Public Schools, the Italian Crucifix, and the European Court of Human Rights: The Italian Separation of Church and State

Abstract

The article explores the European Court of Human Rights decision in the case Lautsi v. Italy, which focused on the presence of crucifix in Italy's public schools. The author examines the relationship between church and state as well as concepts of religious liberty and equality in the Italian legal context. The Italian constitutional framework, the concept of "laicità," and the influence of the Catholic Church in Italy are discussed, as is neutrality.

Keywords: European Court of Human Rights, Neutrality, Italian Constitution, Separation of Church and State, Crucifix

JEL Classification: K10