Italian Judge Removed In Dispute Over Crucifixes In Courtrooms

In Italy, The Superior Council of Magistrates has removed Judge Luigi Tosti from the professional rolls of Italian magistrates. AP reported on Friday on the action that essentially removes Tosti from office. Tosti has refused to hear cases because there are crucifixes in Italian courtrooms. He has argued that defendants are entitled to be tried in secular courtrooms. The Council took similar action in 2006, but apparently reversed itself after Italy's Supreme Court of Cassation rejected Tosti's conviction for refusing to carry out official duties.(See prior posting.) The Council's most recent action came after Tosti refused to hear cases in a courtroom where the crucifix had been removed to meet his objections. Apparently he is insisting they be removed from all courtrooms.