The Ministry of Justice inaugurated the new facilities of the Nazaré Palace of Justice, an investment of 476 thousand euros, plus VAT, which allowed for the renovation of the former Casa da Câmara da Pederneira. After more than three decades operating in provisional spaces, the Nazaré General Competence Court will now have facilities adapted to the needs of judicial activity.
During the ceremony, the Minister of Justice, Rita Alarcão Júdice, highlighted the importance of ensuring adequate conditions for the functioning of courts and for professionals. "Justice at the service of the people must also be a Justice that welcomes them with dignity, that has resources, and that offers adequate conditions to those who work in it," she stated.
The inauguration was attended by several personalities, including the President of the Supreme Court of Justice, João Cura Mariano, the Prosecutor-General of the Republic, Amadeu Guerra, the Mayor of Nazaré, Serafim António, and the President Judge of the Leiria District Court, Teresa Margarida Pires de Oliveira.
The historic building, the former Casa da Câmara da Pederneira, was adapted while preserving relevant architectural elements. The intervention created a courtroom, offices for magistrates, spaces for reception and procedural support, a meeting room, and archive areas. New computer equipment, videoconferencing systems, and accessibility conditions for people with reduced mobility were also installed.
The project resulted from the collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and the Nazaré Municipal Council, with the Municipality providing the building and overseeing the adaptation project and works, in coordination with the Institute of Financial Management and Justice Equipment (IGFEJ).
Prior to the inauguration, a tribute was paid to Álvaro Laborinho Lúcio, a jurist from Nazaré, with the unveiling of a plaque on the facade of the Palace of Justice. Laborinho Lúcio had a distinguished career as a magistrate, serving as prosecutor, judge, member of the Superior Council of the Magistracy, and retired Judge Counselor of the Supreme Court of Justice. He also served as Minister of Justice. Throughout his career, he was noted for his commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, particularly children, young people, and crime victims.
