Ordenamento jurídico - Advogados Cabo Verde

1. ↑ legal positivism. Legal Positivism is a philosophical approach to law that emphasises the distinction between law as it is and law as it should be. Emerging in the 19th century, it focuses on understanding law as a human construct derived from social and political institutions, rather than moral or natural principles. Key theorists such as H.L.A. Hart and Hans Kelsen developed frameworks explaining legal systems as hierarchical normative structures, where legal validity depends on procedural sources rather than inherent moral value. The theory encompasses several streams of thought, including analytical jurisprudence and different positivist approaches ranging from exclusive positivism (law and morality are separate) to inclusive (moral considerations can sometimes inform legal interpretation). Legal positivism challenges traditional theories of natural law by arguing that the legitimacy of law comes from its formal creation and social recognition, not from abstract moral standards.

2. ↑ natural law. Natural law is a philosophical theory that explores moral and rational principles inherent in human nature. Rooted in Greek philosophical traditions and developed through the contributions of thinkers such as Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas and Locke, it posits universal moral standards that transcend positive (human-made) law. The theory argues that certain fundamental human goods and rights exist independently of legal systems, derived from reason and human nature. The main proponents emphasise the role of natural law in establishing just legal structures, human rights and ethical standards. Medieval and modern philosophers interpreted natural law through theological, philosophical and rational perspectives, considering its relationship to divine order, human reason and social contract theory. Contemporary natural law theorists continue to defend objective moral principles against ethical relativism, asserting that legitimate law must be aligned with fundamental human rights and moral absolutes. The theory remains influential in legal, philosophical and theological discourse.

3. ↑ regulations. Regulations are normative acts issued by the executive branch, characterised by abstraction, generality and imperativeness. They serve to detail higher normative acts and are mainly limited by constitutional and legal frameworks. Classifications include regulatory, delegated, autonomous and independent types, ranging in scope from internal administrative effects to external general effects. They can be spontaneous or provoked, and cover various levels of governmental competence, including federal, state, municipal and territorial. Autonomous regulations directly explain the Constitution and constitute primary normative acts, while independent regulations also interpret constitutional provisions. The principle of legality prevails in contemporary constitutional systems, ensuring that regulations operate within defined legal limits. Academic work by authors such as Francisco, Leal and Velloso has contributed to understanding the complex nature and function of regulatory mechanisms.

4. ↑ justice. Justice is a complex philosophical and social concept that has been examined through various lenses in different historical periods. Ancient Greek philosophers such as Socrates and Aristotle explored its subjective and corrective dimensions, while medieval thinkers such as Thomas Aquinas connected justice to divine will. Modern theorists such as Rawls, Sen and Dworkin offer diverse perspectives on fairness, equality and social organisation. Key approaches include utilitarian views that emphasise collective happiness, libertarian perspectives that prioritise individual rights and capability-based frameworks that focus on human potential. Academics debate the fundamental principles of justice, examining the distribution of resources, opportunities and social goods. Symbolically represented by scales, a sword and blindfolded figures, justice embodies impartiality, balance and rational decision-making. Contemporary discourse continues to explore how justice can be achieved through legal, economic and philosophical mechanisms, recognising its dynamic and multifaceted nature.

5. ↑ politics. Politics is a multifaceted field that explores governance, power dynamics and social organisation. Originating from the ancient Greek term "politeia", it examines the structures and processes of state management. Political power is characterised by its ability to influence social outcomes through mechanisms of legitimacy, centralisation and coercion. Various political systems, from democracies to monarchies, operate through complex institutions such as legislatures, executives and judiciaries. Different ideological perspectives - including liberalism, conservatism and socialism - shape the understanding of state functions, individual rights and social relations. International politics further expands this domain, analysing global interactions, diplomatic relations and transnational governance. Theories of political change, power distribution and institutional structures provide critical insights into how societies organise, govern and transform themselves through political processes and philosophical debates.

6. ↑ system. A system is a complex arrangement of interconnected components working towards a common goal. Characterised by functional integration and synergy, systems can be physical or conceptual, ranging from biological organisms to organisational structures. Biological systems follow a hierarchical organisation from atomic to cosmic levels, while information systems in computer science focus on algorithmic processes. Systems interact dynamically with their environment through inputs and outputs, maintaining homeostasis through continuous communication between elements. Different types of systems exist across disciplines, including human biological systems such as digestive and nervous systems, and social systems such as economic and legal structures. The core principle underlying all systems is the interdependence of the components, where changes in one part can significantly influence the functionality and performance of the entire system.

7. ↑ law. The law has evolved through complex historical stages, from ancient Egyptian and Sumerian codes to sophisticated Roman legal systems. Ancient civilisations developed organised legal structures, with significant innovations emerging in Greece and Rome. Roman law, strongly influenced by Greek philosophy, was systematically codified and subsequently rediscovered in the 11th century, forming the basis for continental European legal systems. During the Middle Ages, custom and case law replaced rigid Roman codes, with the English royal courts developing common law precedents. Modern legal systems emerged with influential codifications such as the Napoleonic and German civil codes, demonstrating increasing standardisation. Throughout history, law has been closely connected to the development of civilisation, continually adapting to changing social contexts and reflecting national identities through philosophical, cultural and professional influences.