# Law No. 4215 of April 27, 1963

> Brazilian law

**Wikidata**: [Q105648453](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105648453)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-4215-of-april-27-1963

## Summary
Law No. 4215 of April 27, 1963, is a Brazilian statute enacted to establish the Statute of the Brazilian Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil), regulating the practice of law and the ethical conduct of legal professionals. Enacted during the government of President João Goulart, it remains a foundational legal document in Brazil’s juridical framework. Its official citation is **Lei nº 4215/1963**.

## Key Facts
- **Enactment Date:** April 27, 1963.
- **Jurisdiction:** Federative Republic of Brazil.
- **Legal Digest:** "Dispõe sobre o Estatuto da Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil" (Regulates the Statute of the Brazilian Bar Association).
- **Approved By:** Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil (President João Goulart).
- **Instance Of:** Statute (formal written law).
- **Main Subjects:** Legal profession, ethics, Bar Association governance.
- **LexML Brazil ID:** `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1963-04-27;4215`.
- **Publication Date:** April 27, 1963.
- **Place of Publication:** Brasília.
- **Language:** Brazilian Portuguese.
- **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 4215, de 27 de abril de 1963.
- **Wikimedia Project:** Part of WikiProject Brazilian Laws.

## FAQs
**What is the primary purpose of Law No. 4215?**  
This law establishes the regulatory framework for the Brazilian Bar Association, defining the rights, duties, and ethical standards for legal professionals in Brazil.

**Who enacted Law No. 4215?**  
It was enacted by President João Goulart during his term (1961–1964), promulgated on April 27, 1963.

**How is this law cited in legal documents?**  
It is officially cited as **Lei nº 4215/1963**, with the full title "Lei nº 4215, de 27 de abril de 1963."

**Why is this law significant in Brazilian legal history?**  
It institutionalized the autonomy and self-regulation of the legal profession in Brazil, ensuring ethical practices and professional accountability among attorneys.

## Why It Matters
Law No. 4215 is pivotal in shaping Brazil’s legal profession by formalizing the role of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB). It ensures that attorneys adhere to strict ethical standards, safeguarding the integrity of the judicial system. Enacted during a period of political instability, the law provided a structured framework for legal practice that has endured through multiple constitutional regimes. Its provisions underpin the OAB’s authority to oversee lawyer certification, disciplinary processes, and advocacy rights, directly impacting access to justice and the quality of legal representation in Brazil.

## Notable For
- **Establishment of the OAB Statute:** First comprehensive regulation of the Brazilian Bar Association.
- **Enduring Legal Framework:** Remains in force despite subsequent constitutional revisions.
- **Ethical Governance:** Introduced binding ethical codes for legal professionals.
- **Autonomy of the Legal Profession:** Ensured the OAB’s independence from governmental interference.
- **Historical Context:** Enacted during the turbulent presidency of João Goulart, prior to the 1964 military coup.

## Body

### Legal Context and Purpose
Law No. 4215 was enacted to consolidate the legal profession’s autonomy in Brazil. It formalized the **Brazilian Bar Association (OAB)** as the governing body responsible for overseeing attorney conduct, certification, and ethical compliance. The law’s preamble emphasizes the need for a "unified, autonomous, and democratic" institution to represent lawyers and protect the public interest. Key provisions include:
- Mandatory membership for all practicing lawyers.
- Standardized procedures for disciplinary actions.
- Criteria for attorney admission and licensing.

### Historical Background
Enacted on April 27, 1963, during the presidency of **João Goulart** (1961–1964), the law emerged amid political tensions that preceded the 1964 military coup. Despite the subsequent authoritarian regime, the statute remained in force, underscoring its apolitical focus on professional regulation. The OAB’s establishment under this law later enabled it to play a critical role in advocating for democratic reforms during Brazil’s return to civilian rule in the 1980s.

### Key Provisions
- **Ethical Standards:** Articulates principles of professional integrity, confidentiality, and impartiality.
- **Governance Structure:** Defines the OAB’s organizational hierarchy, including state chapters and national leadership.
- **Disciplinary Measures:** Outlines penalties for misconduct, ranging from reprimands to disbarment.
- **Advocacy Rights:** Affirms lawyers’ independence in defending clients, free from external coercion.

### Legacy and Impact
Law No. 4215 has been amended multiple times to adapt to constitutional changes, most notably after the 1988 Constitution. Its core principles remain intact, ensuring the OAB’s role as a guardian of legal ethics. The law’s influence extends to:
- **Public Trust:** By standardizing legal practice, it bolstered public confidence in the judiciary.
- **Professionalization:** Elevated legal education and training standards.
- **Democracy Advocacy:** The OAB, empowered by this law, has historically defended human rights and rule of law during political crises.

### Related Entities
- **João Goulart:** President who sanctioned the law, despite his government’s eventual overthrow.
- **Brazilian Bar Association (OAB):** The primary entity regulated by the statute, with over 1.5 million members as of 2023.
- **1988 Constitution:** Subsequent constitutional reforms that reinforced the OAB’s autonomy under Article 133 of the current Constitution.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1963-04-27;4215)
2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=4215&ano=1963&data=27/04/1963&ato=368ATSq50MVRVT16c)
3. LexML Brasil