Metal detector: support tool or antagonist of historical investigation? England and Italy compared in law

Elements of comparison concerning policies to protect traces of the past

Authors

  • Silvia Ferreri Università degli Studi di Torino

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54103/milanlawreview/17390

Keywords:

Excavations and findings, historical items, legislation on cultural goods, the private finder

Abstract

Comparing UK and Italian law concerning cultural goods – in a set of peculiar circumstances such as the lockdown caused by the epidemic – shows that English legislation is more readable, more accessible than the Italian counterpart. Legislators should not underestimate the importance of clear and easily retrievable provisions. Prohibiting completely excavations or searches for historic items is unrealistic. It is preferable to establish clear conditions on how this can be done, prompting people to declare their findings by offering them a reward and the public recognition of the discovery. Italian legislation is under frequent revision, policies carried out by successive administrations are often adjusted and are both over abundant and over detailed. It is not easy to have a good grasp of them, sanctions for violations are difficult to execute, illegal commerce may be rewarding.

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Published

2022-02-22

How to Cite

Ferreri, S. (2022). Metal detector: support tool or antagonist of historical investigation? England and Italy compared in law: Elements of comparison concerning policies to protect traces of the past. Milan Law Review, 2(2), pp. 1–36. https://doi.org/10.54103/milanlawreview/17390