# Law No. 4974 of May 11, 1966

> Brazilian law

**Wikidata**: [Q105647589](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105647589)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-4974-of-may-11-1966

## Summary
Law No. 4974 of May 11, 1966, is a Brazilian statute that authorized the donation of real estate to the Brazilian Legion of Assistance (Legião Brasileira de Assistência) and established related provisions. Enacted during the military government of President Castelo Branco, it falls under the jurisdiction of Brazil and remains a documented part of the country’s legal framework. The law is officially cited as "Lei nº 4974/1966" and is accessible via the Brazilian government’s legal database.

## Key Facts
- **Enactment Date:** May 11, 1966.
- **Jurisdiction:** Federative Republic of Brazil.
- **Approved By:** Presidency of Castelo Branco (military regime).
- **Primary Purpose:** Authorized the donation of real estate (imóveis) to the Brazilian Legion of Assistance.
- **Legal Digest:** "AUTORIZA A DOAÇÃO DE IMOVEIS A LEGIÃO BRASILEIRA DE ASSISTENCIA E DA OUTRAS PROVIDENCIAS."
- **Main Subjects:** Guanabara (then a federal district), real property, gifts.
- **Publication Details:** Published in Brasília on May 11, 1966.
- **Language:** Brazilian Portuguese.
- **Identifier:** URN `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1966-05-11;4974`.
- **Access:** Available at [https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l4974.htm](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1950-1969/l4974.htm).
- **Wikimedia Focus:** Part of WikiProject Brazilian Laws.

## FAQs
**What is the primary purpose of Law No. 4974 of 1966?**  
This law authorized the donation of real estate to the Brazilian Legion of Assistance, a social welfare organization, and outlined related legal provisions.

**Who approved Law No. 4974?**  
The law was approved by the Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil under Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco, who served as a military president from 1964 to 1967.

**Where does this law apply?**  
It applies exclusively to Brazil, specifically addressing real estate transactions within the country’s legal jurisdiction.

**Is the full text of the law publicly available?**  
Yes, the law is accessible via the official Brazilian government portal at [https://www.planalto.gov.br](https://www.planalto.gov.br).

**What historical context surrounds this law?**  
Enacted in 1966, the law was passed during Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985), a period marked by centralized governance and institutional reforms.

## Why It Matters
Law No. 4974 of 1966 is significant as it reflects the military regime’s approach to social welfare and property governance. By authorizing real estate donations to the Brazilian Legion of Assistance, the law aimed to support vulnerable populations, aligning with the regime’s strategic efforts to consolidate power and address social issues. As a documented statute, it provides insight into Brazil’s legal history, particularly during a transformative and controversial political era. Its provisions underscore the intersection of governmental authority and social policy, offering a case study in how legislation was used to shape societal structures during the 20th century.

## Notable For
- **Historical Context:** Enacted during Brazil’s military dictatorship under President Castelo Branco.
- **Social Welfare Focus:** Directly supported the Brazilian Legion of Assistance through property donations.
- **Jurisdictional Specificity:** Addressed the former State of Guanabara, a federal district that existed from 1960 to 1975.
- **Legal Accessibility:** Publicly available and cataloged in Brazil’s official legal database.
- **Wikimedia Recognition:** Included in WikiProject Brazilian Laws, highlighting its relevance to legal scholarship.

## Body

### Legal Context and Creation
Law No. 4974 was promulgated on May 11, 1966, during the military government of President Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco. It was approved as part of the legislative process under the 1946 Constitution, which remained in effect until 1968. The law’s creation followed the 1964 coup, which established a military regime that prioritized institutional reforms and centralized control over public resources.

### Key Provisions
The statute’s primary objective was to authorize the donation of real estate (imóveis) to the **Legião Brasileira de Assistência (LBA)**, a public foundation tasked with social welfare initiatives. This included provisions for transferring property rights and outlining administrative procedures for such donations. The law specifically referenced the **Estado da Guanabara**, a federal district that encompassed the city of Rio de Janeiro from 1960 to 1975, indicating targeted regional application.

### Historical Significance
Enacted during Brazil’s military dictatorship (1964–1985), Law No. 4974 reflects the regime’s dual focus on social control and welfare. The LBA, established in 1943, was instrumental in providing aid to vulnerable populations, and this law reinforced its role through property allocations. The legislation also exemplifies the military government’s tendency to use statutory measures to consolidate power and direct societal resources.

### Legal Documentation and Access
The law is formally identified by the URN `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1966-05-11;4974` and is accessible via the Brazilian government’s official legal database. Its publication in Brasília on May 11, 1966, adhered to the formal processes for federal legislation, ensuring its integration into the national legal corpus. The statute remains a reference for historical and juridical studies, particularly those examining Brazil’s 20th-century legislative evolution.

### Related Entities and Classifications
- **Brazilian Legion of Assistance (LBA):** A key beneficiary of the law, the LBA operated as a state-funded entity addressing poverty and social inequality.
- **Estado da Guanabara:** A short-lived federal district (1960–1975) that included Rio de Janeiro, dissolved during the military regime’s administrative reorganization.
- **Military Regime (1964–1985):** The law was enacted under a government characterized by authoritarian policies and institutional acts that suppressed political dissent.

### Legacy and Impact
Law No. 4974 underscores the military regime’s approach to social welfare, leveraging property donations to bolster institutional control. While the LBA’s role diminished after the return to democracy in 1985, the statute remains a historical artifact illustrating the interplay between governance and social policy during Brazil’s dictatorship. Its documentation in national archives and digital platforms ensures its accessibility for researchers and the public, contributing to transparency and historical accountability.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1966-05-11;4974)
2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=4974&ano=1966&data=11/05/1966&ato=579ETQE9EMZRVT0b8)
3. LexML Brasil