www.corteconti.it

Cultural note: corti The Corte d'Appello hears appeals against sentences passed by courts in both civil and criminal cases and can modify sentences where necessary. The Corte d'Assise tries serious crimes such as manslaughter and murder; its judges include both legal professionals and members of the public. Similar in structure, the Corte d'Assise d'Appello hears appeals imposed by these two courts. The Corte di Cassazione is the highest judicial authority and ensures that the law is correctly applied by the other courts; it may call for a re-trial if required. The Corte dei Conti ensures the Government's compliance with the law and the Constitution. Reporting directly to Parliament, it oversees the financial aspects of the state budget. The politically independent Corte Costituzionale decides whether laws comply with the principles of the Constitution, and has the power to impeach the "Presidente della Repubblica".