Discriminazione, stereotipi e diritto penale di genere

Stereotype and discrimination are the theoretical instruments of gender research. This essay, by using these two concepts, will analize italian criminal law with the aim to assess if stereotypes have influenced law in book and law in action, resulting in a discriminatory legal treatment for females. After having examined the evolution of the crime of “rape”, the essay analyzes the recent law reforms of Italian Criminal Code. Finally, it debates perspectives and limits of a gender based criminal law.