NCJ Number
184672
Date Published
2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines results achieved and difficulties encountered by the Italian judiciary in fighting corruption.
Abstract
The article claims that, at both the national and international levels, Italy has had many more difficulties than positive results in fighting corruption. Investigations since 1992 resulted in 3,200 requests for indictment. They have involved four former presidents of the Council of Ministers, approximately 200 Members of Parliament, a series of mayors of major cities, members of law enforcement agencies, officers and non-commissioned officers of the Revenue Guard Corps and even magistrates. The 3,200 requests for indictment have resulted in only 960 to 970 final sentences. The article suggests that factors behind such a low success rate include: (1) the Italian Government and Parliament, which are very slow in responding to and participating in international conventions; (2) difficulties in introducing international clauses to guarantee rapid cooperation in the conventions; and (3) pretexts available to oppose, even repeatedly, requests from the rogatory judge.