10 Evolution and Gestalt of the Italian State

Abstract

This chapter presents an analysis of Italy's administrative history. It looks at the historical development of Italian public administration and administrative law in Italy beginning from the nineteenth century. The chapter then proceeds to the first half of the twentieth century, focusing primarily on the policies of Prime Minister Giovanni Giolitti, which saw a marked rise in changes and developments within administrative law. Also of note during this period was the role of administrative law during the era of fascism in Italy. The latter half of the twentieth century would mark a departure from this period, focusing mainly on liberal administrative law and the Republic. Finally, the chapter turns to the features of administrative law in the twenty-first century, before closing with some concluding remarks on the features peculiar to Italian administrative law.