Italy and Self-Defence Law

This new law makes it legitimate to respond with force to robbers or burglars who enter a property, even if this proves fatal.

Under previouse Italian law, accused parties usually have to show they had reasonable grounds to fear for their own life to avoid a murder charge. Some judges however have also allowed a “legitimate defence” argument based on a pattern of being regularly targeted by criminals.

But robbery victims still need to prove “proportionality” between the offence and their defence.

Call or send us a mail for legal assistance: e.fontana@italservice.com

Avv. Enrico Fontana

Director of Criminal Law Department