Abstract

The paper aims to explain the main elements that have characterized the presence of Italian universities in prisons for many years. This is a significant and constantly growing commitment that today sees 36 Italian universities committed to guaranteeing about 1,000 prisoners the right to university studies. Alongside this commitment (which is fully part of the university’s first mission), others, related to research and «third» mission, such as public engagement and cultural promotion activities, have developed over the years.