More than 30 students from the University of Insubria in Italy visited the law school on May 27 for a tour and introduction to legal issues in the U.S.

Law students and recent graduates gave the visitors a tour of the building and described the Co-op Program that allows students to gain extensive experience in the practice of law in a wide array of settings.

Professor Dan Filler, an authority on criminal law who serves on Pennsylvania’s Advisory Committee on Capital Punishment, discussed the history of the death penalty in the U.S. as well as persistent and emerging issues surrounding the practice.

Filler noted that while many Europeans view the death penalty as cruel, Americans’ opinions remain deeply divided on the topic, despite evidence that those inhabiting death row are disproportionately African American or lacking resources to hire attorneys.

U.S. Supreme Court justices like Anthony Kennedy are keenly aware of international disdain for the death penalty, which Filler said may explain why the court abolished it for minors and those with intellectual disabilities.  

Italian Consul General Andrea Canepari voiced gratitude for the law school’s hospitality, noting the strong bonds that have developed between the University and Italy and the opportunities for new initiatives.