Berlusconi moves 'epoch making' justice reforms

THE government of prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, who faces trial on corruption and sex charges, yesterday unveiled "epoch making" reforms in Italy's justice system.

However, critics said the move was aimed at taming the country's powerful independent magistrates.

The centre-left opposition has also accused Mr Berlusconi of trying to gain revenge on magistrates for his legal troubles.

The reform proposal, which will have to undergo a long parliamentary process before final approval, came as Mr Berlusconi resumed hostilities with magistrates whom he has repeatedly accused of trying to bring him down for political reasons.

The plan would introduce a clear separation between the careers of investigative magistrates and judges and transfer powers for disciplining magistrates to an outside body. It would also speed up Italy's justice system.

Judges who make wrong decisions could be liable to lawsuits by aggrieved citizens, similar to medical malpractice suits, justice minister Angelino Alfano said.