The Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) has decided to automatically archive all complaints filed by judges against lawyers for delaying tactics under the new law, arguing they lack disciplinary basis. The Bar further announced it will file complaints against judges who it believes interfere with the independence of the defense in criminal proceedings.
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New rules allow court-appointed lawyers in complex cases to request payment every six months, provided they have performed at least seven interventions in that period. Alternatively, lawyers can receive interim payments if they have performed at least 20 interventions in a case, or if they have been assigned for two years and have performed at least seven interventions. These rules apply to all ongoing cases and include updates to the fee schedule for various judicial acts.
The Portuguese Bar Association (Ordem dos Advogados) welcomed the Socialist Party's petition to the Constitutional Court for a subsequent review of Law No. 34/2026, enacted on 27 July, which amends the Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Regulation on Court Costs. The Bar argues that the law compromises the core of defense guarantees under Article 32 of the Constitution, and while the law has been in force since 1 September, they are urging the court to rule with urgency to resolve doubts about its constitutionality.
The President of the Republic responded via a letter to housing activists, reaffirming that while the right to demonstrate is fundamental and must be exercised without fear, it must also respect the law and public safety. The President emphasized he lacks legislative or executive power, but continues to hold meetings with political parties and specialists to seek solutions for the housing crisis.