Brazilian judge suspended for drinking and smoking during virtual hearing

Milton Lívio Lemos Salles, a judge in Minas Gerais, Brazil, has been formally removed from his duties following a video recording of him consuming wine and smoking a cigarette during a virtual court hearing. The preventive measure was ratified by the General Corregidoria of Justice of Minas Gerais and the National Council of Justice, both of which have opened a disciplinary investigation into his conduct.

The incident has highlighted the judge's history of disciplinary issues. In 2020, while serving in the 4th Criminal Chamber of Belo Horizonte, Salles reportedly appeared at a judge's residence in an intoxicated state to contest a professional promotion ranking. That incident resulted in a formal warning in June 2022.

The current removal remains in effect while the Administrative Disciplinary Process is conducted. Legal experts note that while remote work environments may vary, the Organic Law of the National Magistracy requires irreproachable conduct, and the Code of Ethics mandates decorum during judicial proceedings.