Foral

Foral is a historical legal charter from the Iberian Peninsula, especially medieval Portugal, that granted a town, region, or parish a defined set of rights and privileges and a degree of self-government. The foral was issued by the sovereign or a feudal lord to promote settlement, economic activity, and defense. The term is used in Portuguese and related Iberian languages to describe these formal charters or regulations.

A foral typically outlined privileges such as tax exemptions or reductions, the right to hold markets and fairs, and jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters within the designated area. It also specified obligations of the community, including fealty to the Crown, military service, and responsibilities for maintaining infrastructure like roads and fortifications. In exchange, settlers received legal certainty, protection of property, and the opportunity to participate in local governance.

Forais varied by region and period; as towns grew or royal policy changed, new or revised charters were issued. Over time, many forais were superseded by more centralized legal codes and administrative reforms, such as the royal Ordenações, but the concept influenced the development of municipal law and local administration in Portugal and nearby areas.

Today, foral is mainly a historical term used by scholars to describe these charters and their role in medieval governance, urbanization, and regional autonomy. The preservation and study of foral documents provide insight into the legal, economic, and social organization of historical Portuguese territories.