The change in the anthropocentric paradigm of the brazilian Judiciary: analysis, in the light of Luhmann´s systemic theory, of the case of equality of the animals to members of the family
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21527/2176-6622.2022.58.8855Keywords:
Anthropocentrism. Animals. Subject of law. Niklas Luhmann. Social expectations.Abstract
This article aims to analyze the Brazilian case occurred in Tatuí, in the State of São Paulo, in which the penalty of the defendant was reduced by equating his relationship with his dogs to the paternal relationship. For this, the treatment that the legal system reserves for animals and the influence of the anthropocentric view in Brazilian jurisdiction – a historical, religious and even scientific heritage – was investigated. In addition, several current researches, which point out that non-human animals have several similarities with the human species, help to defend changes in the law that give more rights to animals and include them in the list of subjects of law. Aiming at deepening the issue, it was also realized that Niklas Luhmann´s systemic theory explains the final result of the case addressed in this study, from the concepts of social expectations and normative expectations. The conviction attributed by the jury court only reinforces a vision that has already consolidated in society for some time, including studies that give theoretical basis to this new trend of recognition of animal rights, as well as overcoming the idea of man as the center of the world and holder of all knowledge.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
By publishing in the Revista Direito em Debate, authors agree to the following terms:
Articles are licensed under the Creative Commons Atribuição 4.0 Internacional (CC BY 4.0), which allows:
Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format;
Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, including commercial use.
These permissions are irrevocable, provided the following terms are respected:
Attribution — authors must be properly credited, with a link to the license and indication of any modifications made;
No additional restrictions — no legal or technological measures may be applied that restrict the use permitted by the license.
Notices:
The license does not apply to elements in the public domain or covered by legal exceptions.
The license does not grant all rights required for specific uses (e.g., image rights, privacy, or moral rights).
The journal is not responsible for opinions expressed in the articles, which remain the sole responsibility of the authors. The Editor, with the support of the Editorial Committee, reserves the right to suggest or request modifications when necessary.
Only original scientific articles presenting research results of interest, not previously published or simultaneously submitted to another journal with the same purpose, will be accepted.
References to trademarks or specific products are intended solely for identification purposes and do not imply any promotional endorsement by the authors or the journal.
License Agreement (for articles published as of 2026): Authors retain copyright over their articles and grant the Revista Direito em Debate the right of first publication.








