The Italian Experience in the Fields of Judicial Ethicsand Judicial Discipline

Abstract

The document explains that the judicial body of Italy does have an “Ethical Code”. But the rules drawn up by the Italian Association of Judges are not part of astatute and therefore cannot be considered as law, even though they will undoubtedly influencethe application of disciplinary rules provided for by the law. The current paradoxical situationin Italy can be summed up in these few words: Italy has no comprehensive statutory judicialethical code, yet it does have a comprehensive judicial ethical code, that is neither statutory,nor binding.