Juiz de fora (office)

Often, the judges also assumed a political role, being appointed to preside over municipal councils (câmaras) in order to provide some central control.

The position could not be exercised at the place of origin or habitual residence of the magistrate, nor were they allowed other links with the local population such as marriage or close friendship .

As part of the process of formation of the structure of the Portuguese State, the Crown invested in the strength of the municipalities and local authorities, in order to weaken the hold of feudal lords.

In the areas of difficult access and administration of Brazil, the office of juiz de fora was used as a means of control to prevent the adoption of measures conflicting with the interests of the Crown.

After the Restoration of the Independence, the Kingdom of Portugal concentrated all its effort in consolidating the newly recovered power, looking not to start unnecessary conflicts and Brazilian municipalities maintained their autonomy until the last years of the seventeenth century.