10/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - Italy reforms its justice system. AFP has reported that Silvio Berlusconi, who has been named in a number of lawsuits, got his government to adopt a draft constitutional reform on Thursday 10 February, which subsequently restricts the prerogatives of magistrates. This reform intends to execute a clear separation between magistrates working for the prosecutor's office and magistrates from the court. It also introduces civil liability for judges and they will possibly have to pay damages and interest for errors of judgment out of their own pockets. Criminal proceedings by the prosecutor's office are also subject to certain limitations. The Higher Judicial Council (HJC) will be divided into two bodies and reduced to carrying out administrative functions (recruitment, transfers and promotions). The prosecutor's office will no longer be able to appeal judgments when the accused is acquitted. (S.P./transl.fl)