PUBLIC DEFENDER’S OFFICE AND ITS CONSTITUTIONAL MISSION: AN APPROACH FROM VULNERABILITIES AND HUMAN CAPABILITIES

ABORDAGEM A PARTIR DAS VULNERABILIDADES E DAS CAPACIDADES HUMANAS

Abstract

Contextualization of the Topic: The Public Defender’s Office plays a fundamental role in promoting access to justice, especially for individuals in vulnerable situations. Based on Amartya Sen’s capabilities theory, this study explores how the institution goes beyond legal assistance, performing extrajudicial, educational, and strategic functions to address different forms of vulnerability and reduce structural inequalities.

Objectives: This article aims to analyze the constitutional role of the Public Defender’s Office in expanding substantive freedoms, considering the various vulnerabilities that affect access to justice.

Methodology: The research is bibliographic in nature and adopts a deductive approach, starting from general premises to reach a specific conclusion. The investigation focused on legal doctrines and academic studies that examine the relationship between the Public Defender’s Office, vulnerabilities, and access to justice.

Results: The study demonstrates that the Public Defender’s Office is essential in democratizing access to justice. By adopting a broad conception of vulnerabilities, the institution contributes to building a more just and equitable society, consolidating itself as an indispensable tool for promoting citizenship and overcoming inequalities.