Penal Code of Portugal

The current Penal Code of Portugal (Portuguese: Código Penal Português) was promulgated in 1982 after the adoption of the Portuguese Constitution in 1976. The new Penal Code replaced the old one of 1886, being created in the aftermath of the end of the authoritarian regime of the Estado Novo in 1974 and the restoration of democratic laws in Portugal.

The Penal Code of 1982 was also applied to Macau until the adoption of the Penal Code of Macau in 1996.

Before the present Code, Portugal had the following Penal Codes:

1. Penal Code of 1837 - never came into force, because of the establishment of the Constitution of 1837;
2. Penal Code of 1852 - during its history suffered major reforms, including the abolishment of the death penalty for civil crimes in 1867;
3. Penal Code of 1886.

See also

• Legal system of Portugal
• Murder (Portuguese law)