Although it was apparently in preparation for many years, little is known about the preparatory work and the process of discussion and approval of the new Penal Code’s text. In this issue, we begin the publication of an extensive work on the new Code, written by someone who took part in the task and who can, therefore, with authority, clarify facts and assign responsibilities. We also include in this edition the remarkable work of Prof. Hans Welzel on negligence and traffic offenses (*a culpa e os delitos de circulação*), which constitutes one of the best doctrinal contributions to the study of negligent crimes. The text we publish is translated by Prof. Nilo Batista and contains additions and modifications sent to us by the author, thus constituting a revised version of his excellent paper delivered at the VIII International Congress of Criminal Law. The reader will also find an opinion (*parecer*) by Justice Victor Nunes Leal on a much-debated issue concerning the crime of slander (*calúnia*), in which the author reveals his fine sensibility as a jurist, as well as several other articles in our Comments and Communications section. Here are works by Arion Sayão Romita on summary acquittal under the debated Law 4,611; by J. A. Cesar Salgado on the reform of the penitentiary system in Argentina; by Inocêncio M. Coelho on the scientific and philosophical work of Prof. Roberto Lyra Filho; and by Prof. Diogo de Figueiredo Moreira Neto on Brazilian administrative law regarding public safety. In our next issue, which will complete our first successful year of publication, we will publish a comprehensive index of all subjects covered in these first four issues, including our jurisprudence section, thus enabling the binding of the volume.Heleno Cláudio Fragoso.
Note: This text is an English translation of the original preface published in Portuguese in the Revista de Direito Penal.