Judges' association against reform law

(ANSA) - Rome, February 25 - The new judicial reforms are "a reform against the protection of citizens" said Rodolfo Sabelli, president of the National Magistrates Assocation (ANM), on Wednesday.
    Sabelli said that under the new law passed Tuesday night, the "stronger" side in a case could upset the balance of a trial. The ANM president told Sky TV that with the new measure making judges civilly liable for negligence, "politicians are saying that with regards to corruption, the first problem in Italy consists of judges".
    The new law changes existing 1988 legislation and allows citizens to appeal to the State in cases of perceived judicial negligence or malfeasance. The State has the option to sue the judge in question, who becomes liable for up to half of his or her stipend.
    Italy risked paying the European Union an estimated 37 million euros in fines for infractions so long as it lacked such a law.