Dr. Francesco Coco Scholarship

Coco Ruggeri Law Associated is proud to support the Dr. Francesco Coco Scholarship, a legal award aimed at recognizing outstanding academic work in criminal law and criminal procedure. This initiative, promoted in collaboration with ELSA Cagliari, honors the memory of Dr. Francesco Coco, an Italian magistrate known for his integrity, professionalism, and courage in the fight for justice.

What Is the Dr. Francesco Coco Scholarship?

The Dr. Francesco Coco Scholarship is a prestigious award for recent law graduates from universities in Sardinia, Italy, who have completed a thesis in criminal law or criminal procedure. The scholarship is open to students who graduated during the academic years 2022/2023, 2023/2024, and 2024/2025.

By rewarding excellence in legal research, the scholarship supports young lawyers as they begin their careers in criminal defense, prosecution, or judicial preparation. 

Who Was Dr. Francesco Coco?

Dr. Francesco Coco was a highly respected Prosecutor General in Genoa who made history by standing firm against terrorism during the politically turbulent 1970s in Italy. He refused to negotiate with the Red Brigades during the kidnapping of Judge Mario Sossi and was tragically assassinated in 1976. His death marked the first political killing of a magistrate in Italy by domestic terrorism. You may read more on our webiste.

This scholarship pays tribute to his legacy by promoting legal integrity, ethical values, and civic responsibility among young jurists.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the Dr. Francesco Coco Legal Scholarship, candidates must:

• Have graduated from a university in Sardinia;

• Have completed a thesis focused on criminal law or criminal procedure;

• Belong to one of the following academic years: 2022/23, 2023/24, or 2024/25.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through ELSA Cagliari, a branch of The European Law Students’ Association. The official application form and full eligibility criteria are available on their website. 

The application period remains open for 30 days from the publication of the call. Submissions are evaluated based on academic merit and the relevance of the research topic.

For more information, candidates can contact:  academicactivities.cagliari@it.elsa.org

Why Coco Ruggeri Law Supports This Criminal Law Scholarship

As a law firm deeply engaged in matters of criminal law, judicial advocacy, and legal education, Coco Ruggeri Law Associated believes in fostering the talents of future legal professionals. Supporting the Dr. Francesco Coco Scholarship is part of our broader mission to invest in legal excellence, social justice, and the rule of law in Italy and abroad.

We encourage all eligible students and recent graduates to apply for this important opportunity and continue the legacy of legal professionals who made a lasting impact on the justice system.