The Silvia Sandano International Award, which reached its third edition, was given on December 18, 2008 to M. Cherif Bassiouni, Professor of Law at DePaul University College of Law in Chicago and Honorary President of the International Association of Penal Law. “He was given this award of recognition for his considerable contribution towards protecting fundamental human rights by implementing instruments and institutions within international criminal law. Professor M. Cherif Bassiouni has committed himself whole-heartedly towards developing these endeavours throughout his entire academic, political and life experience and has achieved unparalleled results in doing so.” ”.
The award ceremony took place at the Aula Magna del Rettorato at Sapienza University of Rome during “The Functions of Sentencing in the International Justice System” meeting of scholars. The meeting was also attended by Giuliano Vassalli, the Emeritus President of the Constitutional Court, along with professors Franco Coppi, Alfonso Maria Stile, Giovanni Fiandaca, Sergio Moccia, Francesco Palazzo, Flavia Lattanzi, Enrico Mezzetti and Stefano Manacorda. The newly awarded jurist then held a lectio magistralis.