Legal Terminology in Portuguese
Expert-defined terms from the Masterclass Certificate in Portuguese for Legal Professionals course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Legal Terminology Glossary #
Legal Terminology Glossary
Ação #
Ação
Ação, in legal terms, refers to a lawsuit or legal action brought before a court #
It is the formal process of seeking a judicial remedy for a legal dispute. For example, "A ação de divórcio foi movida pelo marido." (The divorce action was filed by the husband).
Audiência #
Audiência
Audiência is a legal proceeding where parties involved in a case appear before a… #
It is an essential part of the judicial process. For example, "A audiência foi marcada para o dia 10 de março." (The hearing was scheduled for March 10).
Advogado #
Advogado
Advogado is a lawyer or legal counsel who represents clients in legal matters, p… #
In Brazil, lawyers must be registered with the Brazilian Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil - OAB) to practice law. For example, "O advogado do réu apresentou uma petição ao tribunal." (The defendant's lawyer filed a petition with the court).
Causa de Pedir #
Causa de Pedir
Causa de Pedir refers to the legal grounds or reasons for a lawsuit #
It includes the facts and legal arguments supporting a party's claim or defense in court. For example, "A causa de pedir da ação de indenização foi a negligência da empresa."
Contrato #
Contrato
Contrato is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that outline… #
It can be written or verbal, but written contracts are generally preferred for clarity and enforceability. For example, "O contrato de prestação de serviços foi assinado pelas partes."
Dano Moral #
Dano Moral
Dano Moral refers to non #
physical harm or injury suffered by an individual, such as emotional distress, reputational damage, or psychological trauma. In legal terms, it can lead to a claim for compensation or damages. For example, "A vítima recebeu uma indenização por dano moral após o acidente de trânsito."
Escrivão #
Escrivão
Escrivão is a court clerk or official responsible for recording judicial proceed… #
They play a crucial role in the administration of justice and ensure the proper documentation of legal actions. For example, "O escrivão lavrou a ata da audiência de instrução."
Fórum #
Fórum
Fórum refers to a courthouse or judicial building where legal proceedings take p… #
It is the physical location where justice is administered and disputes are resolved through the legal system. For example, "O julgamento foi realizado no fórum da comarca."
Habeas Corpus #
Habeas Corpus
Habeas Corpus is a legal writ or remedy that protects individuals from unlawful… #
It is used to challenge the legality of someone's confinement and seek their release from custody. For example, "O advogado impetrou um habeas corpus em favor do cliente preso."
Indeferir #
Indeferir
Indeferir means to deny or reject a request, motion, or petition in a legal cont… #
It is when a judge or court refuses to grant the relief sought by a party due to legal reasons or lack of merit. For example, "O juiz indeferiu o pedido de liminar por falta de fundamentação."
Jurisprudência #
Jurisprudência
Jurisprudência refers to the body of legal principles, rules, and precedents est… #
It serves as a guide for interpreting the law and resolving similar cases consistently. For example, "A jurisprudência dominante reconhece o direito à indenização por danos morais."
Litispendência #
Litispendência
Litispendência occurs when two or more lawsuits involve the same parties, facts,… #
It is a ground for dismissal or consolidation of cases to avoid contradictory judgments. For example, "O juiz reconheceu a litispendência e extinguiu uma das ações."
Ministério Público #
Ministério Público
Ministério Público is a public prosecutor's office responsible for representing… #
It plays a vital role in criminal prosecutions, civil actions, and safeguarding the rights of citizens. For example, "O Ministério Público denunciou o acusado por crime de corrupção."
Notificação #
Notificação
Notificação is a formal communication or notice sent to inform someone of their… #
It serves as a means of official notification and ensures due process in legal matters. For example, "A notificação foi enviada pelo oficial de justiça ao réu."
Ônus da Prova #
Ônus da Prova
Ônus da Prova refers to the burden of proof in a legal case, indicating which pa… #
It is a fundamental principle of justice that guides the allocation of evidentiary responsibilities. For example, "O autor tem o ônus da prova de demonstrar a culpa do réu."
Perícia #
Perícia
Perícia is a forensic examination or expert analysis conducted to gather evidenc… #
It provides specialized knowledge and professional opinions to assist the court in reaching a decision. For example, "A perícia médica confirmou a incapacidade do trabalhador para exercer suas funções."
Querelante #
Querelante
Querelante is the complainant or plaintiff in a criminal case who initiates lega… #
They have the right to bring charges and seek justice for the alleged offense. For example, "O querelante compareceu à audiência para depor contra o réu."
Recurso #
Recurso
Recurso is a legal remedy or appeal filed by a party dissatisfied with a court d… #
It allows parties to challenge errors of law or fact and request a higher court to reconsider the case. For example, "O recurso foi interposto pela parte vencida para questionar a sentença."
Substabelecimento #
Substabelecimento
Substabelecimento is the act of transferring or delegating legal representation… #
It allows a lawyer to authorize another lawyer to act on their behalf in a legal matter. For example, "O substabelecimento foi realizado para que o advogado pudesse representar o cliente em audiência."
Tribunal #
Tribunal
Tribunal is a court of law or appellate body that hears and decides legal disput… #
It plays a crucial role in the judicial system and upholding the rule of law. For example, "O tribunal decidiu por unanimidade manter a condenação do réu."
Usufruto #
Usufruto
Usufruto is a legal right or interest in property that allows someone (usufrutuá… #
It involves the temporary enjoyment of property without ownership. For example, "A mãe concedeu o usufruto da casa ao filho enquanto estiver viva."
Valores Mobiliários #
Valores Mobiliários
Valores Mobiliários refer to securities or financial instruments traded in capit… #
They represent ownership interests or debt obligations issued by corporations or governments for investment purposes. For example, "A negociação de valores mobiliários está sujeita à regulação da CVM."
Xerocópia #
Xerocópia
Xerocópia is a photocopy or reproduction of a document made using a photocopier… #
It is a commonly used method to duplicate legal papers, contracts, evidence, or records for official purposes. For example, "Anexei uma xerocópia do contrato assinado ao processo judicial."
Zoneamento #
Zoneamento
Zoneamento is the process of dividing land or urban areas into zones or district… #
It aims to manage urban growth and ensure orderly land use planning. For example, "O zoneamento determina que aquela área seja destinada a uso residencial."
A #
A
Acusação #
Acusação
- Explanation: A formal accusation or charge of a crime made against a pe… #
- Explanation: A formal accusation or charge of a crime made against a person in a court of law.
B #
B
Busca e Apreensão #
Busca e Apreensão
- Explanation: A legal procedure in which the authorities search a person… #
- Explanation: A legal procedure in which the authorities search a person's property and seize any evidence relevant to a criminal investigation.
Benefício da Justiça Gratuita #
Benefício da Justiça Gratuita
- Explanation: A legal provision that allows individuals who cannot affor… #
- Explanation: A legal provision that allows individuals who cannot afford legal representation to receive it free of charge.
C #
C
Contrato de Locação #
Contrato de Locação
- Explanation: A legal agreement between a landlord and a tenant that out… #
- Explanation: A legal agreement between a landlord and a tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of renting a property.
Crimes contra a Pessoa #
Crimes contra a Pessoa
- Explanation: Offenses that involve harm or injury to an individual, suc… #
- Explanation: Offenses that involve harm or injury to an individual, such as murder or assault.
D #
D
Denúncia #
Denúncia
- Explanation: A formal criminal charge made by a prosecutor against a de… #
- Explanation: A formal criminal charge made by a prosecutor against a defendant, accusing them of committing a crime.
Direito Penal #
Direito Penal
- Explanation: The branch of law that deals with criminal offenses and th… #
- Explanation: The branch of law that deals with criminal offenses and their punishment.
E #
E
Embargos de Declaração #
Embargos de Declaração
- Explanation: A legal motion filed by a party to request clarification o… #
- Explanation: A legal motion filed by a party to request clarification or correction of a judicial decision.
Execução de Sentença #
Execução de Sentença
- Explanation: The process of enforcing a court judgment or order against… #
- Explanation: The process of enforcing a court judgment or order against a party who has failed to comply with it voluntarily.
F #
F
Foro Competente #
Foro Competente
- Explanation: The court or jurisdiction that has the authority to hear a… #
- Explanation: The court or jurisdiction that has the authority to hear a particular legal case based on factors such as the location of the parties or the subject matter of the dispute.
Fraude Processual #
Fraude Processual
- Explanation: The act of intentionally misleading or deceiving the court… #
- Explanation: The act of intentionally misleading or deceiving the court or other parties in a legal proceeding.
G #
G
Guarda Compartilhada #
Guarda Compartilhada
H #
H
Habeas Corpus #
Habeas Corpus
- Explanation: A legal writ used to challenge the legality of a person's… #
- Explanation: A legal writ used to challenge the legality of a person's detention or imprisonment.
I #
I
Inquérito Policial #
Inquérito Policial
- Explanation: The official investigation conducted by the police to gath… #
- Explanation: The official investigation conducted by the police to gather evidence of a crime and identify potential suspects.
Intimação #
Intimação
- Explanation: A formal notice or summons issued by a court to inform a p… #
- Explanation: A formal notice or summons issued by a court to inform a party of a legal proceeding or require their presence at a hearing.
J #
J
Juizado Especial #
Juizado Especial
- Explanation: A special court or tribunal that handles small claims, min… #
- Explanation: A special court or tribunal that handles small claims, minor offenses, and other legal matters in a simplified and expedited manner.
Jurisprudência #
Jurisprudência
- Explanation: The collective body of judicial decisions and legal princi… #
- Explanation: The collective body of judicial decisions and legal principles that serve as a guide for interpreting and applying the law.
L #
L
Litigância de Má #
Fé
- Explanation: The act of engaging in legal proceedings with the intent t… #
- Explanation: The act of engaging in legal proceedings with the intent to deceive or manipulate the court or other parties.
Lei de Execução Penal #
Lei de Execução Penal
- Explanation: The body of laws and regulations that govern the administr… #
- Explanation: The body of laws and regulations that govern the administration and enforcement of criminal sentences and the operation of correctional facilities.
M #
M
Medida Cautelar #
Medida Cautelar
- Explanation: A temporary legal remedy or procedure used to preserve evi… #
- Explanation: A temporary legal remedy or procedure used to preserve evidence, protect rights, or prevent harm pending the resolution of a legal dispute.
Ministério Público #
Ministério Público
- Explanation: The public prosecutor's office or agency responsible for r… #
- Explanation: The public prosecutor's office or agency responsible for representing the interests of the state or the public in criminal proceedings.
N #
N
Notificação Extrajudicial #
Notificação Extrajudicial
- Explanation: A written notice or communication sent by one party to ano… #
- Explanation: A written notice or communication sent by one party to another outside of formal legal proceedings to inform them of an issue or request action.
O #
O
Ônus da Prova #
Ônus da Prova
- Explanation: The legal burden or obligation of a party to prove the tru… #
- Explanation: The legal burden or obligation of a party to prove the truth of a disputed fact or allegation in a legal proceeding.
Ordem Judicial #
Ordem Judicial
- Explanation: A formal command or directive issued by a court or judge r… #
- Explanation: A formal command or directive issued by a court or judge requiring a party to take a specific action or refrain from doing something.
P #
P
Perdão Judicial #
Perdão Judicial
- Explanation: The legal forgiveness or pardon granted by a court or auth… #
- Explanation: The legal forgiveness or pardon granted by a court or authority that absolves a person of criminal liability for an offense.
Princípio da Legalidade #
Princípio da Legalidade
- Explanation: A fundamental legal principle that requires all government… #
- Explanation: A fundamental legal principle that requires all government actions to be authorized by law and prohibits arbitrary or discretionary exercise of power.
Q #
Q
Queixa Crime #
Queixa Crime
- Explanation: A formal complaint or accusation of a crime made by a priv… #
- Explanation: A formal complaint or accusation of a crime made by a private individual against another person.
R #
R
Recurso de Apelação #
Recurso de Apelação
- Explanation: A legal remedy or procedure used to challenge or appeal a… #
- Explanation: A legal remedy or procedure used to challenge or appeal a lower court's decision to a higher court for review and reconsideration.
Regime Semiaberto #
Regime Semiaberto
- Explanation: A type of prison or detention arrangement that allows inma… #
- Explanation: A type of prison or detention arrangement that allows inmates to spend part of their sentence in a correctional facility and part of it outside under certain conditions.
S #
S
Segredo de Justiça #
Segredo de Justiça
- Explanation: The requirement or order imposed by a court to keep certai… #
- Explanation: The requirement or order imposed by a court to keep certain information or proceedings confidential and out of the public domain.
Substituição da Pena #
Substituição da Pena
- Explanation: The legal provision that allows a court to replace a crimi… #
- Explanation: The legal provision that allows a court to replace a criminal sentence with a less severe punishment or alternative form of punishment.
T #
T
Tribunal de Justiça #
Tribunal de Justiça
- Explanation: A high-level judicial body or court that has the authority… #
- Explanation: A high-level judicial body or court that has the authority to hear and decide appeals, review legal disputes, and interpret the law at the state or federal level.
Testamento #
Testamento
- Explanation: A legal document in which a person specifies how they want… #
- Explanation: A legal document in which a person specifies how they want their property and assets to be distributed after their death.
U #
U
Usufruto #
Usufruto
- Explanation: The legal right to use and enjoy another person's property… #
- Explanation: The legal right to use and enjoy another person's property or assets for a specified period without owning it outright.
União Estável #
União Estável
- Explanation: A domestic partnership or relationship recognized by law t… #
- Explanation: A domestic partnership or relationship recognized by law that grants certain rights and benefits to unmarried couples who live together in a committed relationship.
V #
V
Vício de Consentimento #
Vício de Consentimento
- Explanation: A defect or flaw in the consent given by a party to a cont… #
- Explanation: A defect or flaw in the consent given by a party to a contract or legal agreement, such as mistake, fraud, or duress, that may render the contract void or unenforceable.
Vigência da Lei #
Vigência da Lei
- Explanation: The period during which a law or legal provision is in eff… #
- Explanation: The period during which a law or legal provision is in effect and applies to conduct or events occurring within that time frame.
This glossary of Legal Terminology in Portuguese provides a comprehensive overvi… #
From criminal law to civil procedures, these terms cover a wide range of topics relevant to legal professionals in Portugal. By understanding and mastering these terms, students of the Masterclass Certificate in Portuguese for Legal Professionals can enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of law and effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, and the court.