THE IMPORTANCE OF A CULTURE OF LEGALITY IN CONTEMPORARY TIMES: STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC VALUES

Abstract

The culture of legality is a form of mindset and awareness, as well as an individual, collective and institutional way of acting, based on an appreciation of democratic values, as well as on public goods, through respect for public institutions, the community, justice, freedoms and equality. This article aims to analyze its relevance in contemporary times. To this end, it begins by defining and delimiting the culture of legality in democratic regimes committed to human rights. It then presents a historical digression to understand the origin of the term in the transition from the Modern Age to the Contemporary Era up to the present day in the Western  world. It sets out some current challenges regarding the importance of strengthening the culture of legality in society and in the Brazilian State. It also presents some of the results of two relevant studies that are directly related to the theme of the culture of legality. It concludes that four objectives need to be achieved in order to promote a culture of legality in contemporary Brazil: building and strengthening national identity; consolidating democratic values; strengthening citizenship and guaranteeing the right to quality education for all, with emphasis on human rights education. The study methodology was based on a qualitative approach, by the deductive method, with bibliographical and documentary research.