Foto del docente

Federica Botti

Associate Professor

Department of Cultural Heritage

Academic discipline: GIUR-07/A Law and Religion

Research

Keywords: Religious Rights in Eastern Europe Religious building Cultural Heritage Colonial Law Euthanasia Female Genital Mutilation Secular and religious bioethics Intangible cultural heritage of religious interest Surrogate motherhood Religious landscape (summit crosses)

1. Law and Religion in Eastern Europe and Post-Socialist Contexts

Religious Rights in Eastern Europe

This research focuses on the legal development of religious freedom in post-socialist Eastern European countries, with particular attention to the role of Orthodox Churches, State–religion relations, and the case law of the European Court of Human Rights. Topics include the restitution of ecclesiastical property, the renegotiation of religious pluralism, and the public management of religious heritage.

 

2. Bioethics and Religious Freedom

Secular and Religious Bioethics

Research explores the intersection of bioethics, law, and religion, addressing conflicts between personal autonomy and religious norms. Key topics include end-of-life decisions, abortion, surrogacy, female genital mutilation, and conscientious objection, examined through comparative analysis and legal-theological reflection.

 

3. Cultural Heritage and Religious Assets

- Cultural Heritage

This research focuses on the legal protection of cultural heritage, with special emphasis on religious heritage. The approach combines ecclesiastical, administrative, and comparative law, analyzing canonical, national, and international legal sources.

- Religious Buildings and Worship Sites

Research addresses the legal framework governing religious buildings, including urban planning regulations, regional competences, deconsecration, and adaptive reuse. Additional topics include transparency, bilateral relations, and the classification of worship sites as cultural assets.

- Intangible Cultural Heritage of Religious Interest

This area of research investigates ritual and religious practices recognized as intangible heritage. The focus lies on their legal protection—also within the framework of UNESCO instruments—and on the relationship between ritual continuity, community identity, and institutional recognition.

- Religious Landscape (e.g., summit crosses)

The religious landscape is examined as a symbolic and legal space, where religious freedom, environmental protection, and competing secular and religious visions of public space intersect. Research includes emblematic case studies—such as summit crosses—within national and international legal frameworks.

Latest news

At the moment no news are available.