Legal culture and image in the Brazilian courts

Vicente Riccio; Clarissa  Diniz Guedes

doi:10.35295/osls.iisl/0000-0000-0000-1275

Authors

Vicente Riccio Law School Federal University of Juiz de Fora
Clarissa Diniz Guedes Law School Federal University of Juiz de Fora

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.35295/osls.iisl/0000-0000-0000-1275

Keywords:

Legal Culture, Image, Court Decision, Brazil

Abstract

This article discusses the interpretation of images by Brazilian courts and how the legal culture is part of this process. The use of the image as a means of proof differs qualitatively from the evidence traditionally applied in the judiciary, such as documents or witnesses. The image is characterized by instantaneity, emotionality, and immediacy. In addition, the media allow the construction of different meanings, implicit or explicit. The analysis varies according to the nature of the legal systems. In the adversarial legal system (Anglo-Saxon) the images are submitted to cross-examination and debated orally. In the civil law system, the role of the magistrate is preponderant, being responsible for the images’ validity. The research found that magistrates incorporate the content of their videos into their decisions based on experts’ opinions or witnesses’ testimonials who have viewed the images. This highlights a legal culture that is based on formalism and is ill-prepared to deal with the particularities of the image.

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Author Biographies

Vicente Riccio, Law School Federal University of Juiz de Fora

Associate Professor at Law School of Federal University of Juiz de Fora - Brazil.

Clarissa Diniz Guedes, Law School Federal University of Juiz de Fora

Law School, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil. Email: clarissadinizguedes@gmail.com

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