Legislative Bill For New Penal Code Is Currently Pending At The Federal Senate

The Brazilian Senate's Legislative Bill Nº 236/2012 which introduces the reform of the Penal Code, currently pending at the Federal Senate, was sent for analysis by a temporary committee of senators created for such purpose.

The committee´s report, which is still awaiting vote, concluded that the bill should be approved, having a clean bill been presented.

The clean bill was submitted for analysis of the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Commission ("CCJ"), having received 76 amendments. The CCJ's report which analyses the clean bill and amendments thereof is still awaiting vote.

Among the amendments proposed in the bill of the new code are:

1. the increase of the minimum sentence for homicide crimes from the current six years to eight years' imprisonment;