DATE
The project presentation took place on 22 May 2026.
THE ITALIAN CONSTITUTION AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS “We, European Citizens, Take the Stage: Constitution and Criminal Proceedings”
At the Como Rebbio Comprehensive School, justice came into the classroom, with students taking centre stage in a real criminal trial—and much more.
On the morning of 22 May, third-year students at the Como Rebbio Comprehensive School took part in an engaging and hands-on citizenship and legality education experience, observing first-hand how criminal proceedings begin and unfold, while becoming active participants themselves.
The timing was especially meaningful, as the following day marked the anniversary of the Capaci massacre, in which Giovanni Falcone, Francesca Morvillo, and the police officers assigned to their protection lost their lives. This connection gave even greater depth and significance to the experience shared with the students.
The initiative was part of the project “We, European Citizens, Take the Stage: Constitution and Criminal Proceedings”, organised by the Rotary Club of Como together with magistrates from the Court of Como and lawyers from the Como Bar Association.
The educational programme was created to bring young people closer to the values of the Italian Constitution, based on the belief that understanding its principles enables them to make informed choices, respect the rule of law, and play an active role in their community.
Among those present were Judge Cristiana Caruso, Dr Pasquale Addesso, Deputy Public Prosecutor and Head of the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office, Como Police Chief Dr Filippo Ferri, Deputy Mayor Dr Nicoletta Roperto, Rotary Club of Como President Dr Daniela Barattieri, Headteacher Dr Francesca Angeloni of the Como Rebbio Comprehensive School, and representatives of local institutions.
Before the simulated trial began, the students had the opportunity to listen to a series of inspiring contributions, rich in both educational and institutional value.
Judge Caruso highlighted the importance of beauty and social cohesion as protective factors against organised crime and criminal behaviour. She emphasised how building healthy relationships and feeling part of a community can help young people distance themselves from violence, isolation, and illegality. She also stressed the importance of learning to understand and manage one’s own thoughts and emotions.
Dr Pasquale Addesso recalled the lives of Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, describing them as deeply responsible individuals who devoted their lives to the pursuit of freedom and justice. Speaking to the students, he reflected on the true meaning of friendship—not following those who encourage wrongdoing, but standing beside those who help us recognise our mistakes and give us the opportunity to make amends. He also spoke about freedom and the sense of justice that every person possesses from childhood.
The Como Police Chief recalled the words of Piero Calamandrei, who said that we often fail to appreciate the value of freedom until it is lost. He also paid tribute to Falcone and Borsellino, reminding students of the immense sacrifices made by men and women who dedicated their lives to ensuring that we can all enjoy greater freedom today.
Deputy Mayor Nicoletta Roperto emphasised the educational value of the project, underlining how important it is for young people to learn not only through theory, but also through practical experience, enabling them to understand more concretely the importance of the Constitution and the Italian Republic.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the morning was precisely this: sharing knowledge by putting it into practice and making it part of everyday life.
Before the event, the students had already been studying the Italian Constitution, exploring citizens’ rights and duties through shared discussions with their teachers, group work, posters, and collaborative classroom activities.
Thanks to the ongoing support of Judge Caruso and the team of lawyers and magistrates, the students also explored how criminal proceedings work and examined offences that are particularly relevant to adolescents today, including assault, drug dealing, privacy violations, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images online (revenge porn).
Through a democratic vote, the students selected the case to be addressed during the mock trial: a boy who shared intimate images of his girlfriend on social media, which were then further distributed by other teenagers.
The students took on the roles of judges, prosecutors, defence lawyers, defendants, and civil parties, guided throughout the experience by legal professionals, gaining first-hand insight into how criminal proceedings work.
What began as a simple simulation soon evolved into something much more: the students became fully engaged in the trial, adapting their strategies and developing greater confidence and awareness.
At the beginning, some spoke hesitantly, with uncertainty in their voices, avoiding eye contact. As the experience unfolded, something changed: their voices grew stronger, their posture more confident, and their expressions reflected genuine satisfaction.
Together, professionals and students created an environment where learning became much more than the acquisition of knowledge—it became a relationship built on support, trust, and personal growth.
While the panel of judges withdrew to deliberate, the waiting time naturally gave rise to a discussion about the deeper meaning of the experience.
The students came to realise that activities like this can inspire them to imagine themselves in a future role: if today I can act as a lawyer, perhaps one day I can become one. And if I want to become a lawyer, I can begin making the choices today that will help me build that future.
Echoing Dr Addesso’s opening remarks, the discussion returned to a fundamental question: who we choose to be and which path we decide to follow—legality or illegality, responsibility or indifference, freedom or conformity. These are choices that belong to each of us, and they are best made with conviction, serenity, and courage.
The ability to look ahead, to think about the future of younger generations, to live without fear, and to have the confidence to step forward are all signs that we are moving in the right direction.
The conversation then broadened to include the themes of health and wellbeing. The students reflected on the fact that wellbeing means much more than eating well, exercising, or getting enough sleep—important though these are. It also means feeling part of a community, building meaningful relationships, and being able to look to the future with confidence.
Finally, the verdict was delivered, leaving many students deeply impressed. They came to understand that sharing another person’s intimate images not only causes profound emotional harm, but is also a criminal offence with serious legal consequences.
The project ultimately revealed its deepest purpose: promoting the rule of law not simply as a system of rules and sanctions, but as an opportunity for personal growth, responsibility, freedom, and social cohesion.
One aspect that particularly impressed those in attendance was the way these professionals acted as genuine mentors. They did far more than explain legal concepts—they offered encouragement, built relationships, and inspired confidence.
Experiences like this demonstrate how important it is to provide children and young people with meaningful opportunities to participate actively. Through experiences of this kind, they gain knowledge, awareness, and self-confidence while beginning to shape their own future.
Perhaps the most powerful image of the day was seeing these students, if only for a few hours, imagine themselves as lawyers, prosecutors, and judges. Because if imagination is the first step towards building the future, then today, at the Como Rebbio Comprehensive School, far more than a simulated criminal trial took place. A space was created where young people could begin to imagine who they want to become—and believe that, thanks to the guidance of inspiring adults, that future is truly within their reach.
Amina Pizzala – The Psychologist
