Roman Law and Contemporary History Law
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
At the end of the course the student will be able to master the basic law principles, will know the main Roman institutes and will be able to usefully apply the reasoning to solve real cases and to critically elaborate possible juridical solutions. In addition the student will know the fundamental elements of the history of contemporay European law, namely the sources of law, the role of doctrine and the birth of the developement of the most significant national and international institutions; moreover the student will develop the capability to analyse e summarize the most relevant events of the history of law in Europe between the nineteenth and twentieth.
Expected learning outcomes
- Acquiring a basic knowledge of the periods of Roman law and of the developement of the main law institutes; understanding and retracing the general framework of history of law in Europe in connection to the main events that have characterized the political, religious, economic and social history of Europe.
- Developing the ability to recognize the juridical principles of Roman law and to apply them, if possible, also in the context of the modern law; developing analytic and synthesis skills in reconstructing the stages of the European law history.
- Acquiring the ability to analyse practical cases, to identify sustainable juridical solutions and the main points of each topic.
- Managing logical tools to learn and organize a juridical argument; setting out concepts in a clear, correct and logical way.
- Linking the different topics of the course, understanding the fundamental aspects of the historical evolution of the sources of law, of institutions and of legal theories amongst Roman Age, Middle Age and Modern Age.
- Developing the ability to recognize the juridical principles of Roman law and to apply them, if possible, also in the context of the modern law; developing analytic and synthesis skills in reconstructing the stages of the European law history.
- Acquiring the ability to analyse practical cases, to identify sustainable juridical solutions and the main points of each topic.
- Managing logical tools to learn and organize a juridical argument; setting out concepts in a clear, correct and logical way.
- Linking the different topics of the course, understanding the fundamental aspects of the historical evolution of the sources of law, of institutions and of legal theories amongst Roman Age, Middle Age and Modern Age.
Lesson period: Activity scheduled over several sessions (see Course syllabus and organization section for more detailed information).
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Surname A-L
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Prerequisites for admission
There are no specific requirements different from those requested for the degree admission.
Assessment methods and Criteria
ROMAN LAW INSTITUTIONS
Written exam consisting of 30 multiple choice questions. Time available: 3 hours. The grade will be expressed in thirtieths ( /30).
Each correct answer will be assigned 1 point.
Incorrect answers or no answers will be awarded 0 points. To pass the exam, you must provide at least 18 correct answers.
-The grade obtained in Institutes of Roman Law will be recorded as a partial grade.
-If you fail the exam, you can book for the next exam session.
-Please note that passing this exam is a prerequisite for the exam on History of Contemporary Law.
The Institutions of Roman Law test taken during the 2026/27 academic year will remain valid for the purpose of completing the examination by passing the History of Contemporary Law test only until the end of the same academic year (February 2028).
IMPORTANT: Students who have booked to take the exam but are unable or unwilling to take it are strongly advised to cancel their booking using the same online system.
HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY LAW
Written exam consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions. Time allowed: 30 minutes. Marks are awarded out of 30 ( /30).
Each correct answer is worth 2 marks. Incorrect answers receive 0 marks. To pass the exam, you must answer at least 9 questions correctly.
- If you fail the exam, you may book a place for the next sitting.
- The mark obtained in History of Contemporary Law will be averaged with that obtained in Institutions of Roman Law (rounded up where necessary). Students will have 10 days to decide whether to accept the mark.
- The Institutions of Roman Law exam must be passed before sitting the Contemporary Legal History exam.
IMPORTANT: Students who have booked to take the exam but are unable or unwilling to take it are strongly advised to cancel their booking using the same online system.
HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY LAW
Written exam consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions. Time allowed: 30 minutes. Marks are awarded out of 30 ( /30).
Each correct answer is worth 2 marks. Incorrect answers receive 0 marks. To pass the exam, you must answer at least 9 questions correctly.
- If you fail the exam, you may book a place for the next sitting.
- The mark obtained in History of Contemporary Law will be averaged with that obtained in Institutions of Roman Law (rounded up where necessary). Students will have 10 days to decide whether to accept the mark.
- The Institutions of Roman Law exam must be passed before sitting the Contemporary Legal History exam.
IMPORTANT: Students who have booked to take the exam but are unable or unwilling to take it are strongly advised to cancel their booking using the same online system.
Written exam consisting of 30 multiple choice questions. Time available: 3 hours. The grade will be expressed in thirtieths ( /30).
Each correct answer will be assigned 1 point.
Incorrect answers or no answers will be awarded 0 points. To pass the exam, you must provide at least 18 correct answers.
-The grade obtained in Institutes of Roman Law will be recorded as a partial grade.
-If you fail the exam, you can book for the next exam session.
-Please note that passing this exam is a prerequisite for the exam on History of Contemporary Law.
The Institutions of Roman Law test taken during the 2026/27 academic year will remain valid for the purpose of completing the examination by passing the History of Contemporary Law test only until the end of the same academic year (February 2028).
IMPORTANT: Students who have booked to take the exam but are unable or unwilling to take it are strongly advised to cancel their booking using the same online system.
HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY LAW
Written exam consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions. Time allowed: 30 minutes. Marks are awarded out of 30 ( /30).
Each correct answer is worth 2 marks. Incorrect answers receive 0 marks. To pass the exam, you must answer at least 9 questions correctly.
- If you fail the exam, you may book a place for the next sitting.
- The mark obtained in History of Contemporary Law will be averaged with that obtained in Institutions of Roman Law (rounded up where necessary). Students will have 10 days to decide whether to accept the mark.
- The Institutions of Roman Law exam must be passed before sitting the Contemporary Legal History exam.
IMPORTANT: Students who have booked to take the exam but are unable or unwilling to take it are strongly advised to cancel their booking using the same online system.
HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY LAW
Written exam consisting of 15 multiple-choice questions. Time allowed: 30 minutes. Marks are awarded out of 30 ( /30).
Each correct answer is worth 2 marks. Incorrect answers receive 0 marks. To pass the exam, you must answer at least 9 questions correctly.
- If you fail the exam, you may book a place for the next sitting.
- The mark obtained in History of Contemporary Law will be averaged with that obtained in Institutions of Roman Law (rounded up where necessary). Students will have 10 days to decide whether to accept the mark.
- The Institutions of Roman Law exam must be passed before sitting the Contemporary Legal History exam.
IMPORTANT: Students who have booked to take the exam but are unable or unwilling to take it are strongly advised to cancel their booking using the same online system.
Roman law
Course syllabus
The course on Institutes of Roman Law focuses on the development of private law in Rome between approximately 753 BC, the conventional date of the city's foundation, and 565 AD, the year of the death of Emperor Justinian.
Lessons will cover the following topics:
-Law of persons and family law: legal capacity and capacity to act; personal status: freedom and slavery, citizenship; the Roman family and its members; marriage and filiation.
-Law of things: classification of things; real rights; ownership: acquisition, loss and legal protection; limited real rights; possession: acquisition, loss and legal protection.
-Law of obligations: notion and sources of the Roman obligations; contracts and quasi-contracts; delicts and quasi-delicts; general regime of obligations.
-Roman litigation and legal protection of rights in their historical development.
Lessons will cover the following topics:
-Law of persons and family law: legal capacity and capacity to act; personal status: freedom and slavery, citizenship; the Roman family and its members; marriage and filiation.
-Law of things: classification of things; real rights; ownership: acquisition, loss and legal protection; limited real rights; possession: acquisition, loss and legal protection.
-Law of obligations: notion and sources of the Roman obligations; contracts and quasi-contracts; delicts and quasi-delicts; general regime of obligations.
-Roman litigation and legal protection of rights in their historical development.
Teaching methods
Frontal lessons with visual aids. Although not compulsory, the attendance is recommended.
Teaching Resources
The following textbook is recommended:
A. PETRUCCI, Manuale di diritto privato romano, seconda edizione, Giappichelli, Torino 2022, limited to the following parts:
Chapter I: pages 1-18, 32-48, 52-67.
Chapter V: pages 177-216, 220-237.
Chapter VI: pages 239-302, 311-371.
Chapter VII: pages 391-410 (with the exclusion of § 5).
More teaching material might be made available on 'myAriel'.
There are no differences between attending and non-attending students.
A. PETRUCCI, Manuale di diritto privato romano, seconda edizione, Giappichelli, Torino 2022, limited to the following parts:
Chapter I: pages 1-18, 32-48, 52-67.
Chapter V: pages 177-216, 220-237.
Chapter VI: pages 239-302, 311-371.
Chapter VII: pages 391-410 (with the exclusion of § 5).
More teaching material might be made available on 'myAriel'.
There are no differences between attending and non-attending students.
Contemporary history law
Course syllabus
The course on the History of Contemporary Law aims to provide students with an overview of the development of Italian and European constitutional, private, criminal and procedural law, from the Enlightenment to the end of the Second World War and the promulgation of the 1948 Republican Constitution.
Particular emphasis will be placed on the development of three Enlightenment principles, the implementation of which has been very slow and remains a subject of debate to this day:
- Equality of rights and their protection by the State
- Popular sovereignty
- The separation of powers
These principles, triumphantly established during the 18th-century revolutions, have formed the pillars of constitutionalism over the last 200 years but have encountered fierce resistance in their practical implementation.
In the reconstruction of the constitutional and legislative history of Italy and Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries, this resistance will be highlighted to encourage students to reflect on their role as legal practitioners
Particular emphasis will be placed on the development of three Enlightenment principles, the implementation of which has been very slow and remains a subject of debate to this day:
- Equality of rights and their protection by the State
- Popular sovereignty
- The separation of powers
These principles, triumphantly established during the 18th-century revolutions, have formed the pillars of constitutionalism over the last 200 years but have encountered fierce resistance in their practical implementation.
In the reconstruction of the constitutional and legislative history of Italy and Europe during the 19th and 20th centuries, this resistance will be highlighted to encourage students to reflect on their role as legal practitioners
Teaching methods
Attendance at lectures is strongly recommended, although not compulsory. The course consists of lectures primarily aimed at helping students acquire the knowledge, skills and terminology specific to the subject. Classroom discussion with the lecturer is an integral part of the teaching method and aims to foster critical thinking and the ability to apply the skills and knowledge acquired. To this end, for each topic covered, the lecturer will present a selection of test questions which students may answer orally, without any assessment, to check their understanding of the topics explained during the lecture. During the second half of the course, self-assessment tests will be set; the results of these tests will not affect the final mark but will enable students to assess the level of knowledge they have attained.
The course makes use of teaching materials which will be made available on the ARIEL platform.
The course makes use of teaching materials which will be made available on the ARIEL platform.
Teaching Resources
Reading List
The following textbook is recommended:
1) G.S. PENE VIDARI, Storia del diritto in età contemporanea.
Con revisioni ed integrazioni di Caterina Bonzo, Paola Casana, Valerio Gigliotti, Giappichelli 2023
2) S. VINCI, La politica giudiziaria del fascismo italiano nella giurisprudenza del Tribunale speciale per la difesa dello Stato (1926-1943) ava in Open Access: Historia et ius - ISSN 2279-7416 rivista di storia giuridica dell'età medievale e moderna - www.historiaetius.eu - 10/2016 - paper 14
More teaching material might be made available on 'myAriel'.
There are no differences between attending and non-attending students.
Students transferring from the Master's degree programme to the Bachelor's degree programme who have already taken the examination in History of Medieval and Modern Law are required to complete the following supplementary course:
G.S. Pene Vidari, History of Law in the Contemporary Age (with revisions and additions by C. Bonzo, P. Casana, V. Gigliotti), Turin, Giappichelli, 2023, second edition, from Chapter VII to the end of the book
For students from other faculties, the supplementary reading must be agreed with the lecturer depending on the syllabus followed at their home faculty.
The following textbook is recommended:
1) G.S. PENE VIDARI, Storia del diritto in età contemporanea.
Con revisioni ed integrazioni di Caterina Bonzo, Paola Casana, Valerio Gigliotti, Giappichelli 2023
2) S. VINCI, La politica giudiziaria del fascismo italiano nella giurisprudenza del Tribunale speciale per la difesa dello Stato (1926-1943) ava in Open Access: Historia et ius - ISSN 2279-7416 rivista di storia giuridica dell'età medievale e moderna - www.historiaetius.eu - 10/2016 - paper 14
More teaching material might be made available on 'myAriel'.
There are no differences between attending and non-attending students.
Students transferring from the Master's degree programme to the Bachelor's degree programme who have already taken the examination in History of Medieval and Modern Law are required to complete the following supplementary course:
G.S. Pene Vidari, History of Law in the Contemporary Age (with revisions and additions by C. Bonzo, P. Casana, V. Gigliotti), Turin, Giappichelli, 2023, second edition, from Chapter VII to the end of the book
For students from other faculties, the supplementary reading must be agreed with the lecturer depending on the syllabus followed at their home faculty.
Modules or teaching units
Contemporary history law
GIUR-16/A - History of Medieval and Modern Law - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Bassani Alessandra Clara Carmela
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Bassani Alessandra Clara Carmela
Roman law
GIUR-15/A - Roman Law and Foundations of European Law - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Atzeri Lorena
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Atzeri LorenaSurname M-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
year
Prerequisites for admission
No prior knowledge is required.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Written examination with a mark expressed in thirtieths. It is mandatory to take the test of Institution of Roman Law before that of History of contemporary Law. The mark reported in Institutions of Roman Law will not be registered independently but will average with that of the History of Contemporary Law. It follows that only one final grade, expressed in thirtieths, will appear in the career, corresponding to the result of the simple arithmetic average (possibly rounded upwards) of the outcome of the two tests of Institutions of Roman law and History of Contemporary Law. In case the test is not passed, the students can register for the session immediately after. The Institutions of Roman Law test taken during the 2026/27 academic year will remain valid for the purpose of completing the examination by passing the History of Contemporary Law test only until the end of the same academic year (February 2028).
Roman law
Course syllabus
Institutions on Roman private law is dedicated to the evolution of private law in ancient Rome between 753 BC (conventional date of the foundation of Rome), and 565 AD (year of the death of Emperor Justinian). The lessons will outline the fundamental development of the most significant institutions of Roman private law, with the aim of recovering the historical roots of modern legal institutions.
Main topics of the course are the following:
· Periodization and sources of Roman law.
· Roman law of procedure and its historical development.
· Family law: legal capacity, legal status, citizenship, status familiae.
· Law of property: classification of things, ownership and real rights in property belonging to another; possession; acquisition and legal protection of property and possession.
· Obligations: sources of obligations; types of contracts, quasi-contracts, delicts and quasi-delicts
Main topics of the course are the following:
· Periodization and sources of Roman law.
· Roman law of procedure and its historical development.
· Family law: legal capacity, legal status, citizenship, status familiae.
· Law of property: classification of things, ownership and real rights in property belonging to another; possession; acquisition and legal protection of property and possession.
· Obligations: sources of obligations; types of contracts, quasi-contracts, delicts and quasi-delicts
Teaching methods
42 hours of frontal teaching. Lessons will be held by prof. Laura Pepe (36 hours) and prof. Ugo Bartocci (8 hours)
Teaching Resources
Matteo Marrone, Manuale di Diritto Privato Romano, Giappichelli, Torino, 2004, pp. 1-76; 123-339.
Additional slides and pdf will be available on ARIEL for students who attend the lessons.
Additional slides and pdf will be available on ARIEL for students who attend the lessons.
Contemporary history law
Course syllabus
The course focuses on the fundamental aspects of the evolution of legal thinking and the sources of law in Italian and European history between the 19th and 20th centuries, with particular attention to the contitutions and codes of the early 19th century, the Italian legislative unification and legislation in the second half of the 19th century, the fascist codes and the genesis of the constitutional State.
Particular emphasis will be given to the relationship between legislation, doctrine and practice, as well as the links between law, politics, society and culture.
Summary of the course: American and French Revolutions; French and Austrian codes; constitutions and the Albertine Statute; Italian kingdom and legislative unification; law during liberal period and fascist regime.
Particular emphasis will be given to the relationship between legislation, doctrine and practice, as well as the links between law, politics, society and culture.
Summary of the course: American and French Revolutions; French and Austrian codes; constitutions and the Albertine Statute; Italian kingdom and legislative unification; law during liberal period and fascist regime.
Teaching methods
The Course will consist in 42 hours of frontal teaching held by prof. Raffaella Bianchi Riva
Teaching Resources
- G.S. Pene Vidari, Storia del diritto in età contemporanea (con revisioni ed integrazioni di C. Bonzo, P. Casana, V. Gigliotti), Torino, Giappichelli, 2023.
- M. Sbriccoli, Giustizia criminale, in Storia del diritto penale e della giustizia. Scritti editi e inediti (1972-2007), Milano, Giuffrè, 2009, pp. 3-44 (solo paragrafi 1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
https://www.quadernifiorentini.eu/biblioteca/088/volume.pdf
- L. Garlati, Le relazioni familiari nell'esperienza giuridica italiana tra Otto e Novecento. Storia di disuguaglianze e asimmetrie tra diritti riconosciuti e negati, in Le relazioni giuridiche familiari tra natura e storia. Prospettive culturali e questioni aperte, a cura di G. La Rocca, E. Bilotti, V. Piccinini, Torino, Giappichelli, 2024, pp. 3-21
https://www.giappichelli.it/media/catalog/product/openaccess/9791221156850.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOopYz5v6IA_F36u6o1ENT3dMqffS5vsXASOC7rM5SDJWZvo2DTWV
For attending students, the sections of the textbook that will be subject to more in-depth study will be specified during the lectures. Attending students may also make use of the teaching materials made available on the ARIEL portal.
For students transferring from the Master's Degree Programme to the Bachelor's Degree Programme who have already passed the examination in Medieval and Modern Legal History, the following additional syllabus is required:
G.S. Pene Vidari, Storia del diritto in età contemporanea (revised and updated by C. Bonzo, P. Casana, and V. Gigliotti), Turin, Giappichelli, 2023, 2nd edition, from Chapter VII to the end of the book;
or
A. Padoa Schioppa, Storia del diritto in Europa. Dal medioevo all'età contemporanea, Il Mulino, 2016, Part Five: The Age of Nations, pp. 495-618.
For students coming from other faculties, the additional syllabus must be agreed upon with the lecturer, depending on the programme previously completed at their faculty of origin.
- M. Sbriccoli, Giustizia criminale, in Storia del diritto penale e della giustizia. Scritti editi e inediti (1972-2007), Milano, Giuffrè, 2009, pp. 3-44 (solo paragrafi 1, 2, 6, 7, 8)
https://www.quadernifiorentini.eu/biblioteca/088/volume.pdf
- L. Garlati, Le relazioni familiari nell'esperienza giuridica italiana tra Otto e Novecento. Storia di disuguaglianze e asimmetrie tra diritti riconosciuti e negati, in Le relazioni giuridiche familiari tra natura e storia. Prospettive culturali e questioni aperte, a cura di G. La Rocca, E. Bilotti, V. Piccinini, Torino, Giappichelli, 2024, pp. 3-21
https://www.giappichelli.it/media/catalog/product/openaccess/9791221156850.pdf?srsltid=AfmBOopYz5v6IA_F36u6o1ENT3dMqffS5vsXASOC7rM5SDJWZvo2DTWV
For attending students, the sections of the textbook that will be subject to more in-depth study will be specified during the lectures. Attending students may also make use of the teaching materials made available on the ARIEL portal.
For students transferring from the Master's Degree Programme to the Bachelor's Degree Programme who have already passed the examination in Medieval and Modern Legal History, the following additional syllabus is required:
G.S. Pene Vidari, Storia del diritto in età contemporanea (revised and updated by C. Bonzo, P. Casana, and V. Gigliotti), Turin, Giappichelli, 2023, 2nd edition, from Chapter VII to the end of the book;
or
A. Padoa Schioppa, Storia del diritto in Europa. Dal medioevo all'età contemporanea, Il Mulino, 2016, Part Five: The Age of Nations, pp. 495-618.
For students coming from other faculties, the additional syllabus must be agreed upon with the lecturer, depending on the programme previously completed at their faculty of origin.
Modules or teaching units
Contemporary history law
GIUR-16/A - History of Medieval and Modern Law - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professor:
Bianchi Riva Raffaella
Shifts:
Turno
Professor:
Bianchi Riva Raffaella
Roman law
GIUR-15/A - Roman Law and Foundations of European Law - University credits: 6
Lessons: 42 hours
Professors:
Bartocci Ugo, Pepe Laura
Shifts:
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday 10.00-12.00 a.m., preferably by appointment. Please contact the teacher via e-mail to arrange an appointment.
Dipartimento di Diritto privato e Storia del diritto, Sezione di Diritto romano (3rd floor); alternatively on MTeams (or a different platform, to be arranged).
Reception:
Office hours: Thursday 10 am. Please always write an email in advance in order to get an appointment: [email protected]
Sezione di Diritto Romano or Teams