust in it. Each Brazilian province has its own legal system, and there is a system of courts to settle disputes between provinces. Brazil has not accepted the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Judicial power belongs to judges and there is no jury in any court.

Equal Treatment of Nationals and Foreigners

Judicial power guarantees a fair trial to foreign nationals.

The Language of Justice

Portuguese

Recourse to an Interpreter

It is often necessary to resort to an interpreter if you do not speak Portuguese.

Sources of the Law and Legal Similarities

The main source of the law is the Constitution of 1988. The legal system is based on Roman codes. The civil code, inspired previously by the Napoleonic code, is nowadays closer to the Italian code.

Checking National Laws Online

Guide to Brazilian Law Online