Minorities, Crime, and Criminal Justice in Italy (From Minorities, Migrants, and Crime: Diversity and Similarity Across Europe and the United States, P 110-129, 1997, Ineke Haen Marshall, ed. - See NCJ-171072)

• NCJ Number: 171077
• Author(s): U Gatti; D Malfatti; A Verde
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Research findings on minorities, crime, victimization, and criminal justice in Italy are discussed.

Abstract

The relationship between minorities and crime in Italy has traditionally been considered in terms of internal migration from the south to the north. However, most immigration now originates in other countries, while internal migration has basically stopped. Many immigrants in Italy experience difficult problems. Methodological problems hamper studies of crime among minorities. The available data indicate a remarkable increase in the number of foreigners involved in the criminal justice system. However, the statistical data do not confirm the hypothesis that foreigners commit more crimes than do native Italians. Instead, qualitative research suggests the existence of both social and judicial discrimination against immigrants. Law reforms in 1986 and 1990 have made Italy's criminal and administrative justice systems much more structured than before. The systems recognize rights of foreigners; they do not have full equality with Italian citizens. Opinions vary regard future reforms. The government has also recently issued temporary regulations aimed at increasing social control over foreigners. Tables and 45 references