81884 - Principles of Bio-Criminal Law

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to explain the principles of bio-criminal law.

Course contents

- The foundamentals of bio-criminal law.

- The bio-criminal law at the beginning of life.

- The bio-criminal law at the end of life.

- Suicide and health care in prison.

- Conscientious objection and medical activity.

- Death penalty.

Readings/Bibliography

1) S. Canestrari, Principi di biodiritto penale, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2015;

2) S. Canestrari, Bioetica e diritto penale. Materiali per una discussione, Giappichelli, Torino, II ed., 2014 (two chapters of your choice).

Alternatively, instead of the books listed above:

C. Casonato, Introduzione al biodiritto, Giapplichelli, Torino, III ed., 2012.

Teaching methods

Oral frontal and partecipated lessons.

Assessment methods

The students’ knowledge is assessed through a discussion, to evaluate the actual achievement of the learning outcomes. The exam consists in an interview with the appointed commission on the topics included in the programme.

The assessment will take into account the knowledge of the relevant institutional framework, the ability to analyse doctrinal and jurisprudential opinions and, to single out connections between the relevant topics, to critical reasoning, as well as the clarity of presentation and critical thinking.

By way of example, the following criteria will be used to assign the final mark (that will be out of 30/30):

- knowledge of a very limited number of topics, extensive support by the interviewer to address and answer the questions, basic yet appropriate language à 18-19/30;

- knowledge of a limited number of topics, ability to autonomously address basic legal problems, use of appropriate language → 20-24/30;

- comprehensive knowledge of the programme, ability to autonomously and critically analyse legal problems, use of specific terminology → 25-29/30;

- extensive knowledge of the programme, ability to reason autonomously and critically analyse legal problems, make connections between the topics, ability to master the specific terminology and ability to present legal arguments. → 30-30L/30.

Teaching tools

Some PowerPoint presentations might be used.

Students with D.S.A. can arrange with the Professor some adjustments.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Canestrari