Law enforcement action facing the courts - mid-20th century Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

Brazilian society of the mid-20th Century experienced a profound urbanization and industrialization process and the establishment of huge metropolitan areas around the main cities of Brazil. The new social environment became the object of grave concern since the population now living at the cities’ periphery was thought to be incapable of having the necessary cultural level to live according to modern social standards. Anti-social and anti-juridical behavior would be the consequence. Since people living at the periphery were thought to be potential criminals, the whole police apparatus was seen to be of paramount importance to enforce such behavior and maintain public order. Police action and physical enforcement should be actually done within legal standards according to the Constitution. The courts were thus made to solve problems in which the police used physical force when performing its duty. Research comprises analysis on the manner the courts judged police officers who were accused of committing abuses and arbitrary crimes while exercising their duties.