Law Of Portugal

The legal framework of Portugal, a system that resonates with the echoes of Roman law and the sophisticated tapestry of Continental Europe ’s civil law traditions, is a complex organism. It’s a living entity, shaped by centuries of custom, conquest, and evolving philosophy, much like a weathered cliff face carved by relentless tides. This system, deeply intertwined with the ius commune of medieval Europe, forms the bedrock of legal practice within the nation, its influence extending far beyond its borders.

Historical Foundations and Evolution

The genesis of Portuguese law can be traced back to the unwritten customary law of the indigenous peoples who first inhabited the Iberian Peninsula. These ancient practices, a testament to local traditions, were later absorbed and reshaped by the administrative might of the Roman Empire and the subsequent influence of Visigothic laws . For centuries, from the 13th to the 18th century, the legal landscape was dominated by the comprehensive legal codes of Justinian and the intricate doctrines of Canon law , a reflection of the pervasive power of the Church. As the Enlightenment dawned, the philosophical currents of natural law began to shift the emphasis, introducing a new lens through which justice was perceived.

The 19th century marked a significant pivot, with French civil law exerting a considerable influence. However, by the early 20th century, a more pronounced shift occurred, leaning heavily towards the German civil law tradition. This transition was significantly propelled by the seminal works of legal scholars at the University of Coimbra, particularly under the guidance of Professor Guilherme Alves Moreira, whose Instituições de Direito Civil (Institutions of Civil Law), published between 1906 and 1916, became a defining text. In contemporary times, European Union law has emerged as a paramount force, profoundly shaping areas such as corporate law, administrative law, and civil procedure.

The legal legacy of Portugal is not confined to its mainland. It serves as the foundational principle, or at least a significant influence, for the legal systems of numerous nations within the Community of Portuguese Language Countries and other territories once part of the vast Portuguese Empire . This shared heritage often leads to these legal systems being recognized as a distinct Lusophone Legal System, a unique branch within the broader civil law family.

The principal statutes that govern contemporary Portugal include the Constitution of 1976 (as amended), the Civil Code of 1966 (also amended), the Penal Code of 1982 (similarly amended), the Labour Code of 2003 (with subsequent modifications), and the Commercial Societies Code of 1986. While the Commercial Code of 1888 and the Administrative Code of 1945 once held considerable sway, they are now largely considered obsolete, their substance largely superseded by more recent legislation.

Historical Development of Portuguese Law

During the Middle Ages , Portugal, like many of its European counterparts, lacked the centralized political structures that routinely produced statutory law. The constant state of conflict, both with Castile and in the protracted Reconquista , kept the Crown and its court in perpetual motion, a military apparatus rather than a legislative one. Some scholars argue that for the first two centuries following the Treaty of Zamora in 1143, which formally recognized Portugal’s sovereignty, the kingdom operated as a “Warrior-State,” its resources primarily directed towards military endeavors, leaving little for the development of administrative institutions or comprehensive legal frameworks.

An notable exception to this pattern occurred in 1211, when King Afonso II, during the Cortes of Coimbra, enacted three significant laws. These were early attempts to codify and standardize legal practices, a stark contrast to the prevailing reliance on local customs.

For the greater part of Portugal’s legal history, the nation and its colonies operated under an ancient legal system built upon a dual foundation: the medieval local customary law and the enduring principles of Roman law , largely derived from the authoritative Corpus iuris civilis . This blend created a unique legal character, a fusion of deeply rooted local traditions and the sophisticated legal architecture of antiquity.

The very essence of what would become Portuguese law originated in the laws applied in the southwesternmost region of Europe that eventually coalesced into Portugal. This included the indigenous customary law of the Indo-European and Celtic peoples, such as the Lusitanians and the Gallaecians . Following the region’s incorporation into the Roman Empire , Roman law was systematically introduced. Later, the Germanic invaders, including the Visigoths and Suebi , brought their own legal customs, which in turn were integrated. With the advent of Christianity and the burgeoning influence of the Church, Canon law also became a significant component of the legal fabric.

After the establishment of the independent Kingdom of Portugal in 1143, the historical trajectory of its law can be broadly delineated into distinct periods:

• 12th–13th Century: This era was characterized by the prevalent use of customary and custumal law, significantly shaped by Roman, Germanic, and Canonical influences.
• 13th–15th Century: A period where Roman-Byzantine law, particularly as codified in the Corpus iuris civilis, and Canon law became increasingly dominant.
• 15th–18th Century: The era of the Ordinances, major compilations of Portuguese law, continuing the influence of Roman-Byzantine and Canon law, but also consolidating royal authority.
• 18th Century to 1832: The introduction of natural law principles and the growing impact of Liberalism began to reshape legal thought and practice.
• 1832–1926: Marked by the strong influence of liberalism and individualism , this period saw a significant push towards the codification of Portuguese law.
• 1926–1974: The era of the Estado Novo regime, which saw the strong influence of corporatism in legal and social structures.
• Since 1974: The modern era, initiated by the Carnation Revolution , initially influenced by socialism , later shifting towards Neoliberal principles and the pervasive impact of European law .

The Ordinances: Pillars of Portuguese Law

Following the tumultuous 1383–85 Crisis , Portugal embarked on an age of exploration and expansion, establishing a vast overseas empire . This period of growth and consolidation of power allowed the monarchy to strengthen its central authority. A tangible manifestation of this increased power was the creation of comprehensive compilations of the laws in force throughout the Kingdom, known as the “Ordinances” (Ordenações). These were not merely collections of existing laws; they were deliberate attempts to unify disparate local legal traditions and, crucially, to reform or eliminate customs deemed unreasonable by the Crown.

The impetus for the first major codification came from King Edward , under the direction of the esteemed Doctor of Law, Rui Fernandes. Though the initial draft was presented in 1446, it was not until the reign of Afonso V that these laws were definitively revised and approved in 1454, thus becoming known as the Alfonsine Ordinances (Ordenações Afonsinas).

These foundational legal texts include:

• Alfonsine Ordinances (1446, formally approved 1454): Developed under King Edward and overseen by Duke Peter of Coimbra , who served as regent during Afonso V’s minority.
• Manueline Ordinances (Ordenações Manuelinas), 1512–1520: Commissioned by King Manuel I , these ordinances were subsequently modified in 1526, 1533, and 1580, reflecting the evolving needs of the kingdom and its burgeoning empire.
• Phillipine Ordinances (Ordenações Filipinas), 1603: Enacted during the Iberian Union , this compilation, established under King Philip II , bore the imprint of Spanish legal influences.

The Phillipine Ordinances of 1603 remained the governing law in Portugal and its extensive colonies until the introduction of the first Portuguese Civil Code in 1867. In Brazil, these ordinances continued to hold sway even after its independence in 1822, forming the bedrock of its civil law until the enactment of the first Brazilian Civil Code in 1916.

The Process of Codification: Modernizing the Law

With the advent of the Constitutional Monarchy , Portugal embarked on a path of profound legal reform, characterized by a comprehensive process of legal codification . This ambitious undertaking led to the creation of a series of foundational codes of law , including new constitutions (the Constitution of 1822, later superseded by the Constitutional Charter of 1826 )), the Administrative Code (1842), the Penal Code (1852, following an earlier unsuccessful attempt in 1837), the Civil Code (1867), and the Commercial Code (1883).

The first Portuguese Civil Code, enacted by charter on July 1, 1867, and taking effect on March 22, 1868, closely mirrored the structure and principles of the Napoleonic Code . It became known as the “Code of 1867” or “Seabra’s Code,” a tribute to the significant contributions of the renowned jurist António Luís de Seabra, later the Count of Seabra.

Although formally in effect for a century, the Code of 1867 underwent numerous modifications. Crucially, from the early 20th century onwards, amendments began to steer Portuguese civil law towards the more systematic approach of the German legal system, influenced by the theories championed by legal scholars at the University of Coimbra, led by Professor Guilherme Alves Moreira.

The Code of 1867 was also extended to Portugal’s overseas territories. In Portuguese India , it was implemented in 1870 and underwent a significant local adaptation in 1880 to accommodate the specific customs of the local Hindu community . Despite the amendments and adaptations it received, the Code of 1867 remained in force in the territories of Portuguese India at the time of their annexation by the Republic of India (Dadra and Nagar Haveli in 1954, and the rest of the territories in 1961). Consequently, the Code of 1966 never took effect there. The Portuguese legal system, however, persisted, and the Code of 1867 continues to be the operative law in what is now the Goa state – referred to as the Goa Civil Code or the Goa Family Law – as well as in the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu .

The second and current Civil Code was enacted on November 25, 1966, coming into force on June 1, 1967. It is commonly referred to as the “Civil Code of 1966” or the “Vaz Serra’s Code,” in honor of Adriano Vaz Serra, who chaired the commission responsible for its creation. This modern Code adopted the structure and principles of the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch ), representing the culmination of the gradual shift away from the Napoleonic model that had characterized the Code of 1867.

The Code of 1966 was applied to both mainland Portugal and its remaining overseas territories. It continues to be the governing law in Angola , Cape Verde , Guinea-Bissau , Mozambique , and São Tomé and Príncipe , even after their independence between 1974 and 1975. In Timor-Leste , its application was de facto superseded by the Indonesian Civil Code (itself based on the Dutch Civil Code of 1838) following Indonesia’s annexation in 1976. Upon regaining independence in 2002, Timor-Leste adopted its own Civil Code in 2011, which closely follows the Portuguese Code of 1966. Macau , until its handover to China in 1999, retained the Code of 1966, which was then replaced by its own Civil Code that year. This new Macau code, however, represents a significant revision of the Portuguese Code, developed with the input of Portuguese jurists, particularly from the University of Coimbra.

The Modern Era: Transition and Adaptation

The Carnation Revolution in 1974 ushered in a period of profound legal and political transformation in Portugal. The new Constitution , adopted in 1976, was deeply influenced by communist and socialist ideologies, aiming to dismantle the structures of the preceding Estado Novo regime. For several years, the nation navigated a complex ideological landscape, oscillating between socialist ideals and adherence to neoliberal principles. Policies such as land reform and nationalization were implemented. Until constitutional revisions in 1982 and 1989, the Constitution was a highly ideological document, replete with references to socialism, workers’ rights, and the pursuit of a socialist economy .

The subsequent decades witnessed a significant increase in the number of lawyers and judicial personnel, yet this expansion did not translate into enhanced efficiency within the legal system. The proliferation of both public and private law schools led to an explosion in the number of law graduates, often with diminished selectivity and concerns about academic integrity. By 2011, Portugal’s justice system was recognized as one of the slowest in Western Europe, second only to Italy’s, despite possessing a relatively high ratio of judges and prosecutors per capita. This inefficiency was symptomatic of broader issues plaguing the Portuguese public service , characterized by overcapacity, redundancies, and a general lack of productivity. The severe financial crisis of 2011, which necessitated a bailout from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, spurred a wave of reforms aimed at cost reduction and productivity enhancement across the public sector. This included a drastic consolidation of district courts, reducing their number from 320 to 23, centralizing operations in larger hubs and closing facilities in rural areas. Courts were also reorganized to specialize in specific areas like labor or trade law.

The Legislative System: A Framework of Laws

According to the Portuguese Constitution, the legislative function is a shared responsibility among the Assembly of the Republic (the parliament), the Government , and the self-governing bodies of the Portuguese autonomous regions , though the latter’s legislative power is confined to specific regional matters. The Government’s legislative capacity is limited to its own organization, the development and regulation of basic laws enacted by the Assembly, and matters expressly authorized by the Assembly. All other legislative initiatives fall under the purview of the Assembly, which also reserves certain matters that cannot be delegated to the Government. Regional legislative assemblies exercise their legislative authority within the parameters set by the Constitution and the specific political and administrative statutes governing each region.

The legislative process is initiated by the Assembly of the Republic, the Government, or the legislative assemblies of the autonomous regions, depending on the subject matter and the respective competencies. Laws passed by the Assembly of the Republic are termed “laws,” while those issued by the Government are known as “decree-laws.” Regional legislative assemblies enact “regional legislative decrees.”

The journey of a bill through the Assembly of the Republic begins as either a “project of law” (proposed by members of parliament) or a “proposal of law” (introduced by the Government). Once approved by the Assembly, the bill becomes a “decree” and is forwarded to the President of the Republic for promulgation . Promulgation is the formal act by which the President sanctions the law and mandates its observance. However, the President retains the right to veto a bill, either on political or legal grounds. This veto can be overridden if the bill is subsequently approved by a two-thirds majority of the parliament, compelling the President to promulgate it. Following promulgation, the decree is submitted to the Government for ministerial endorsement before being published in the Diário da República (the official gazette) as a law.

The Government’s legislative process for decree-laws follows two distinct paths. One involves successive signatures by the responsible ministers and the Prime Minister before submission for promulgation. The other entails collective approval by the Council of Ministers , after which it is sent for promulgation. The President can also veto government bills, prompting the Government to either withdraw them, revise them, or resubmit them to the Assembly of the Republic as proposals of law. Upon promulgation, decree-laws also take effect after publication in the Diário da República.

Effectiveness and Hierarchy of Laws

In Portugal, a law becomes legally binding upon its publication in the Diário da República. However, its effectiveness does not commence immediately. The period between publication and the start of its operative force is known as the vacatio legis . This interval, determined by the legislator, can range from one day to one year. If no specific effective date is stipulated, a default vacatio legis of five days is assumed.

Portuguese laws can cease to be effective through expiry or revocation. Expiry occurs when a law contains a clause limiting its duration or making its effectiveness contingent on a specific condition, or when the circumstances that necessitated its creation no longer exist. Revocation signifies a new legislative intent that supersedes a prior one. This can be partial, affecting only specific provisions, or total, annulling the entire previous law. Revocation can be express, explicitly stated in a new law, or tacit, inferred from the incompatibility of a new law’s provisions with those of an older one.

The legal system in Portugal is structured hierarchically, with laws, acts, and statutes arranged in distinct ranks. Lower-ranking laws must conform to those of higher ranks. At the apex of this hierarchy stands the Portuguese Constitution , followed by:

1. Constitutional Laws: Including the Constitution itself, supplementary constitutional laws (leis constitucionais avulsas), and constitutional revision laws (leis de revisão constitutional).
2. International Laws: Encompassing general or common international law principles, norms from duly ratified international conventions, decisions from competent international organizations, and provisions of treaties governing the European Union and its institutional acts.
3. Ordinary Laws: Comprising laws (leis), decree-laws (decretos-lei), and regional legislative decrees (decretos legislativos regionais).
4. Acts with Equivalent Force to Laws: Including the adoption of conventions, treaties, or international agreements; decisions of the Constitutional Court declaring unconstitutionality or illegality with general binding force; collective labor agreements and other instruments of collective labor regulation; and binding precedents (assentos) from the Supreme Court of Justice and the Court of Auditors .
5. Regulatory Acts: Such as regulatory decrees (decretos regulamentares), regulations (regulamentos), decrees (decretos), regional regulatory decrees (decretos regulamentares regionais), resolutions from various governmental and parliamentary bodies, internal rules (regimentos) of legislative bodies, ordinances (portarias), normative orders (despachos normativos), police regulations issued by civil governors, municipal by-laws (posturas), and municipal regulations (regulamentos autárquicos).

Specific Legislation: The Cornerstones of Law

While Portugal boasts a vast body of legislation, certain legal codes form the fundamental framework for its various branches of law. The Constitution of 1976 stands as the paramount law, also serving as the cornerstone of constitutional law .

For other major legal domains, the following codes are central:

• Criminal Law and Procedure: The Penal Code (1982), the Penal Procedure Code (1987), the Military Justice Code (2003), and the Sentence and Custodial Measures Execution Code (2009).
• Civil Law and Procedure: The Civil Code (1966), the Civil Procedure Code (2004), and the Civil Register Code (1995).
• Labor Law: The Labour Code (2003) and the Labour Procedure Code (1999).
• Administrative Law: The Administrative Procedure Code (1991), the Public Contracts Code (2008), the Administrative Courts Procedure Code (2002), and the Administrative Code (1945), which, though largely obsolete, retains some partial effectiveness.
• Commercial Law: The Commercial Register Code (1986) and the Commercial Code (1888), which, like the Administrative Code, is now largely obsolete but still partially effective.
• Corporate Law: The Commercial Societies Code (1986).
• Tax Law: The Tax over Added Value Code (1984), the Tax over Single Persons Income Code (1988), the Tax over Collective Persons Income Code (1988), and the Tax Courts Procedure Code (1999).
• Entertainment Law: The Advertisement Code (1990).
• Transport Law: The Road Code (2005).
• Intellectual Property Law: The Industrial Property Code (1995) and the Copyright and Related Rights Code (1985).

Abolition of Capital Punishment

Portugal holds a pioneering position globally in the abolition of capital punishment . This abolition was a gradual process: it was abolished for political crimes in 1852, for all crimes except military offenses in 1867, and finally for all crimes in 1911. During World War I , capital punishment was reinstated, but exclusively for military crimes committed in wartime against a foreign nation and only within the theater of war . With the adoption of the 1976 Constitution, it was definitively abolished for all crimes.

The last documented execution in Portugal occurred in Lagos in 1846. A potential execution of a soldier from the Portuguese Expeditionary Corps in France during World War I remains poorly substantiated.

Life Imprisonment: A Unique Stance

In 1884, Portugal achieved another global first by abolishing life imprisonment . Currently, no individual can be incarcerated for more than 25 years. Portugal stands alone in its legal philosophy, considering life imprisonment—whether for minors or majors , with or without parole—a violation of fundamental human rights.

LGBT Legislation: Embracing Equality

In the 21st century, Portugal has emerged as a leader in LGBT-friendly policies, enacting numerous pro-LGBT laws and prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. Its Constitution is one of the few globally to offer explicit protection on these grounds. Members of the LGBT community can serve openly in the Portuguese Military , and are permitted to donate blood. On May 31, 2010, Portugal became the sixth European nation and the eighth worldwide to legally recognize same-sex marriage nationally, with the law taking effect on June 5, 2010.

A landmark Gender Identity Law, enacted in 2011, is considered one of the most progressive globally, allowing transgender individuals to legally change their name and sex on official documentation. In 2015, full parental equality for LGBT couples was legalized, building upon the prior allowance for single LGBT adoptions. Joint adoption by same-sex couples became legal in 2016.

Drug Legislation: A Public Health Approach

Portugal has been a pioneer in framing drug abuse as a public health issue rather than solely a criminal one. Its drug legislation, implemented in July 2001, largely decriminalized drug use. This policy has been widely studied and serves as a model for other nations seeking to reform their drug laws.

Under the new legislation, the use or possession of drugs for personal consumption without authorization remains illegal. However, the offense is now classified as administrative rather than criminal if the quantity possessed is no more than a ten-day supply. Notably, the possession of Marijuana for personal use is no longer a criminal offense.

Influence in Other Countries: A Legal Diaspora

The Portuguese variant of civil law has profoundly influenced, or serves as the direct basis for, the legal systems of numerous countries and territories, primarily former components of the Portuguese Empire .

Angola

Portuguese law was the governing framework in Angola until its independence in 1975. Many laws enacted prior to independence remain in effect, including the Portuguese Civil Code of 1966, albeit with some modifications. Angola’s commercial law, particularly since the reestablishment of its market economy, continues to draw heavily from Portuguese legal precedents, exemplified by the Angolan Code of Commercial Societies of 2004, which is modeled on Portugal’s 1986 Code.

Brazil

The legal system of Portugal was applied in Brazil until its independence in 1822. Post-independence, Portuguese laws continued to be influential, gradually supplemented or amended by Brazilian legislation. Despite developing its own distinct legal identity and absorbing other influences, Brazilian law retained significant ties to Portuguese law due to shared cultural affinities, a substantial Portuguese expatriate community, and the tradition of many Brazilian jurists studying at the University of Coimbra. The Portuguese Ordinances of 1606 provided the framework for Brazilian civil law until 1916, when the first Brazilian Civil Code was enacted. This code, like the contemporary Portuguese Civil Code, was influenced by the German Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch , BGB), reflecting a broader trend towards the Germanistic legal system. The current Brazilian Civil Code of 2002, while drawing inspiration from the BGB, also shows a marked influence from the Portuguese Civil Code of 1966.

Portugal’s constitutional law has also significantly impacted Brazil. The Portuguese Constitution of 1976 and the constitutional law scholarship of Portuguese theorist José Gomes Canotilho were primary inspirations for Brazil’s current Constitution of Brazil .

Cape Verde

In Cape Verde , many Portuguese laws in effect before its 1975 independence remain valid. Notably, the Portuguese Civil Code of 1966 and the Commercial Code of 1888 are still in force, subject to some alterations. New legislation in Cape Verde continues to be heavily influenced by Portuguese law.

Guinea-Bissau

A substantial portion of Portuguese laws applicable before the independence of Guinea-Bissau in 1974 continues to be in effect. The Portuguese Civil Code of 1966, with modifications, remains operative. However, in commercial law, Guinea-Bissau’s legal framework is increasingly aligning with the law harmonized under the 1993 Treaty on the Harmonization of Commercial Law in Africa, which follows French legal traditions.

India

Historically, the former Portuguese India contributed significantly to Portuguese legal scholarship through distinguished jurists and legislators, such as the Goan Luiz da Cunha Gonçalves. The Portuguese civil law system continues to be the operative legal framework in the remaining territories of former Portuguese India, now comprising the State of Goa and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu . At the time of India’s annexation of these territories (1954 for Dadra and Nagar Haveli and 1961 for Goa, Daman and Diu ), Portuguese laws were in force, including the Civil Code of 1868, with local adaptations primarily concerning the Hindu community . The Portuguese Code of 1966 was never applied in these territories, as its enactment post-dated their occupation.

Following annexation, the Portuguese legal system was maintained, though it gradually absorbed influences from English common law prevalent in the rest of India. This integration was accelerated by the severance of relations with Portugal and restrictions on the Portuguese language, which reduced the number of legal professionals familiar with Portuguese law. Nevertheless, the Portuguese Civil Code of 1868 remains in effect, known in India as the “Goa civil code ” or the “Goa Family Law.” This code has been proposed as a foundation for a future uniform civil code of India , intended to replace the existing personal laws based on religious scriptures and customs with a single legal framework applicable to all citizens.

Macau

Macau , under Portuguese administration until 1999, generally applied Portuguese laws. Agreements pertaining to the handover stipulated that the Portuguese legal system would remain in force for 50 years. In the lead-up to the handover, the Portuguese administration initiated reforms to enhance Macau’s legal framework, creating specific legislation for the territory that, while still heavily influenced by Portuguese law, began to diverge. A significant development was the Macau Civil Code, an updated version of the Portuguese Civil Code of 1966, which included an official Chinese translation and came into effect in the final year of Portuguese administration.

Mozambique

The Portuguese Civil Code of 1966 and other Portuguese laws in effect prior to Mozambique’s independence in 1975 remain in force, though subject to amendments. A new Commercial Code was adopted in 2005, superseding the Portuguese Code of 1888. A revised Penal Code was implemented in 2015, replacing the Penal Code of 1886.

São Tomé and Príncipe

Similar to other former Portuguese territories, the Portuguese Civil Code of 1966 and other laws predating the independence of São Tomé and Príncipe in 1975 continue to be applied, with necessary modifications.

Timor-Leste

Portuguese law was in effect in Timor-Leste until its invasion by Indonesia in 1975. Post-invasion, Indonesian law de facto replaced Portuguese law, though not de jure , as the occupation was never internationally recognized. This resulted in the application of the Indonesian Civil Code, which is based on the Dutch Civil Code of 1838 (Burgerlijk Wetboek ). As a provisional measure, Indonesian law remained in effect after Timor-Leste’s independence in 2002, being gradually replaced by Timorese legislation. The new Timorese Commercial Societies law of 2004 closely mirrors Portugal’s 1986 Code of Commercial Societies. In 2011, the Indonesian Civil Code was replaced by Timor-Leste’s new Civil Code, which is fundamentally based on the Portuguese Civil Code of 1966.

Legal Education, Training, and Research

Portugal boasts a number of esteemed public and private law schools. The Faculty of Law at the University of Coimbra , with roots tracing back to the 13th century, is the oldest.

Currently, the faculties of Law at the University of Lisbon and the University of Coimbra are widely regarded as the most prestigious, boasting a distinguished roster of alumni and faculty. Notable figures associated with Lisbon’s faculty include Marcelo Caetano , Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa , António de Menezes Cordeiro, Jorge Miranda, António Vitorino , José Manuel Barroso , Adriano Moreira , and Mário Soares . Coimbra’s faculty is linked to prominent individuals such as António de Oliveira Salazar , Laura Rio, and Almeida Santos .

The School of Law at the Portuguese Catholic University also enjoys a strong reputation, recognized for its academic publications, the caliber of its teaching staff, and its network of influential alumni. The Faculty of Law at the Nova University and the School of Law of the Minho University are considered modern institutions with a growing reputation.

During the 1990s, the provision of law degrees expanded significantly across Portugal, with both public and private institutions offering programs. By 2010, concerns were raised by the head of the Ordem dos Advogados , Marinho Pinto , regarding a perceived decline in the quality of legal education. He attributed this to factors such as reduced selectivity, lower academic integrity, and the ease of obtaining law degrees, even at institutions previously known for their rigor.