Mato Grosso judiciary expands collaboration on El Niño, mediation and prison reforms

The Tribunal de Justiça de Mato Grosso (TJMT) began a joint effort with the state Civil Defense to prepare for the possible impacts of the El Niño phenomenon, addressing risks such as water shortage, increased fires and health effects on vulnerable groups. The judges plan further meetings and wider involvement of municipal authorities.

A virtual conciliation centre from the TJMT organised a July mutirão with the electricity utility Energisa, handling about 275 pre‑processual consumer complaints online. Five conciliators worked each day from 13:00‑18:00 to negotiate payment arrangements for electricity debts.

The court introduced a new vitaliciamento model that gives preceptor magistrates a central role in supervising and training substitute judges from the moment of appointment, supported by a permanent commission that monitors performance across technical, ethical and productivity criteria.

The Defensoria Pública do Estado de Mato Grosso filed a civil action demanding the immediate transfer of prisoners held in the overcrowded Tangará da Serra police station, citing inhumane conditions, lack of separate facilities for women and violation of a partial interdict. The plea also seeks compensation and the construction of a women's prison.

Separately, the Defensoria took part in a regional meeting on solid‑waste management and the rights of recycling collectors, involving municipalities in the northern Araguaia region. Participants discussed common challenges, cooperative strategies and policies to protect catadores and improve environmental and social outcomes.