Abstract

This article examines the activity of the magistracy in Italian colonies, highlighting its role n the broader context of colonial policies. Beyond the application of the law in tribunals, judges dealt with public order and local government; the judicial power established separate treatments for Italian citizens and colonial subjects and embodied the logic of the «Colonizing State». Starting from the activities of some key personalities of the Italian magistracy in the colonies such as William Caffarel and Ranieri Falcone, the analysis of the magistracy's function and operation emphasizes its role in legitimising and enforcing the Italian State's colonial power.