Portugal is a European country on the Iberian Peninsula, and is the westernmost sovereign state in Europe. It’s one of the oldest European states and the oldest in the Peninsula. It has been invaded by Pre-Celts, the Celts, Romans and Carthaginians, among other civilizations throughout its history. The country was established under the Christian Reconquista. Although the country attempted to gain independence multiple times, it wasn’t until the Battle of São Mamede in 1128, that Portugal was able to declare itself a sovereign state.

Portugal is a member of the United Nations and European Union. It’s also one of the founding members of the OECD,  NATO, and is considered an advanced economy with high standards of living. Portugal ranks highly in democratic freedom, LGBTI rights, prosperity, ease of doing business, and freedom of the press, among other areas.

Since its constitution was ratified in 1976, Portugal has been a  semi-presidential representative democratic republic. Separation of Powers is granted to four parties under the Constitution, which include the Court, President of the Republic, the Government, and Assembly of the Republic. The president is elected to a five-year term, and serves as head of state. The Prime Minister serves as head of government. Portugal maintains a 13-member Constitutional Court , which oversees the legal system. The  Assembly of the Republic is the Parliamentary body in Portugal, situated in Lisbon.

The legal system, known as the continental family legal system, includes the Penal Code of Portugal and Portuguese Civil Code. The Civil Procedure and Commercial Code are also relevant laws which govern the country. The Constitutional Court and Supreme Court of Justice are the highest courts in Portugal, which is headed by the Attorney General. In 1884, Portugal became the first country to abolish life imprisonment, imposing a maximum jail sentence of up to 25 years. In 2001, the country also decriminalized use of all common drugs, becoming the first country in the world to do so. Cocaine, cannabis, LCD, and heroine are among the drugs which the country decriminalized at this point.

The expert attorney authors at the National Law Review cover news and information from Portugal, Europe, and its international affairs. Data security, GDPR, international merger and acquisition deals, chemical and environmental topics, and other areas of law.