Conversation

Notices

1. Embed this notice
   Jorge Stolfi (jorgestolfi@mas.to)'s status on Sunday, 17-Nov-2024 20:51:53 JST Jorge Stolfi

   What is the English translation of the Portuguese term "estado de direito"?

   That would be a regime where (1) most people -- especially government officials -- respect the laws, and most of those who don't get punished by the state, and (2) the laws are made and changed only according to procedures specified by the law.

   It is not the same as "democracy", although in practice it is a requisite thereof. Its opposite includes regimes where those who make the laws do not have to follow them.

   • Embed this notice
     Jorge Stolfi (jorgestolfi@mas.to)'s status on Sunday, 17-Nov-2024 21:05:02 JST Jorge Stolfi

     in reply to

     • Sofia ☭🇧🇷☭

     @sofiav

     Thanks!

     But does that term imply that the *whole* government, *including the law makers*, follows the laws? I think I saw it used also for very specific situations, like a single case. Somewhat in the sense of "throwing the book" at the defendant.

   • Embed this notice
     Sofia ☭🇧🇷☭ (sofiav@mastodon.online)'s status on Sunday, 17-Nov-2024 21:05:03 JST Sofia ☭🇧🇷☭

     in reply to

     @JorgeStolfi "rule of law" I think?