Do laws apply to everyone in Brazil?

No, in Brazil, laws do not apply equally to everyone.

While the Constitution of Brazil establishes the principle of equality before the law (Artigo 5º, princípio da isonomia), there are still significant inequalities in the application of the law. These inequalities are often rooted in social and economic disparities, as well as racial and gender discrimination.

For example, studies have shown that black and indigenous people in Brazil are more likely to be stopped and searched by the police, arrested, and sentenced to prison than white people, even when controlling for other factors such as income and education. Women are also more likely to experience violence and discrimination, and are less likely to have access to justice and legal representation.

Additionally, the wealthy and powerful in Brazil often have greater access to resources and legal representation, which can help them to avoid or mitigate the consequences of breaking the law. This can create a sense of impunity and contribute to the perception that laws do not apply to everyone equally.

Overall, while the principle of equality before the law is enshrined in the Brazilian Constitution, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that laws are applied fairly and equitably to all Brazilians.