# Law No. 3151 of May 24, 1957

> Brazilian law

**Wikidata**: [Q105649702](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105649702)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-3151-of-may-24-1957

## Summary
Law No. 3151 of May 24, 1957, enacted during the presidency of Juscelino Kubitschek, is a Brazilian statute that authorizes a special budgetary adjustment ("Credito Especial"). Published in Rio de Janeiro on the same day, the law specifically addresses payments related to the Ministry of Education (MEC). It is officially classified as a statute and applies to the jurisdiction of Brazil, written in Brazilian Portuguese.

## Key Facts
- **Title:** Lei nº 3151, de 24 de maio de 1957.
- **Classification:** Instance of a statute (a formal written document that creates law).
- **Promulgation Date:** May 24, 1957.
- **Approving Authority:** Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil, promulgated by President Juscelino Kubitschek.
- **Main Subjects:** Special budgetary adjustment ("Credito Especial"), the Ministry of Education ("Ministerio Da Educação (MEC)"), and payment ("Pagamento").
- **Jurisdiction:** Applies to Brazil.
- **Language:** Written in Brazilian Portuguese.
- **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 3151/1957.
- **Publication Location:** Rio de Janeiro.
- **Lexml Brazil ID:** `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1957-05-24;3151`.
- **Official URL:** Available at `https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l3151.htm`.
- **Wikimedia Project:** Listed on WikiProject Brazilian Laws.

## FAQs
**What was the primary purpose of Law No. 3151?**
The law was enacted to authorize a special budgetary adjustment, referred to as "Credito Especial." Its specific function was to facilitate payments related to the Ministry of Education (MEC).

**Who signed Law No. 3151 into effect?**
The statute was approved by the Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil and was specifically promulgated by President Juscelino Kubitschek on May 24, 1957.

**What type of legal document is Law No. 3151?**
It is classified as a statute, which is a formal written document that creates law. As a statute, it serves as a manifestation of statutory law and functions as an official legal rule enacted by the Brazilian government.

## Why It Matters
Law No. 3151 of May 24, 1957, serves as a specific example of the legislative process in Brazil during the mid-20th century. Its significance lies in its direct impact on the financial operations of the Brazilian government, particularly regarding the Ministry of Education. By authorizing a special budgetary adjustment, it provided the necessary legal framework for specific payments, ensuring the continuity of educational funding or projects under the administration of President Juscelino Kubitschek. Furthermore, as a statute, it represents the tangible, written evidence of statutory law, a foundational concept in legal systems that ensures government mandates are documented, accessible, and enforceable.

## Notable For
- **Specific Budgetary Focus:** Notable for targeting a special budgetary adjustment ("Credito Especial") specifically for the Ministry of Education.
- **Historical Context:** Enacted during the presidency of Juscelino Kubitschek, a period known for rapid development and modernization in Brazil.
- **Legal Classification:** An explicit instance of a "statute," the formal written document type that creates law in Brazil.
- **Publication Location:** Published in Rio de Janeiro, which was a major center for federal government activities in 1957, before the capital's full transition to Brasília.

## Body

### Legal Definition and Classification
Law No. 3151 of May 24, 1957, is formally classified as a **statute**. In legal terms, a statute is a formal written document that creates law, encompassing acts, executive orders, and by-laws. It serves as a manifestation of statutory law and is composed of legal norms. As a subclass of "written work" and "document," this law represents the official record of a legal rule enacted by the Brazilian government. Its creation follows the standard legislative process involving draft laws and is caused by a legal act. Statutes are generally considered public domain documents in jurisdictions like the United States, serving to ensure public accessibility to legal texts.

### Enactment and Authority
The law was officially promulgated on **May 24, 1957**. It was approved by the **Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil**, with the specific determination method being promulgation. The head of state responsible for this action was President **Juscelino Kubitschek**. The law was published in **Rio de Janeiro** on the same date. This enactment occurred during a pivotal time in Brazilian history, as Kubitschek's presidency (1956-1961) was marked by ambitious development projects and the construction of the new capital, Brasília, which would be inaugurated in 1960.

### Subject Matter and Purpose
The main subjects of Law No. 3151 provide direct insight into its function:
- **Special Budgetary Adjustment ("Credito Especial"):** This is the core financial mechanism authorized by the law. A special credit is a legislative authorization for an expenditure that was not included in the annual budget law, typically used for unforeseen or urgent needs.
- **Ministry of Education ("Ministerio Da Educação (MEC)"):** The law is specifically tied to this government body. This indicates that the special budgetary adjustment was intended to address financial needs within the education sector.
- **Payment ("Pagamento"):** The law addresses the act of payment, signifying that the adjustment was made to settle specific financial obligations.

In essence, Law No. 3151 created the legal authority to release funds outside the standard budget to cover payments owed to or by the Ministry of Education.

### Jurisdiction and Language
The law applies to the jurisdiction of **Brazil**. It is written in **Brazilian Portuguese**, the official language of the country. Its legal citation is **Lei nº 3151/1957**, and it is also known by its alias, **Lei nº 3151, de 24 de maio de 1957**.

### Digital Identifiers and Accessibility
The statute is indexed and accessible through several official digital systems:
- **Lexml Brazil ID:** `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1957-05-24;3151`.
- **Official URL:** The full text is hosted by the Brazilian government at `https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l3151.htm`.
- **WikiProject Brazilian Laws:** The law is included on the on-focus list of this specific Wikimedia project, highlighting its relevance for collaborative documentation and knowledge management.

### Related Entities: Brazil
As the jurisdiction to which this law applies, **Brazil** provides the broader context. At the time of the law's enactment in 1957:
- **Capital:** The federal capital was still **Rio de Janeiro** (transitioning to Brasília in 1960).
- **President:** The head of state and government was **Juscelino Kubitschek**.
- **Currency:** The currency in use was the **Brazilian cruzeiro** (the real was introduced later in 1994).
- **Constitution:** The country was operating under the **Constitution of 1946**, which was in effect until 1967.
- **UN Membership:** Brazil was a founding member of the United Nations, having joined on October 24, 1945.
Brazil is the largest country in South America, a federal republic with a presidential system, and is globally significant for its biodiversity, economy, and cultural influence.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1957-05-24;3151)
2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=3151&ano=1957&data=24/05/1957&ato=39bk3aq5UMNRVT366)