The Italian legal system is based on civil law, influenced by ecclesiastical Roman law. The basic operation of the Italian legal system was outlined in the Code of Criminal Procedure enacted in 1930. Since then, the code has been amended several times. Regardless of several amendments, however, the code of 1930 was considered inquisitorial. As a result, the Italian Parliament enacted a new, more adversarial code of criminal procedure on October 24, 1989. Among new provisions are a speedy investigation and trial, plea bargaining, and improved data gathering. The Italian police force is composed of three main branches: the Polizia di Stato (the State Police), the Carabinieri, and the Guardia di Finanza (the Finance Guard). The Polizia di Stato is a civil corps under the authority of the Ministry of Interior, and the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza are military corps under the authority of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Finance, respectively. The origins, structure, and responsibilities of each of these branches are described. Italian police activities have always been perceived with suspicion and aversion by the public. Generally, the public dissatisfaction with the police stems from law enforcement's inability to successfully combat terrorism, organized crime, and increased drug trafficking. Public confidence in the police has improved somewhat with the right of police to form syndicates, due to the police reform in 1981. Although this right of syndicalization has played a significant role in modernization and democratization of the police, it is not a guarantee of improved standards of policing. 13 references