Complementary Course: Legal Clinic On Wrongful Convictions (Italy Innocence Project)
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The main purpose of the activity is the acquisition of a specific knowledge, also from a practical angle, on the wrongful convictions theme. In particular, through the analysis of real cases, both from Italy and the United States, students are put in the condition to investigate: a) the factors that can lead to miscarriages of justice; b) the institutes provided by the Italian judicial system in order to remedy the conviction of an innocent. The activity is characterized by a strong comparative perspective, and it is carried out within the Italy Innocence Project, coordinated by prof. Luca Luparia and part of the Innocence Network of New York.
Expected learning outcomes
Through the course, the student will be able to identify the main risk factors that, during a criminal proceeding, are able to lead to a wrongful conviction. The student will also acquire the capacity to evaluate the possible practical applications of the main legal institutes foreseen by the national legal system, proposing possible solutions aimed at reducing possible distortions of these legal institutes.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Giudizio di approvazione
Assessment result: superato/non superato
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
The course will not take place in the academic year 2023/2024
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The first meetings will be focused on the problem of miscarriage of justice, on the evolution of the studies in subject and on the most important leading international cases. In the second part of the brief course special attention will be payed both to the Italian state of the art and to some real judicial cases within the Italy Innocence Project.
Prerequisites for admission
It is advisable to have attended the courses of Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure.
Teaching methods
Through the analysis of real cases, both from Italy and the United States, students are put in the condition to investigate: a) the factors that can lead to the miscarriages of justice; b) the institutes provided by the Italian judicial system in order to remedy the conviction of an innocent. The activity is characterized by a comparative perspective, and it is carried out within the Italy Innocence Project, coordinated by prof. Luca Luparia and part of the Innocence Network of New York.
Teaching Resources
The preparation of the exam will consist of the notes, the materials and the indications furnished during the lessons.
Cfr. L. Lupària Donati (ed.) L'errore giudiziario, Milan, 2021.
Cfr. L. Lupària Donati (ed.) L'errore giudiziario, Milan, 2021.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The main purpose of the activity is the acquisition of a specific knowledge, also from a practical angle, on the wrongful convictions theme. The activity ends with an oral examination that attests the educational suitability achieved by the student, especially in light of the assiduous attendance at seminar meetings.
IUS/16 - CRIMINAL PROCEDURE - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours