public hearing

[/ˈpʌblɪk ˈhɪrɪŋ/]
nounpl: public hearings
audiência pública
1. A formal meeting held in public where government officials, community members, or the general public can listen to and discuss matters of public interest, often related to proposed legislation, policy changes, or development projects
The city council held a public hearing to discuss the proposed zoning changes downtown.
A câmara municipal realizou uma audiência pública para discutir as mudanças de zoneamento propostas no centro.
2. A legal proceeding open to the public where testimonies and evidence are presented before a judge or official body
The congressional public hearing examined the environmental impact of the new infrastructure project.
A audiência pública do congresso examinou o impacto ambiental do novo projeto de infraestrutura.
Public hearings are fundamental to democratic governance in both Brazil and the USA, reflecting commitment to transparency and citizen participation. In Brazil, 'audiência pública' is mandated by law for major infrastructure projects and policy changes under the Constitution. In the USA, they are essential for environmental impact assessments, zoning decisions, and congressional oversight. The format emphasizes community voice and civic engagement.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
public meetingopen forumtown hallconsultationpublic inquiry
Antonyms / Antônimos
closed sessionprivate hearingexecutive sessionconfidential meeting

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
audiência pública
Standard formal term used in government and legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
audiência pública
Common usage in municipal and state government proceedings
São Paulo
audiência pública
Widely used in metropolitan planning and development discussions
Portugal
audiência pública / consulta pública
Both terms are used; 'consulta pública' emphasizes the consultation aspect

Related Words

testimonydepositionpublic commentstakeholderlegislationcivic engagement

Related Idioms & Phrases

air your concerns at a public hearing
attend a public hearing
testify at a public hearing
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