Protecting Vulnerable Victims and Beyond: The Duty of Consistent Interpretation in Criminal Matters in Italy after Pupino

This article explores the impact at national level of the principles expressed by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the case C-105/03 Criminal proceedings against Maria Pupino. First, an overview is given of the case Pupino in the specific perspective of providing a background for the analysis of its impact at national level. On these grounds, the impact of the principles expressed by the ECJ on the policy area concerned at national level is described and analysed. Then, the wider consequences of the case Pupino at national level are explored. Critical considerations conclude.