Il magistrato e il conte : Ideali contrastanti in un processo politico milanese (1821-1824) = El magistrado y el conde. Ideales contrapuestos en un juicio político milanés (1821-1824) = The magistrate and the count. Contrasting ideals in a Milanese political trial (1821-1824)

In early 19th-century Milan, one word out of place is enough to be considered a dangerous subversive by the Austrian authorities. Federico Confalonieri knows this, yet he is prepared to do anything to keep faith with his liberal ideas. Fascinated by progress, he introduced innovations to improve his town and supported many initiatives to awaken the consciences of the Italians. His enterprise, his travels and his political initiatives immediately attracted the suspicions of the Austrian police, who were prepared to do anything to prevent Lombardy from slipping out of the Emperor's control. The result was a trial, skilfully conducted by two able judges, which showed the effective operation of the 1803 code and its potential as a guarantee, in the light of the entry of a particularly important actor: public opinion.