Public Academy for the Judiciary Special – The fight against the mafia: 13 September

In the 1990s, the murders of Italian investigating magistrates Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino shocked the world. Their fight against the Sicilian mafia, supported by courageous colleagues, forever changed the Italian legal system and laid the foundations for the modern approach to organized crime. But the mafia has not disappeared.

What can we in the Netherlands learn from the Italian approach? Dr. Laura Peters (University of Groningen) is the leading expert on the intertwining of the underworld and the legitimate world. Together with former president of the Palermo Court, Antonio Balsamo, and other top (inter)national speakers, she will discuss Italy’s lessons—about crown witnesses, judicial courage, and the resilience of the rule of law.

During this public evening, we will present for the first time in the Netherlands the film Falcone e Borsellino – Il fuoco della memoria (2023), followed by a panel discussion with prominent guests from Italy and the Netherlands.

Week of the Rule of Law

This event takes place as part of the Week of the Rule of Law (Week van de Rechtsstaat). On the same day, the Faculty of Law will hold an open house at Boteringestraat 18. More information can be found on our website.

The Public Academy for the Judiciary

The Public Academy is a collaboration between the University of Groningen, the Public Prosecution Service, Dagblad van het Noorden, and the District Court of Northern Netherlands. Admission is free, but registration is required.

Date: 13 September
Location: Forum Groningen, Rabo Studio
Time: 19:00 – 22:00 (program starts at 19:30)

Please note: the entire programme will be in English.