In 2005, Sister Dorothy Stang, an American nun, was killed after she fought to preserve a piece of jungle that ranchers wanted to clear for logging and cattle ranching.  Sister Dorothy was not the first forest activist to be murdered by hired hands serving the rich cattle ranchers’ interests.  But, finally, for the first time in history, Brazil has actively pursued justice in this case.  Although the suspected ranchers were initially acquitted, evidence that surged after the trial has led Brazil to re-open the case.  See this story.This is an important step forward for Brazil.  For far too long, the culture and atmosphere that resulted in Sister Dorothy’s murder has allowed the culprits to perform their actions with impunity.With this latest development, Brazil is sending a strong message to the powerful Amazon cattle ranchers that there are consequences to their illegal actions and brutal intimidation.