Course Topics
The course examines the fundamental principles of the criminal justice system, with particular attention to the function of punishment and its transformations in the national and European context. Special emphasis is placed on the development of restorative justice as a complementary model to traditional punitive responses, aimed at fostering offender accountability, enhancing the role of the victim, and restoring social relationships. The course also explores alternatives to criminal proceedings and punishment, highlighting their purposes, scope of application, and critical issues. Through the analysis of legal sources, case law, and practical experiences, the course provides students with critical tools to understand the contemporary evolution of criminal justice.

Teaching format
The lesson takes place remotely.

Educational objectives
- Understand the foundations of restorative justice in the criminal system - Analyze tools and practices of restorative justice - Evaluate the role of community and victims - Reflect on the complementarity between punitive and restorative justice - analyze principles and sources of restorative justice - develop proposals for restorative interventions - reflect on the role of community in the restorative process

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
The course aims to provide the essential tools for understanding the current legislative framework in criminal matters. The objective is also the acquisition of the ability to utilise regulatory sources in order to promote the autonomous search for solutions to recurrent legal problems in the performance of the social educator's professional activity. Disciplinary skills Knowledge and understanding - the student knows the main concepts, principles and operational tools of criminal law and criminal procedure, as well as of the juvenile penal system; - the student is able to find, understand and use the relevant normative sources. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding - the student is able to apply knowledge to concrete cases arising in practice - the student is able to identify legal problems, applying correct solutions and developing rational arguments. Transversal/soft skills Autonomy of judgement - the student is able to develop a historical and problematic approach to the topics dealt with; - the student is able to develop a personal reflection, also in a critical key, on the legal issues emerging in the professional field; - the student is able to reflect on the most topical issues of criminal justice and criminal policy. Communication skills - the student is able to use appropriate legal language - the student is able to set issues in legal and professional terms; - the student is able to communicate information, ideas, problems and solutions. Learning skills - the student is able to read and understand criminal law and criminal procedure documents

Assessment
The final examination will be exclusively oral and will cover the topics covered in the course.

Evaluation criteria
The grade will be awarded according to the following criteria - relevance and depth - clarity of expression and command of legal language - argumentative skills - critical analysis and personal reflection