Official decree document with Brazilian government letterhead and stamp

Official document of the Brazilian government with letterhead and stamp, used to publish decrees and legal norms.

About this subject

In Brazil, decrees are administrative acts within the exclusive competence of the President of the Republic, governors, or mayors, as per Article 84 of the Federal Constitution. They serve to regulate laws, create public agencies, appoint authorities, or establish administrative rules. The letterhead and stamp authenticate the document, with the stamp typically from the public office and the signature from the competent authority. Publication in the Official Gazette is required for validity, but the physical document is still used in internal processes and historical archives. Decrees can be classified as regulatory, appointment, expropriation, among others. The process follows specific procedures, including legal review by the Attorney General's Office for presidential acts. The use of security paper and watermarks prevents forgery, with the letterhead being a graphic element identifying the issuing body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a decree and a law in Brazil?

A law is approved by the Legislative Branch (National Congress) and sanctioned by the President. A decree is issued by the Executive Branch to regulate the law or handle administrative matters, without requiring legislative approval.

How can I verify if a decree is valid?

Decrees must be published in the Official Gazette (federal, state, or municipal) and contain letterhead, stamp, and signature of the competent authority. They can be consulted on official websites.

Can decrees be revoked?

Yes, decrees can be revoked by another decree from the same authority or by a subsequent law. Revocation can be express or tacit and must be officially published.