Portuguese Law, an overview

The scope of this book is to provide accessible and systematically presented information about Portuguese law. Its principal target audience is naturally a non-Portuguese readership looking for succinct and accurate information on the Portuguese legal system.
The book is divided into three parts: general framework, public law and private law. Each part is in turn divided into chapters dedicated to a particular legal area. These chapters reflect the common division of legal disciplines.
All authors are somehow related to the Faculty of Law of Universidade Nova de Lisboa, which in this year of 2007 celebrates its 10 anniversary. This book is a symbol both of the innovation that inspires our Faculty and the intention to enrich Portuguese legal literature.

Editors Preface

The initial idea of editing this book arose from our recognition of the need to provide accessible and systematically presented information about Portuguesa law. To date no publication, either in Portuguese or in any other language, has offered a panoramic and comprehensive overview of the Portuguese legal system.
The principal target audience of this book is naturally a non-Portuguese readership looking for succinct and accurate information on the Portuguese legal system. Nevertheless even Portuguese lawyers might find it useful, as it offers accurate, up-to-date and clearly presented information on the major areas of Portuguese law.
The book is divided into three parts: general framework, private law and public law. Each part is in turn divided into chapters dedicated to a particular area of the law. These chapters reflect the common division of legal disciplines.
All authors are somehow related to the Faculty of Law of Universidade Nova de Lisboa, whether in their capacity as resident professors, invited professors or PhD students. This is therefore a collective work, imbued with a shared vision of the mission and goals of the Faculty of Law of Universidade Nova de Lisboa. One of its principal aims is to “internationalize” Portuguese law and the Portuguese University, promoting knowledge in order to achieve a rewarding and broader debate.
In this special year of 2007, when the Faculty of Law of Universidade Nova de Lisboa celebrates its 10th anniversary, this book is a symbol of the innovation that characterizes our faculty. It represents, moreover, a work of reference, evidencing the intention to enrich Portuguese legal literature.
Two final remarks should be added. Firstly, we thank Phillippa Cannon for her important work linguistically revising texts. Second, we would like to thank Almedina, our publisher, for the unstinting interest and support shown from the very first moment of the book’s conception.

Carlos Ferreira de Almeida
Assunção Cristas
Nuno Piçarra

I.General Framework
II.Public Law
III.Private Law