Evidence in Civil Law - Portugal

Front matter

LE 8) LOCALIS

Evidence in Civil Law - Portugal

Authors: Maria João Mimoso Sandra C. Sousa Vitor Hugo Meireles

Foreword

The matter of evidence, and evidence taking, assuming the key task of demonstrating the truth of a certain fact, influences the essential aspect of judicial tutelage that is the final decision. As such, the study of the means of evidence, their probative value and evidence taking in general assumes a great role in the development of a regime which serves the ultimate purpose of the Law: the fair resolution of conflicts and the subsequent pacification of social life.

While working in the following text, Portuguese Procedural has been structurally reformed by the adoption of a new Code of Civil Procedure (2013). Considering the impossibility of presenting an in-depth analysis of the changes and implications in legal practice and literature, we aimed at approaching the long (and current standing) principles and practices which still govern Portuguese Procedural law.

The Authors,

Maria Joao Mimoso, PhD Sandra C. Sousa

Vitor Hugo Meireles

IEX

Evidence in Civil Law — Portugal

M. Joao Mimoso, S. C. Sousa & V. H. Meireles LOCALIS Contents

Dart a ne tee es O OP ao e ANO A Pi Sau Ata 1 1.1 Principle of Free Disposition of the Parties... 2 1.1.4 Suspension or Termination of the Proceedings... ee eeeeeseeseeeeeeees 4 1.1.5 Configuration of the Action’s Subject Matter... cee eeeeeseeeeeteeeeeeeees 5 1.3: Principle:of Directmess . :..2. 25. sscs. sssscesevssasnsuscssceascesnsesosesncebecteceesessueeets csineus 10 1.3.2 The Taking of Evidence by the Court of Appeal „n... 11 1.4 Hearing of Both Parties Principle (audiatur et alter pars) —

Contradictory: Primerple:.<ci-csccsesedsegenzeesesscee cessa edrasatotacas pera iosvade peuentnincas 12 1.4.2 The Sanctioning of Passivity or Absence by the Party in the

PLOCCCCINGS cccisss ces ccssscsisssteavesseassencdonh Cha posLdLRISE cb nto E dan To nanda 15 1.5.1 Facts, Evidence, Legal Rules, Rules of the Profession, Science,

1:8: Prncipleof Ortality sessir or eee iere E E A E 18 1.9 Principle of Public Hearing... ee eee errar 19 QLD. LIMIS seed tachi reise As hie hee A heathland: 23 ii | Contents

2.2.1 22.2 2.3

3 3.1 3.1.1

Limits and Exceptions .:: 2. s:ccsssdseescescaessetsespeseee shegeoeeosnsbs sbvaseusedebsossonssees 25 Other General Principles of Evidence Taking in the Portuguese

Contents

8.10.2 Judge's Powers and Duties in the Process of Obtaining Evidence from Experte ane seed shee TE n a EE Eao E EA

8.10.3 Delivering Party's Powers and Duties in the Process of Obtaining

Evidence from EXpêrt iine rarae or a eri eea