Gli albori della campagna abolizionista: il “Giornale per l'abolizione della pena di morte” ed il dibattito sulla riforma penale di fine Ottocento

The Journal for abolishment of death penalty was published by Pietro Ellero and Francesco Carrara during 1861 – 1864 in order to debate on the legitimacy of death penalty and obtain its Abrogation as quickly as possible. The matter was strictly connected to the unification in the field of Italian criminal law. Mainly due to the theoretical and philosophical approach of the Journal (rather than practical), the abolishment was not immediately reached within the expected timing. Notwithstanding the above, the Italian criminal code dated 1889 (issued under Zanardelli Ministry of Justice) reflected arguments and reasons Previously developed under the Journal. The main scope of the present paper is to highlight the fundamental role of the Journal in the context of the discussions between Authors during late nineteenth century, also evidencing differences with respect to subsequent journals.