# Law No. 5959 of December 10, 1973

> Brazilian law

**Wikidata**: [Q105659811](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q105659811)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-5959-of-december-10-1973

## Summary
Law No. 5959 of December 10, 1973, is a Brazilian statute enacted to establish the Military Police and Fire Department in the Federal District. It was promulgated by President Emílio Garrastazu Médici and applies specifically to the jurisdiction of Brazil. The law is a foundational legal document governing the organization and responsibilities of these institutions.

## Key Facts
- **Enactment Date:** December 10, 1973.
- **Approved By:** Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil, under President Emílio Garrastazu Médici.
- **Jurisdiction:** Applies to the Federal District of Brazil.
- **Main Subjects:** Military Police, Fire Department, Federal Government of Brazil, Federal District, responsibility, and payment protocols.
- **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 5959/1973.
- **Language:** Written in Brazilian Portuguese.
- **Publication Location:** Brasília.
- **Unique Identifier:** URN `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1973-12-10;5959`.
- **Access:** Available online via the Brazilian Government’s legal database at [https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1970-1979/l5959.htm](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/1970-1979/l5959.htm).
- **Focus Area:** Part of WikiProject Brazilian Laws.

## FAQs
**What is the primary purpose of Law No. 5959 of December 10, 1973?**  
This law established the Military Police and Fire Department within Brazil’s Federal District, defining their organizational structure and operational responsibilities.

**Who approved Law No. 5959?**  
The law was promulgated by President Emílio Garrastazu Médici on December 10, 1973, as part of his executive authority under the Brazilian Presidency.

**Where does this law apply?**  
It specifically governs the Federal District of Brazil, addressing institutional frameworks for public safety and emergency services in the region.

**What key entities does the law address?**  
The law focuses on the Military Police, Fire Department, the Federal Government of Brazil, and the Federal District, outlining their roles and financial accountability.

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

## Why It Matters
Law No. 5959 of December 10, 1973, is significant for institutionalizing the Military Police and Fire Department in Brazil’s Federal District, ensuring structured governance of public safety and emergency response. It plays a critical role in defining the legal and operational frameworks for these organizations, which are essential to maintaining order and protecting citizens in the capital region. By establishing clear lines of responsibility and payment protocols, the law contributes to the stability and functionality of Brazil’s administrative apparatus, particularly in the context of the Federal District’s unique governance needs.

## Notable For
- **Foundational Legal Document:** Serves as the statutory basis for the Military Police and Fire Department in the Federal District.
- **Specific Jurisdiction:** Tailored exclusively to the governance structure of Brasília and its surrounding federal territory.
- **Historical Context:** Enacted during the military dictatorship era (1964–1985), reflecting the governance priorities of that period.
- **Public Safety Focus:** Directly addresses critical emergency services and law enforcement institutions.
- **Enduring Relevance:** Remains a key reference for administrative and operational procedures in Brazil’s Federal District.

## Body

### Enactment and Legal Framework
Law No. 5959 was promulgated on December 10, 1973, by President Emílio Garrastazu Médici, who led Brazil during the military dictatorship. The law falls under the statutory category of Brazilian legislation, classified as a formal written document that creates law. It is uniquely identified by the URN `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1973-12-10;5959` and is accessible via the Brazilian Government’s official legal portal.

### Scope and Jurisdiction
The law applies specifically to the **Federal District** of Brazil, establishing the **Military Police** and **Fire Department** as institutional entities. It outlines their organizational structures, operational responsibilities, and financial accountability, ensuring these bodies function within the legal framework of the **Federal Government of Brazil**. Key subjects addressed include:
- **Responsibility:** Defining the duties and obligations of the Military Police and Fire Department.
- **Payment Protocols:** Establishing financial procedures for these institutions.

### Historical and Institutional Context
Enacted during Brazil’s military regime (1964–1985), Law No. 5959 reflects the era’s centralized governance approach. The Military Police and Fire Department were critical to maintaining public order and emergency response in the Federal District, particularly in Brasília, which became the capital in 1960. The law’s provisions reinforced the military government’s emphasis on institutional control and administrative efficiency.

### Accessibility and Documentation
The full text of Law No. 5959 is publicly available in **Brazilian Portuguese** via the Planalto Government Portal. Its publication in Brasília underscores its direct association with the federal administrative apparatus. The law is cited as **Lei nº 5959/1973** and is recognized by WikiProject Brazilian Laws, highlighting its significance in the country’s legal corpus.

### Connected Entities and Relationships
- **Military Police:** A law enforcement agency with military organization, tasked with maintaining public security.
- **Fire Department (Corpo de Bombeiros):** Focuses on firefighting, rescue operations, and emergency response.
- **Federal District (Distrito Federal):** The administrative region housing Brazil’s capital, Brasília, where the law’s provisions are primarily enforced.
- **Federal Government of Brazil:** The central authority overseeing national policies and institutions, including those established by this law.

### Legal and Administrative Impact
Law No. 5959 remains a cornerstone for the legal and operational protocols of the Military Police and Fire Department in the Federal District. By institutionalizing these entities, the law ensures continuity in public safety services and aligns their functions with federal mandates. Its provisions on responsibility and payment mechanisms contribute to transparency and accountability within these organizations, reinforcing the rule of law in Brazil’s administrative framework.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1973-12-10;5959)
2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=5959&ano=1973&data=10/12/1973&ato=f6eUTSq5EenRVT323)