Exterior

Outside stands the colossal statue of Justice by Leopoldo de Almeida [1898-1975]. It's one of the biggest Portuguese pedestrian statues (about 7-metre high). Crafted in bronze and inspired by the goddess Themis, Justice is portrayed without the usual blindfold (symbol of independence and objectivity). In this interpretation we are faced with an open-eyed, vigilant Justice, carrying the punitive sword and a scale, symbol of equality and thoughtfulness in judgement.

Around the statue there's a bas-relief on granite by Euclides Vaz [1916-1991], illustrating the four Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance.

In the entrance porch one can find "The Sources of Law": Jurisprudence, Customary Law, Equity, Natural Law, and Doctrine, represented by five 3-metre high granite statues by Salvador Barata Feyo [1902-1990].

On the west facade there's a reference to an evocative statue of João das Regras, crucial jurist in the 1383/85 dynastic crisis, whose interventions made sure the throne would belong to the Mestre de Aviz, thus securing the national independence. It's a sculpture by José Sousa Caldas [1894-1965].