injúria

Injúria is a legal term originating from Roman law and is recognized in many civil law jurisdictions, including Brazil and Portugal. It refers to a type of crime against honor, distinct from defamation or slander. Unlike defamation, which involves the assertion of a false fact that damages someone's reputation, injúria is characterized by the expression of contempt or disrespect directed at a person. It does not necessarily require the dissemination of false information.

The core of injúria lies in the offensive speech or action that attacks the dignity or decorum of an individual. This can manifest as insults, offensive remarks, or gestures intended to humiliate or degrade. The intent of the perpetrator is crucial; the act must be aimed at offending the victim's honor. The specific elements and penalties for injúria vary by jurisdiction, but generally, it is considered a less severe offense than defamation, often carrying lighter punishments.

In legal systems that recognize injúria, it is typically prosecuted as a private action, meaning the victim must initiate the legal proceedings. The law aims to protect individuals from direct attacks on their personal dignity and self-esteem, even if those attacks do not necessarily damage their public reputation in a factual sense. The concept is rooted in the idea that every person has a right to be treated with respect and that verbal or gestural offenses against this inherent dignity are punishable.