# Law No. 172 of December 16, 1947

> Brazilian law

**Wikidata**: [Q105647693](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105647693)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-172-of-december-16-1947

## Summary
Law No. 172 of December 16, 1947, is a Brazilian statute enacted to address budgetary and financial matters, specifically approving supplementary credits and reinforcing economic measures. Promulgated during the presidency of Eurico Gaspar Dutra, it exemplifies legislative efforts to manage public finances in post-war Brazil. This law is a key component of Brazil's legal framework, reflecting the country's historical approach to fiscal governance.

## Key Facts
- **Enactment Date:** December 16, 1947
- **Jurisdiction:** Federative Republic of Brazil
- **Promulgated By:** Presidency of Eurico Gaspar Dutra
- **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 172/1947
- **LEXML Brazil ID:** urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1947-12-16;172
- **Language:** Brazilian Portuguese
- **Publication Location:** Rio de Janeiro
- **Key Provisions:** Approval of supplementary credits, budget appropriations, and economic reinforcement measures
- **Related Entities:** Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil (Itamaraty), Brazilian federal budget process
- **Focus Areas:** Public finance, supplementary budgeting, economic policy
- **Historical Context:** Post-World War II economic management in Brazil
- **Wikimedia Project:** Part of WikiProject Brazilian Laws

## FAQs
**What is the primary purpose of Law No. 172 of 1947?**  
Law No. 172 of 1947 was enacted to approve supplementary credits and reinforce economic measures in Brazil, addressing specific budgetary needs during a period of post-war fiscal management.

**Who promulgated this law?**  
The law was promulgated by the Presidency of Eurico Gaspar Dutra, who served as the President of Brazil from 1946 to 1951.

**What government entities are directly involved with this law?**  
The law pertains to Brazil's federal budget process and involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) among other governmental bodies responsible for fiscal policy and public finance.

**In what context was this law created?**  
Enacted in 1947, the law reflects Brazil's efforts to stabilize and manage its economy following World War II, a time of significant global economic restructuring.

**Where can the full text of this law be accessed?**  
The complete text is available through the Brazilian Legal XML (LEXML) database at the provided URN: urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1947-12-16;172.

## Why It Matters
Law No. 172 of 1947 is significant as it underscores Brazil's historical approach to fiscal governance, particularly in the immediate post-war era. By approving supplementary credits and reinforcing economic measures, the law played a role in shaping the country's budgetary framework during a critical period of economic recovery and growth. This legislation exemplifies how statutory instruments were used to address immediate financial needs while contributing to long-term economic stability. Understanding this law provides insight into Brazil's legislative strategies for managing public resources and navigating global economic challenges.

## Notable For
- **Post-War Fiscal Policy:** Reflects Brazil's economic management strategies following World War II.
- **Budgetary Mechanisms:** Demonstrates the use of supplementary credits in federal budgeting processes.
- **Presidential Promulgation:** Enacted under President Eurico Gaspar Dutra, a key figure in Brazil's democratic governance during the mid-20th century.
- **LEXML Documentation:** Early example of Brazilian legal documentation practices, now accessible through modern digital databases.
- **WikiProject Inclusion:** Recognized within Wikimedia's collaborative efforts to document Brazilian legal history.

## Body

### Legislative Context and Historical Background
Law No. 172 was enacted on December 16, 1947, during the presidency of Eurico Gaspar Dutra, a period marked by Brazil's transition to democratic governance after the Vargas Era. This legislation emerged in the context of post-World War II economic challenges, as nations worldwide sought to stabilize their economies and rebuild infrastructure. Brazil, having participated in the war effort, faced unique fiscal demands, including managing wartime expenditures and transitioning to peacetime economic policies.

### Key Provisions and Impact
The law specifically addressed the approval of supplementary credits (créditos suplementares) and reinforced economic measures (reforço) tied to budget appropriations (dotação orçamentária). These provisions were critical for enabling the government to allocate additional funds to priority areas, ensuring fiscal flexibility in response to emerging needs. By doing so, the law supported the implementation of public policies and infrastructure projects essential for Brazil's development during this period.

### Institutional and Jurisdictional Framework
As a federal statute, Law No. 172 applied to the entirety of Brazil, reflecting the centralized fiscal authority of the federal government. The involvement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) highlights the intersection of domestic fiscal policy with international relations, particularly relevant in a post-war context where global economic cooperation was increasingly important. The law's publication in Rio de Janeiro, then the capital of Brazil, further underscores the centralized governance structure of the time.

### Legal Documentation and Accessibility
The law is cataloged in the Brazilian Legal XML (LEXML) database under the URN urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1947-12-16;172, ensuring its accessibility and preservation for legal, academic, and public reference. This digital archiving reflects modern efforts to systematize Brazil's legal history, making historical statutes like Law No. 172 available for study and application in contemporary governance.

### Comparative and Thematic Significance
Law No. 172 contributes to the broader narrative of Brazil's legislative response to economic challenges. It parallels other post-war fiscal statutes enacted globally, demonstrating a universal reliance on supplementary budgeting mechanisms to address unforeseen expenditures. Within Brazil, this law is part of a continuum of fiscal legislation that has shaped the country's economic trajectory, from the Vargas Era through the democratic transitions of the late 20th century.

### Legacy and Contemporary Relevance
While the immediate effects of Law No. 172 were specific to the 1947 fiscal year, its legacy endates in the principles of budgetary flexibility and fiscal responsibility it reinforced. These principles continue to influence Brazil's contemporary budgetary processes, underscoring the enduring impact of historical legislation on modern governance. The law's inclusion in WikiProject Brazilian Laws further ensures its recognition as a foundational element of Brazil's legal and economic history, accessible to researchers and the public alike.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1947-12-16;172)