Abstract

This essay traces the life of Luigi Lucchini (1847-1929), scholar of criminal law and most famous representative of the liberal school of criminal law, who became member of the Corte di cassazione in Rome in 1893 and spent a long career in the judiciary. At first a politician linked to Zanardelli, then to the radical party, and made senator in 1909, Lucchini distinguished himself as a defender of constitutional freedoms and later as an opponent of socialism. After being set aside by the Giolittian ministers, Lucchini received fascism favourably, but when the parliamentary system was brought into question he had the courage to oppose the regime.