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Italy’s Chamber Approves Justice Overhaul Splitting Judges and Prosecutors

A confirmatory referendum is expected following the Senate’s final approval, likely in spring.

Overview

  • The Chamber passed the reform in third reading without a two‑thirds majority, enabling a confirmatory vote under Article 138 of the Constitution.
  • The overhaul establishes two Consigli superiori della magistratura, one for judges and one for prosecutors, each presided over by the President of the Republic.
  • Members of the councils will be chosen largely by sortition—one third from a Parliament‑compiled list of jurists and two thirds from eligible magistrates—for four‑year, non‑renewable terms with incompatibility rules.
  • Disciplinary authority moves to a new 15‑member Alta Corte Disciplinare selected by a mix of presidential appointments and sortition, with rulings appealable only within the same court.
  • Final Senate approval is targeted for late October, and if voters confirm the reform, Parliament must enact implementing laws within a year while current rules remain in force.