Paola Severino, born on October 22, 1948, in Naples, is a prominent Italian jurist and academic who has played a significant role in shaping Italy’s legal landscape. Her career is marked by numerous firsts, including being the first woman to serve as Italy’s Minister of Justice, a position she held from November 16, 2011, during Mario Monti’s technocratic government. Severino’s life and career offer a rich tapestry of achievements, underpinned by her deep commitment to the rule of law, education, and public service.
Early Life and Education
Paola Severino’s journey to becoming one of Italy’s most respected legal minds began with her education. After completing her secondary education, Severino pursued a degree in law at the prestigious Sapienza University of Rome. She graduated with honors, achieving a perfect score of 110 out of 110 cum laude. This outstanding academic performance set the stage for her future endeavors in the field of law.
Severino’s academic excellence led her to specialize in criminal law and criminology. She became a student of Giovanni Maria Flick, who would later serve as Italy’s Minister of Justice and President of the Constitutional Court. Under Flick’s mentorship, Severino honed her legal skills, particularly in criminal law, which would become the cornerstone of her career.
In 1975, Severino won a competitive examination for the position of assistant professor in criminal law at Sapienza University. Her academic career flourished, and she continued to deepen her expertise in criminal law, earning a research grant from Italy’s National Research Council (CNR). This grant allowed her to further her studies at the Max Planck Institute in Freiburg, Germany, in 1983, where she expanded her knowledge of comparative law and international legal systems.
Academic and Professional Achievements
By 1987, Paola Severino had secured a position as an associate professor, leading to her appointment as the chair of commercial criminal law at the University of Perugia’s Faculty of Economics and Commerce. Her role as an educator and scholar was complemented by her involvement in various editorial boards, including the prestigious Enciclopedia Giuridica published by Treccani and the specialized journal “Banca, borsa e titolo di credito.”
Severino’s academic contributions were not confined to Perugia. In 1987, she began teaching at LUISS Guido Carli University in Rome, one of Italy’s leading private universities. Here, she taught criminal law and commercial criminal law, becoming a full professor by 1995. Her leadership and expertise led to her appointment as Dean of the Faculty of Law at LUISS from 2003 to 2006, a period during which she also served as the university’s Vice-Rector.
Her academic career is characterized by a commitment to nurturing the next generation of legal professionals. Severino played a key role in establishing the School of Specialization for Legal Professions at LUISS, helping to shape the curriculum and provide students with the skills needed to excel in various legal careers.
Legal Practice and High-Profile Cases
While Paola Severino’s academic achievements are noteworthy, her legal practice has been equally distinguished. She became a licensed attorney in 1977 and quickly built a reputation as one of Italy’s leading criminal defense lawyers. Her legal acumen and deep understanding of the criminal justice system made her a sought-after lawyer for high-profile cases.
Severino’s legal career is marked by her involvement in some of Italy’s most significant and complex cases. She represented the Union of Italian Jewish Communities in the trial of former SS captain Erich Priebke, who was charged with war crimes related to the Ardeatine Massacre during World War II. This case highlighted Severino’s ability to navigate cases with deep historical and moral implications.
In addition to her work on human rights cases, Severino represented several major Italian corporations, including Telecom Italia, Enel, and Eni, in various legal matters. Her expertise in corporate criminal law was instrumental in guiding these companies through complex legal challenges.
Severino’s legal prowess was also evident in her defense of high-profile individuals. She represented former Prime Minister Romano Prodi during the trial concerning the sale of Cirio, an Italian food company. She also defended Francesco Gaetano Caltagirone in the Enimont case in Perugia and Cesare Geronzi in the Cirio bankruptcy case. These cases underscored Severino’s ability to handle cases that intersected with both corporate law and criminal law, making her one of Italy’s most formidable legal practitioners.
Minister of Justice: A Historic Appointment
Paola Severino’s appointment as Italy’s Minister of Justice in November 2011 was a historic moment, not just for her but for Italy. She became the first woman to hold this position, breaking a significant glass ceiling in Italian politics. Her appointment came at a critical time for Italy, as the country was grappling with economic and political crises that demanded strong and effective leadership.
As Minister of Justice, Severino focused on several key areas, including reforming Italy’s slow and often inefficient judicial system. One of her most notable achievements was the introduction of the “Severino Law,” a piece of legislation aimed at combating corruption and ensuring that individuals convicted of serious crimes were barred from holding public office. This law was a significant step forward in addressing the endemic corruption that had plagued Italian politics for decades.
Severino also worked to improve the conditions of Italy’s overcrowded prisons and to streamline the judicial process, reducing the backlog of cases that had long been a source of frustration for citizens and businesses alike. Her tenure as Minister of Justice was marked by her commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice was accessible to all.
Return to Academia and Continued Influence
After her tenure as Minister of Justice ended in April 2013, Paola Severino returned to academia, resuming her role as Vice-Rector at LUISS Guido Carli University. Her influence continued to extend beyond the classroom, as she remained active in various legal and academic circles.
Severino’s contributions to legal education and her ongoing involvement in public service have cemented her status as a leading figure in Italian law. She has been a keynote speaker at numerous conferences and seminars, sharing her insights on criminal law, corporate governance, and the intersection of law and ethics. Her work as Director of the Master’s Program in Business Criminal Law at LUISS has helped to shape the next generation of lawyers, ensuring that they are equipped to handle the legal challenges of the future.
Legacy and Impact
Paola Severino’s legacy is one of trailblazing achievements and unwavering dedication to the principles of justice and fairness. Her career serves as an inspiration to women in law and politics, demonstrating that with determination and expertise, it is possible to break barriers and effect meaningful change.
Severino’s impact on Italian law and society is profound. Her work as a lawyer, educator, and public servant has touched countless lives and has left an indelible mark on the legal landscape of Italy. Her contributions to criminal law, both in theory and practice, have shaped the way justice is administered in Italy, particularly in the areas of corporate crime and corruption.
Her role in the Priebke trial, in particular, highlighted the importance of holding individuals accountable for war crimes, ensuring that justice is served even decades after the events in question. This case, along with her work on the Severino Law, underscores her commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal ethics and human rights.
Conclusion
Paola Severino is a figure of immense importance in the field of law, both in Italy and internationally. Her life and career are a testament to the power of education, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to justice. From her early days as a student at Sapienza University to her historic appointment as Italy’s first female Minister of Justice, Severino has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a true leader: intelligence, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Her contributions to the legal profession, particularly in the areas of criminal law and corporate governance, have set new standards for excellence. As a lawyer, academic, and public servant, Severino has made a lasting impact on Italian society, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of legal professionals.
In an era where the rule of law is increasingly under threat, figures like Paola Severino remind us of the importance of maintaining a just and equitable legal system. Her life’s work serves as a beacon of hope and a model for all those who seek to make a difference in the world through the pursuit of justice.
