The Constitution of Portugal is the highest and most important law in the country. It is the basis for all other laws and guarantees the fundamental rights and freedoms of Portuguese citizens. The Constitution also provides for the separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government.
The Portuguese legal system is divided into two main parts: the public law, which deals with the relationship between individuals and the state, and the private law, which regulates the relationships between private individuals and entities. Public law includes areas such as criminal law, constitutional law, administrative law, and international law. Private law consists of civil law, commercial law, and labor law.
The Portuguese courts are divided into two main categories: the Supreme Court and the lower courts. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country and is responsible for the interpretation and application of the laws. The lower courts, on the other hand, are responsible for adjudicating disputes between individuals or corporations.
The Portuguese legal system is highly decentralized, with each of the 18 districts having their own court system. The legal system also allows for the use of alternative dispute resolution methods, such as arbitration and mediation.