public hearings

[/ˈpʌblɪk ˈhɪrɪŋz/]
nounpl: public hearings
audiências públicas
1. Official meetings open to the public where testimony is heard and evidence is presented on matters of public interest, typically conducted by government bodies, courts, or regulatory agencies
The city council held public hearings to discuss the new zoning proposal.
A câmara municipal realizou audiências públicas para discutir a nova proposta de zoneamento.
2. Legal proceedings where citizens or stakeholders can voice opinions and concerns about proposed legislation, projects, or policies
Environmental groups attended the public hearings on the pipeline project.
Grupos ambientais compareceram às audiências públicas sobre o projeto do gasoduto.
3. Congressional or parliamentary sessions where witness testimony is taken on specific issues of national importance
The Senate held public hearings on the controversial nominee.
O Senado realizou audiências públicas sobre o indicado controverso.
Public hearings are a fundamental aspect of democratic governance in both the United States and Brazil. In the USA, they are often used for significant policy changes and judicial confirmations. In Brazil, 'audiências públicas' are required by law for many infrastructure and environmental projects, reflecting the country's commitment to public participation and environmental protection (Lei da Democracia Participativa).
Synonyms / Sinônimos
public forumsopen meetingstown hallslegislative hearingsgovernment sessions
Antonyms / Antônimos
closed hearingsprivate meetingsexecutive sessionsconfidential proceedings

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
audiências públicas
Standard term used in legal and governmental contexts
Rio de Janeiro
audiências públicas
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
audiências públicas
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
audiências públicas / debates públicos
May also be referred to as 'consultas públicas' or 'sessões de consulta pública'

Related Words

testimonyevidencelegislationpublic commentstakeholder engagementtransparencycivic participation

Related Idioms & Phrases

air your grievances in a public hearing
take to the public hearings
attend public hearings
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