In a stark contrast of responses, the President of the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) in Brazil, Herman Benjamin, swiftly convened a secret meeting that resulted in the precautionary suspension of Minister Marco Buzzi, accused of sexually harassing an 18-year-old woman. This prompt action underscores the court's seriousness in addressing serious allegations, moving quickly to ensure accountability in cases of sexual misconduct. The decision was reached unanimously following a second denunciation by a contracted staff member who claimed to have been harassed in Buzzi's office.

However, this rapid response was not mirrored in the case involving Judge Alexandre Victor de Carvalho from the Minas Gerais State Court (TJ-MG), who faced allegations of harboring an attorney accused of extortion. The attorney, Leoni Barbosa Antunes de Morais, was previously condemned by the state court for attempting to extort Carvalho's father, also a judge. Despite the severity of these claims against Carvalho, including allegations of personal connections with the extortionist, the STJ has shown a noticeable delay in addressing this matter, raising concerns about potential disparities in how similar cases are treated within the judicial system.

The implications of these contrasting responses could lead to questions about the integrity and equity of the judicial process in Brazil. The STJ's quick action against Buzzi could signal a commitment to tackling sexual misconduct within its ranks, while the sluggish approach to Carvalho's case might suggest inconsistencies, potentially undermining public trust in the judiciary. It remains to be seen how the STJ will navigate these two significant cases moving forward, especially in light of their impact on public perception of the legal system's accountability and fairness.