Judge Juan Maria Severino is known as the hangman, for his harsh sentences. The 67 year old judge is also known for his 27 November 1988 judgment whereby he condemned former President Salvador Jorge Blanco to 20 years of prison and the payment of a fine and indemnification of more than 100 million pesos to the state. During his career as judge, 30 year sentences were common. On Wednesday, 25 March, though he went before the judges of the Supreme Court of Justice to demonstrate his knowledge of the law. Judge Severino aspires to be confirmed as a judge by the Supreme Court that is interviewing judges and lawyers to choose new judges. The press reported he was very nervous upon being questioned. The Supreme Court hearings, which are open to the public, made apparent the educational deficiencies of many lawyers, as well as a lack of keeping up to date on behalf of the present judges.
