91845 - Sem. Elements of Criminal Procedure

Learning outcomes

The seminar course aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of the fundamental principles, main actors, and procedural framework of the Italian criminal justice system.

To this end, the course will cover the following topics:

- General overview of the purpose of criminal proceedings, the main procedural models, and a brief account of the legislative developments leading to the current legal framework;

- constitutional and supranational principles governing criminal proceedings;

- organization of the criminal justice system;

- procedural actors and parties;

- structure of criminal proceedings (main stages and overview of the key procedural steps);

- rules governing the taking of evidence.

Once students have acquired a general understanding of criminal proceedings, particular attention will be devoted to issues of interest to business lawyers. In particular, the course will provide an overview of the investigation and prosecution of economic crimes, as well as the basic principles governing corporate criminal liability under Legislative Decree No. 231/2001.

INFORMATION FOR ERASMUS STUDENTS No special syllabus is предусмотрed for Erasmus students or students participating in other international exchange programmes, unless otherwise agreed with the course instructor.

Course contents

The seminar aims to provide an elementary knowledge of the fundamental principles, subjects and dynamics of the criminal trial.

The course will focus on the regulation concerning investigations and trial about business crimes and corporate liability.

Readings/Bibliography

Notes form lessons.

On line tools (slides).

 

The following optional reading is also recommended: G. GIOSTRA, Prima lezione sulla giustizia penale, Laterza, II ed., 2025.

Teaching methods

The course will consist of lectures, while encouraging the active participation of students, including through the discussion of selected case studies of particular significance.

Students will also attend one or more criminal court hearings held during the teaching period before the Court of Ravenna.

Assessment methods

Assessment will consist of a written examination comprising multiple-choice questions covering the topics discussed during the course.

Students who answer at least 60% of the questions correctly will be awarded a Pass.

Students with specific learning disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are strongly encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations, which must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination. The instructor will assess the suitability of the requested accommodations in light of the course learning objectives. Students are strongly advised to take the examination only after having successfully completed the Constitutional Law course.

Teaching tools

During the lectures, summary slides outlining the main topics of the course will be presented.

In addition, selected documents from criminal proceedings—including judicial orders and court judgments considered relevant to the topics discussed—will be made available on the dedicated online learning platform.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Renzetti