A new survey conducted by Datafolha shows that a significant majority of Brazilians view it as unacceptable for judges of Brazil's Supreme Court (STF) to preside over cases involving clients related to them, even if the defense is not being conducted by those relatives. This sentiment was expressed by 79% of respondents, underscoring widespread concern regarding potential conflicts of interest within the judiciary. The survey also found that only 16% of people believe such situations are acceptable, while a small percentage remained unsure or indifferent.

The survey highlights a growing demand for ethical reform within the STF, which has come under scrutiny recently for various perceived misconducts. The findings indicate that the Brazilian public is keen on seeing a code of ethics implemented for the Supreme Court justices, with 78% opposing judges being partners in business enterprises. Furthermore, the populace disapproves of the ministers receiving compensation for lectures from private institutions, with 76% against this practice, and 66% opposing judges being allowed to accept invitations from parties involved in ongoing judicial cases related to the court.

These overwhelming numbers reflect a broader sentiment calling for transparency and accountability within the Brazilian judicial system. The results could have significant implications for discussions regarding judicial ethics in Brazil, possibly influencing legislative proposals aimed at reforming the judicial framework and enhancing the integrity of the Supreme Court as it relates to public trust.