Voting has commenced today in Italy on a referendum concerning significant constitutional reforms proposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The focal point of this reform is the separation of judicial and prosecutorial careers, which currently operate under a unified judicial system where judges and prosecutors belong to the same professional body. Under the proposed changes, individuals will have to choose their career paths early, and transitioning between the two roles will no longer be permitted.

The restructuring plans also include the establishment of a new Disciplinary Court that will preside over misconduct cases separately for judges and prosecutors. Currently, the Supreme Council of Magistracy oversees Judges and Prosecutors alike, but the reform aims to create distinct councils led by the President of Italy. Each council will consist of a mix of area specialists and judges, chosen through a lottery system rather than elections, which raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the selection process in the judiciary.

As voting is expected to continue into Monday, these proposed reforms may have far-reaching implications for the autonomy of judicial structures in Italy and the professional integrity of both judges and prosecutors. Critics and supporters alike remain engaged in debates about how these changes could impact justice delivery in the country, marking a significant moment in Italy's legal evolution.