Defensoria Pública da União
DPU
Summary
The Defensoria Pública da União (DPU), established constitutionally under CF art. 134 and organized by LC 80/1994 (amended by LC 132/2009), is an essential institution guaranteeing legal orientation and defense of needy persons. Its institutional functions include acting in police establishments, penitentiaries, and juvenile detention facilities to ensure persons in State custody exercise their full rights. DPU defenders hold statutory prerogatives of free, unscheduled, confidential access to police stations and penal establishments (LC 80/1994 art. 44 VII–VIII). The DPU does not investigate use-of-force incidents or issue discipline; it refers violations to the MP or judiciary. Composed entirely of career Defenders (concurso público); no statutory civilian composition requirement.
Independence Scorecard
| Appointment | Independent commission |
|---|---|
| Term length | Not specified |
| Removal standard | For cause only |
| Budget independence | Legislative line item |
| Subpoena power | No |
| Compel testimony | No |
| Records access | Restricted |
| Public reports required | No |
| Pre-publication review | None — reports published directly |
Statute
- Name
- Lei Complementar nº 80, de 12 de janeiro de 1994
- Citation
- LC 80/1994 arts. 4 XIV, 44 VII–VIII (as amended by LC 132/2009)
- Full text
- Full text of law →
Jurisdiction scope
All federal police establishments and federal penal institutions; representation of needy persons deprived of liberty at any level; free, unscheduled access to police stations, prisons, and collective detention facilities (LC 80/1994 art. 4 XIV; CF art. 134).