1916 (in force 1917) · Civil codes

Brazilian Civil Code of 1916

Brazil

Brazil's first national civil code, drafted by Clóvis Beviláqua, in force until the 2002 code replaced it.

Why it matters

It replaced the old Portuguese law that Brazil had kept after independence, and gave the country a modern private law in German-influenced style.

Built on

1896 (in force 1900)

German Civil Code (BGB)

Germany

followed the German code's General Part and its precise legal language

1860 to 1865

Teixeira de Freitas's Esboço (draft civil code)

Brazil

built on Freitas's earlier draft

1867

Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 (Código de Seabra)

Portugal

kept many rules from the Portuguese tradition

Went on to shape

2002

Brazilian Civil Code

Brazil

replaced the 1916 code and kept much of its structure

Countries in the Legal Families Atlas

Brazil

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