Dispute Over Judicial Reform in Italy: Lawyers and Judges Divided Ahead of Referendum

Italy is preparing for a referendum that could fundamentally change its justice system. The central point of the reform, promoted by Carlo Nordio, is the separation of the careers of judges and prosecutors. Currently, both groups form a single corporation, which, according to supporters of the changes, violates the principle of impartiality. Francesco Greco, President of the National Bar Council (CNF), has become the face of the movement for change, accusing judges' associations of behaving like political parties. However, his stance has met with resistance within his own professional group – 80 lawyers have sent a protest letter, accusing him of violating the institution's apolitical nature. The Italian legal system has been in a state of permanent tension between the executive and judicial branches since the 1990s and the "Clean Hands" (Mani Pulite) operation. The Nordio reform is an attempt to finally separate prosecutorial functions from judicial ones. The debate has moved to the country's largest cities. In Trieste, legal circles have organized meetings under the slogan "Lawyers for Yes", arguing that the reform is necessary to level the playing field in criminal proceedings. Meanwhile, in Turin, the local district bar council has decided to maintain complete neutrality, believing that a self-governing institution should not impose a worldview on its members. Gherardo Colombo, a legendary former investigative judge, has also spoken out, warning that the changes could lead to a weakening of civil rights and undermine the independence of the prosecution from government influence. „Claiming that among those voting "yes" are mafiosi means conducting a campaign of hatred. This is an unacceptable generalization.” — Francesco Greco The atmosphere is further heated by accusations of politicization of the reform process itself. Critics argue that the changes are being imposed by the government without proper dialogue with parliament. At the same time, ANM (National Association of Magistrates) is being attacked for conducting an election campaign in court buildings. Amid these disputes, the "Lawyers for No" committee, which already includes over 900 lawyers, is demanding strict adherence to the principle of equal treatment in the media and during official events organized by bar associations. Committee Lawyers for No: 900, Lawyers signatories of letter against Greco: 80 900 — lawyers have joined the committee opposing the reform Key Changes in the Judicial Reform: : → ; : →