New Restorative Justice Protocol Launched in Milan
Milan, May 4, 2026 – Milan’s judicial offices and legal professionals have introduced a new operational protocol to enhance the application of restorative justice. This initiative, adopted by the Court of Appeal, the Ordinary Court, their respective Public Prosecutor’s Offices, the Surveillance Court, the Bar Association, and the Criminal Chamber, marks a significant step in embedding restorative justice within the legal system.
The protocol is part of a broader national effort by the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with local entities, to establish a comprehensive restorative justice system. In February, Deputy Minister Francesco Paolo Sisto announced the launch of 36 Restorative Justice Centers (CGRs) across Italy. Milan already has two such centers, which have been operational since September 2025.
Expanded Access and Application
The new operational framework, which supersedes the one adopted in 2023, reiterates that access to restorative justice programs “must be allowed at any stage, from investigations up to the executive phase or even in the event of acquittal.” This approach aligns with Legislative Decree 150/2022, which stipulates that restorative justice applies to “any type of crime, without any distinction,” and even in cases where a specific victim is not present.
Both the person undergoing proceedings and the offended party must be informed about the availability of restorative justice programs. The protocol specifies that this notification must be included in various legal documents, starting with the notice of guarantee (Article 369 of the Code of Criminal Procedure).
Procedure for Accessing Restorative Justice Programs
To access a restorative justice program, the interested party must submit a request to the judicial authority, which then forwards the documentation to the CGR. The competent judge or public prosecutor, depending on the stage of the proceedings, conducts a preliminary assessment of the prerequisites. Specifically, restorative justice must be “useful for resolving issues arising from the offense being prosecuted” and must not pose a “concrete danger to those involved” or to “the ascertainment of the facts.”
Addressing Cases Without a Direct Victim
A unique aspect of these restorative justice programs is their ability to proceed even if the offended party expresses dissent, as verified by the mediator. In such instances, the perpetrator can engage in a dialogue with a “surrogate” or “unspecific” victim-someone who is not the directly offended person but a victim of a similar type of crime.
A Model for Other Districts
The protocol adopted by Milan’s judicial offices is considered a best practice for establishing a systematic approach to restorative justice. This model could be replicated in other districts as CGRs become operational nationwide. For example, centers in Florence and Venice have recently commenced operations, indicating a growing trend across Italy.
The Ministry of Justice continues to champion these initiatives, aiming to foster a justice system that not only punishes but also heals and restores. The new protocol in Milan underscores a commitment to these principles, providing a structured pathway for individuals to engage in meaningful reconciliation and address the harm caused by criminal acts.
