WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE REFORM?
The proposed changes would separate the careers of judges and public prosecutors, ending the current system in which both roles share a single entry exam, operate within the same career track and may switch roles early in their professional life.
Under the reform, prosecutors and judges would follow two distinct career paths from the start, with no possibility of movement between them.
The plan also calls for splitting the High Council of the Judiciary (CSM) into two independent bodies: one for judges and one for prosecutors. Membership selection rules would change, introducing the use of sortition, or lottery.
In addition, the reform creates a new High Disciplinary Court to oversee misconduct cases.
WHAT IS AT STAKE?
Successive governments have discussed separating judicial careers since the late 1980s, but the debate has always been snarled by fierce partisan politics preventing change.
Proponents say the reform will modernise the system and better align Italy with other democracies, such as France and Germany, reinforcing impartiality within the judiciary by cutting ties between judges and prosecutors.
Introducing a method of random selection for members of the new CSM bodies will make it harder for influential factions, often with political affiliations, to gain traction within the judiciary, the government says.