Assessing the Professional Evaluation of Italian Judges and Prosecutors

The Italian system for evaluating judges and prosecutors was created to ensure quality, efficiency, and institutional accountability. Yet, as over 99% of assessments are positive, it is doubtful whether it truly distinguishes merit and provides effective oversight. Recent reforms have introduced more objective and qualitative criteria, but these reveal major flaws. Through an in-depth analysis of recent deliberation records, this study critically examines the evaluation system, highlighting structural imbalances and the inherent difficulty of assessing judicial performance. The near absence of non-positive and negative evaluations suggests that the evaluation system fails as a tool for accountability or growth. In light of these findings, two questions arise: What real impact do professional evaluations have on the justice system? Are there possible improvements that could make the assessment process more effective? The goal is not merely to refine evaluation criteria, but to redefine the purpose of evaluation – turning it into a genuine tool for responsibility and professional development. Amid growing public distrust, such reform is essential for the justice system as a whole.