# Law No. 4162 of December 4, 1962

> Brazilian law

**Wikidata**: [Q105648421](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105648421)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-4162-of-december-4-1962

## Summary
Law No. 4162 of December 4, 1962, is a Brazilian statute that amended Article 88 of the Military Justice Code (Decree-Law 925 of December 2, 1938). Enacted during the government of President João Goulart, it specifically revised the wording of item "I" of Article 88, reflecting changes to Brazil's military legal framework. The law was published in Brasília and remains accessible through official legislative records.

## Key Facts
- **Full Title:** Lei nº 4162, de 4 de dezembro de 1962  
- **Jurisdiction:** Federative Republic of Brazil  
- **Enactment Date:** December 4, 1962  
- **Approved By:** President João Goulart (via promulgation)  
- **Amended Legislation:** Article 88 of the Military Justice Code (Decree-Law 925/1938)  
- **Specific Amendment:** Altered the wording of item "I" of Article 88  
- **Language:** Brazilian Portuguese  
- **Publication Location:** Brasília, Federal District  
- **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 4162/1962  
- **Digital Access:** Available at [https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l4162.htm](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l4162.htm)  
- **Unique Identifier:** LexML Brazil ID `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1962-12-04;4162`  

## FAQs
**What does Law No. 4162 of 1962 address?**  
This law amended the Military Justice Code, specifically revising Article 88 to update its provisions. The change focused on the wording of item "I," reflecting adjustments to military legal procedures.  

**When was the law enacted and by whom?**  
The law was promulgated on December 4, 1962, by President João Goulart, who led Brazil from 1961 to 1964. His approval followed standard legislative procedures for statutory enactment.  

**Why is this law notable in Brazilian legal history?**  
It is notable for modifying a key component of Brazil’s military justice system during a period of political transition. The amendment underscores the evolving legal framework governing military affairs in the early 1960s.  

**Where can the full text of the law be accessed?**  
The complete text is available through the official Brazilian legislative database at [https://www.planalto.gov.br](https://www.planalto.gov.br), ensuring public accessibility as a statutory document.  

## Why It Matters
Law No. 4162 of 1962 holds significance as part of Brazil’s efforts to refine its military legal codes during a politically sensitive era. The amendment reflects the government’s focus on updating judicial procedures within the armed forces, ensuring alignment with broader legal reforms. As a statute, it exemplifies the formal process of legislative revision in Brazil, where specific articles of existing codes are targeted for updates rather than full overhauls. This law also highlights the role of presidential authority in shaping military governance, particularly under João Goulart’s administration, which preceded the 1964 military coup. Its enduring availability in official records ensures transparency and continuity in Brazil’s legal history.

## Notable For
- **Targeted Military Reform:** Specific amendment to the Military Justice Code, demonstrating focused legislative action.  
- **Historical Context:** Enacted during the tumultuous early 1960s, prior to Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985).  
- **Presidential Legacy:** Tied to President João Goulart, whose tenure was marked by political instability and institutional reforms.  
- **Public Accessibility:** Exemplifies Brazil’s commitment to publishing statutes in the *Diário Oficial* and digital platforms.  

## Body

### Historical and Legislative Context
Law No. 4162 was enacted on December 4, 1962, during the presidency of João Goulart, a period marked by political tensions that eventually led to the 1964 military coup. The law amended Decree-Law 925 of December 2, 1938, which established the Military Justice Code. This amendment specifically altered the wording of item "I" of Article 88, addressing procedural aspects of military justice. The revision reflects broader efforts to modernize Brazil’s legal frameworks during the Second Republic era (1946–1964).

### Legal Details and Impact
- **Amendment Scope:** The change to Article 88 focused on updating terminology or procedures within the Military Justice Code, ensuring clarity or alignment with contemporary legal standards.  
- **Military Governance:** The law underscores the interconnectedness of statutory reforms and military institutional organization in Brazil, particularly during periods of democratic governance.  
- **Compliance with Legislative Protocols:** As a federal statute, Law No. 4162 followed the standard enactment process: approval by the National Congress, presidential promulgation, and publication in the *Diário Oficial da União*.  

### Availability and Documentation
The law is cataloged under LexML Brazil ID `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1962-12-04;4162`, ensuring its integration into Brazil’s unified legal documentation system. The full text is preserved and accessible via the Planalto Government Portal, a digital repository for federal legislation. This accessibility adheres to Brazil’s legal principles of transparency and public domain status for statutory documents, as affirmed by the "edict of government doctrine."

### Political and Social Significance
Enacted less than two years before the 1964 military coup, Law No. 4162 represents one of the final legislative actions under democratic governance before the dictatorship. The amendment to military justice procedures may be interpreted within the context of institutional tensions between civilian authorities and the armed forces during Goulart’s presidency. The law’s enduring presence in Brazil’s legal corpus ensures its role as a historical marker of legislative activity during this critical period.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1962-12-04;4162)
2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=4162&ano=1962&data=04/12/1962&ato=35aQTRE5kMVRVT11f)
3. LexML Brasil