Paola Coco

Paola Coco is an Associate Professor of Criminal Law (SSD IUS/17 GIUR-14/A) at the Faculty of Law, Sapienza University of Rome. She teaches Criminal Law II in the Master's Degree in Law (LMG-01) and Criminal Law in the Degree Course "Law and Public Administration" (L14). She is also a member of the Doctoral School Board in Public Law and teaches Criminal Law at the Specialization School for Legal Professions. Her academic career spans multiple institutions including temporary teaching positions at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio and Unitelma-Sapienza Telematic University.

Dr. Coco holds a PhD in Criminal Law and Procedure. Her research interests focus on Italian criminal law with particular emphasis on the Rocco Code, crimes against persons and property, gender-based violence (including femicide and stalking), legal positivism, and fascist criminal law. She has conducted extensive historical analysis of criminal law doctrines and their evolution throughout Italian legal history.

Her recent scholarly output demonstrates consistent engagement with both contemporary criminal law issues and historical perspectives. The articles show particular attention to the Rocco Code's legacy, constitutional aspects of criminal law, and evolving interpretations of gender-based violence in legal frameworks. Her work frequently bridges historical analysis with current legal challenges, demonstrating how past legal frameworks continue to influence present-day jurisprudence.

Dr. Coco has served as a member of selection committees, including for the University of Reggio Calabria in 2022, and has been responsible for research projects funded by Sapienza University, notably the 2018 project "For the ninetieth anniversary of the Rocco Code between past, present and future," published in 2023. Her scholarly contributions include numerous journal articles, monographs, and editorial work, reflecting her active role in advancing criminal law scholarship in Italy.