# Law No. 2851 of August 25, 1956

> Brazilian law

**Wikidata**: [Q105649630](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105649630)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-2851-of-august-25-1956

## Summary
Law No. 2851 of August 25, 1956 is a Brazilian federal statute that establishes the basic organizational structure of the Brazilian Army. It was enacted during the presidency of Juscelino Kubitschek and remains a foundational legal instrument governing military organization in Brazil.

## Key Facts
- **Official Title:** Lei nº 2851, de 25 de agosto de 1956
- **Country of Origin:** Brazil
- **Date of Approval:** August 25, 1956
- **Place of Publication:** Rio de Janeiro
- **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 2851/1956
- **Main Subject Areas:** Legal norm, administrative organization, army
- **LexML Brazil ID:** urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1956-08-25;2851
- **Instance Of:** Statute (formal written document creating law)
- **Language of Text:** Brazilian Portuguese
- **Applies To Jurisdiction:** Brazil
- **Approved By:** Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil
- **President at Time of Approval:** Juscelino Kubitschek
- **Published At URL:** [https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l2851.htm](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l2851.htm)
- **Digest Summary:** "DISPÕE SOBRE A ORGANIZAÇÃO BASICA DO EXERCITO" ("SETS FORTH THE BASIC ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY")
- **Classification:** Instance of "statute", "legal term or legal concept", "written work", "document", and "rule"
- **Part Of:** Statutory law of Brazil
- **Wikimedia Focus List:** WikiProject Brazilian Laws

## FAQs
**What is the official title and date of Law No. 2851?**  
The official title is Lei nº 2851, de 25 de agosto de 1956. It was approved on August 25, 1956, and published in Rio de Janeiro.

**What does Law No. 2851 regulate?**  
This law sets forth the basic organizational structure of the Brazilian Army. Its main subjects include legal norms, administrative organization, and military structure.

**Who approved Law No. 2851 and under what authority?**  
Law No. 2851 was approved by the Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil, specifically under President Juscelino Kubitschek, through the formal process of promulgation.

**In what language is the law written, and where does it apply?**  
The law is written in Brazilian Portuguese and applies to the jurisdiction of Brazil. It is available online through official government sources.

**Is Law No. 2851 classified as a statute?**  
Yes, it is formally classified as a statute, which is a type of legal document that creates law, including acts, executive orders, and by-laws.

**What is the legal citation for referencing this law?**  
The standard legal citation for this law is Lei nº 2851/1956.

## Why It Matters
Law No. 2851 of August 25, 1956 holds significant importance in the context of Brazilian military law and governance. As a foundational statute, it codifies the organizational framework of the Brazilian Army, establishing the legal basis for its structure, command hierarchy, and administrative operations. This law ensures that the military operates within a clearly defined statutory framework, promoting consistency, accountability, and legal clarity in military affairs. It also reflects the mid-20th century modernization of Brazil's armed forces under the Kubitschek administration, aligning military organization with broader national development goals. For legal scholars, military historians, and policymakers, the law serves as a critical reference point for understanding the evolution of Brazil’s defense institutions and their statutory underpinnings.

## Notable For
- **Historical Context:** Enacted during the transformative presidency of Juscelino Kubitschek, a period marked by rapid modernization and national development.
- **Legal Specificity:** One of the key statutes governing the structure of the Brazilian Army, with a clearly defined legal scope and normative function.
- **Public Domain Status:** As a formal legal document, it is in the public domain, ensuring unrestricted access to citizens and researchers.
- **Digital Accessibility:** Available online through official government portals, ensuring transparency and ease of access.
- **Part of National Legal Corpus:** Included in the LexML Brazil database, a centralized repository for legal documents, enhancing its discoverability and use in legal research.
- **Foundational Military Governance:** Provides the statutory basis for one of Brazil’s most important state institutions — the Army — influencing national security policy and military discipline.

## Body

### History and Legislative Context
Law No. 2851 of August 25, 1956 was enacted during a period of significant transformation in Brazil under the presidency of Juscelino Kubitschek. This law was part of broader efforts to modernize Brazil's institutions, including its military. The statute was formally promulgated on August 25, 1956, and published in Rio de Janeiro, the then-capital of Brazil. It was approved by the Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil, with Kubitschek serving as the head of state at the time. The law was developed as part of the legal infrastructure necessary to support a professional and organized military structure aligned with the nation's growing institutional needs.

### Legal Framework and Content
The law is formally titled Lei nº 2851, de 25 de agosto de 1956 and carries the LexML Brazil ID urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1956-08-25;2851. Its legal citation is Lei nº 2851/1956. The law's digest summary states: "DISPÕE SOBRE A ORGANIZAÇÃO BASICA DO EXERCITO" ("SETS FORTH THE BASIC ORGANIZATION OF THE ARMY"), indicating its primary function. The main subject areas covered by the statute include legal norms, administrative organization, and the structure of the army. It is classified as a statute, which is a formal written document that creates law, encompassing acts, executive orders, and by-laws.

### Jurisdiction and Language
Law No. 2851 applies to the jurisdiction of Brazil and is written in Brazilian Portuguese, the official language of the country. It is part of the broader corpus of Brazilian statutory law and is accessible through official digital repositories, including the government's legal portal at [https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l2851.htm](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l2851.htm). As with all official legal documents in Brazil, it is considered part of the public domain, ensuring unrestricted access for citizens, legal professionals, and researchers.

### Organizational Impact
This law plays a foundational role in the Brazilian Army's organizational structure. It provides the legal framework for command hierarchies, administrative divisions, and the operational setup of military units. As such, it is a critical component of Brazil’s national defense infrastructure, ensuring that the armed forces function within a clearly defined statutory environment. The law contributes to the transparency and accountability of military operations by codifying organizational norms and procedures.

### Inclusion in Legal Projects
Law No. 2851 is specifically listed as part of the WikiProject Brazilian Laws, an initiative aimed at organizing and improving the quality of legal content related to Brazilian legislation on collaborative platforms. This inclusion underscores its relevance and importance within the broader context of Brazilian legal scholarship and public policy documentation.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1956-08-25;2851)
2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=2851&ano=1956&data=25/08/1956&ato=7b4MzZq50dNRVT372)
3. LexML Brasil