This commentary analyzes whether self-contracting is permissible in the context of a mandate contract celebrated solely in the interest of the agent. To this end, a framework is provided based on the foundations of contract law, asserting that both disinterested individualism and moderate altruism can coexist as possible foundations. Subsequently, it explains that the mandate is a service contract that can be based on moderate altruism; on this basis, this work examines two rules of the mandate contract in the Civil Code, since, despite the aforementioned, there are manifestations of disinterested individualism in this type of contract. This allows for the conclusion that the general rule is that the mandate is a contract that yields to the interest of the principal; that, in certain cases, the agent may self-contract with the principal and, therefore, protect their own interest, but in no case may the agent use the mandate for their own and exclusive benefit.
This article examines, from a comparative perspective, the concept of "social harm" (*dano social*) in Brazilian law and the regime of "exemplary damages" in Irish law. It is hypothesized that, while both serve sanctioning and deterrent functions within the realm of civil liability, the two institutions operate on significantly different dogmatic, procedural, and distributive levels. In Brazil, "social harm" emerged as a doctrinal category designed to address illicit acts with broad repercussions—specifically when the harm transcends the sphere of the individual victim and affects the social order, collective trust, or the overall integrity of the legal system. Although situated within a civil law system, its formal legal basis remains indirect; it is derived from an integrated interpretation of the 1988 Brazilian Federal Constitution, the 2002 Civil Code, and the broader Brazilian framework for the protection of collective interests—most notably the 1990 Consumer Protection Code and the 1985 Public Civil Action Act—with its judicial reception remaining inconsistent. In Ireland, "exemplary damages" are rooted in the common law tradition and the protection of constitutionally guaranteed rights; they are characterized by an explicitly punitive function and a predominantly individual focus, with any punitive or exemplary award being granted to the plaintiff. This study employs a legal-dogmatic methodology, drawing on bibliographic, legislative, and jurisprudential research. It compares the Brazilian development of "social harm"—characterized by a tension between its substantive expansion and procedural containment—with the recent Irish experience, where, as of 2024, collective redress is governed by specific legislation, though no precedents for the awarding of exemplary damages in representative actions have yet been identified. It is concluded that both models face a common functional issue—the inadequacy of purely compensatory remedies in the face of certain serious or repeated wrongful acts—yet they address this through different architectures: predominantly collective and institutional in Brazil, and individual and exemplary in Ireland.
Contemporary environmental challenges have reinforced the importance of incorporating sustainability criteria into business activities. In Cuba, the diversification of economic actors raises questions about the relationship between environmental social responsibility, legally binding environmental duties, and monitoring and enforcement mechanisms. This study critically examines that relationship with regard to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, self-employed workers, and local development projects. Using a qualitative, legal-doctrinal, analytical, and documentary approach, it examines the Cuban regulatory framework, particularly Law No. 150/2022, alongside specialized literature on corporate environmental management. The analysis distinguishes voluntary sustainability commitments from legally enforceable obligations and identifies criteria for strengthening prevention, monitoring, and accountability. It concludes that effective environmental management requires measures tailored to the type and risk of economic activity, together with institutional and organizational capacities that support implementation. Given the documentary nature of the study, the proposals require further empirical assessment.
Este trabajo analiza críticamente la regulación de la Vivienda de Interés Social (VIS) en el Perú. Sostiene que esta política responde a una lógica neoliberal que privilegia el mercado, la inversión privada y la propiedad como mecanismos para reducir el déficit habitacional, excluyendo a quienes carecen de acceso al crédito formal y concibiendo la vivienda principalmente como un bien económico. Frente a ello, propone reinterpretarla desde el enfoque de las capacidades de Amartya Sen y Martha Nussbaum, entendiéndola como una condición para ampliar las libertades y oportunidades reales de las personas, enfoque acorde al contenido constitucionalmente protegido del derecho de acceso a una vivienda adecuada. Asimismo, a partir del análisis de la regulación de la VIS y de la jurisprudencia del Tribunal Constitucional, examina la distribución de competencias entre el Gobierno nacional y los Gobiernos locales. Concluye que la política habitacional debe implementarse conforme al principio de cooperación y lealtad constitucional. En consecuencia, las políticas de vivienda deben orientarse al desarrollo humano y al derecho de acceso a una vivienda adecuada mediante mecanismos de coordinación intergubernamental que trasciendan soluciones exclusivamente de mercado.
