Berlusconi convicted

[HoreTore]

So, the tanned Italian got 7 years in prison for buying an underage prostitute and abuse of power. Thoughts?

Also, if someone can explain the italian legal system with regards to what comes next, that would be awesome!

[Tellos Athenaios]

Also, if someone can explain the italian legal system with regards to what comes next, that would be awesome!

An appeal, delays and most likely nothing.

[Arjos]

And after that cassation, provided along the line it doesn't go beyond the time limit...

So nothing is the best description for it ^^

[Husar]

Prison? He made a law himself that says people over 70 can get house arrest instead of prison.
Since he is over 70, it's thus unlikely that he will sit in a prison. I know that not being able to leave your home is also considered a punishment but it's still not a prison in the strict sense.

[Kralizec]

Most legal systems have rules that cause the power of the state to prosecute someone to expire, if too much time passes.

The peculiar thing about Italy is that this can also happen when a trial is ongoing - even an appeal - so if Berlusconi can stretch his appeal long enough, he'll be off the hook. He's gotten away in this manner several times already.

[Sarmatian]

I'm on Berlusconi's side - what's the point of power, money and influence if you can't have orgies with younger models...

[rvg]

I will miss him.

[Fragony]

Not that I like him but that girl looked a lot older than 17. Liking girls that could be your granddaughter isn't a crime, escort-service should be sued

[Husar]

Even if she looked like a grandmother I'd approve of this since the guy has abused Italy so much to his own advantage and got away with it that I applaud every effort to reign in on his schemes. It might also set a nice precedent about holding top officials responsible, or at least I wish it does.

[rory_20_uk]

Not that I like him but that girl looked a lot older than 17. Liking girls that could be your granddaughter isn't a crime, escort-service should be sued

Goes back to the chonological / physiological or psycological age of consent. We choose the first as it is easy, not really the best.

[HoreTore]

Goes back to the chonological / physiological or psycological age of consent. We choose the first as it is easy, not really the best.

Not really, as this is not about age of consent, which in Italy is 14. The age restriction Berlusconi broke is a regulation of prostitution, and biological factors play little part there.

[rory_20_uk]

Not really, as this is not about age of consent, which in Italy is 14. The age restriction Berlusconi broke is a regulation of prostitution, and biological factors play little part there.

And the law is the law of course...

I was unaware that there was this disparity. Is this hence why it was "free" sex and a gift afterwards which is A-OK, but if the gift is payment then that is wrong?

[HoreTore]

And the law is the law of course...

I was unaware that there was this disparity. Is this hence why it was "free" sex and a gift afterwards which is A-OK, but if the gift is payment then that is wrong?

I guess so.

The age of consent(typically around 15-16) is usually lower than the legal age for prositution(typically 18). Ribery is also punished by this, as the prositute he had sex with is above the age of consent, but below the legal age for prostitution.

[Crazed Rabbit]

Amanda Knox? She got out and is free in America.

CR

[lars573]

Until her new trial starts anyway. Her appeal was overturned.

[Philippus Flavius Homovallumus]

Until her new trial starts anyway. Her appeal was overturned.

No - her appeal is being appealed irrc, at which point she could be sent back to prison - but that seems unlikely because the US probably won't extradite her.

Edit: I stand corrected - it has been sent back to the lower Court.

[Shaka_Khan]

Not that I like him but that girl looked a lot older than 17. Liking girls that could be your granddaughter isn't a crime, escort-service should be sued

I sense baiting and entrapment by his opponents.....

[The Lurker Below]

So, the tanned Italian got 7 years in prison for buying an underage prostitute and abuse of power. Thoughts?

Also, if someone can explain the italian legal system with regards to what comes next, that would be awesome!

Next is so far down the road the guy may age out before consequences can be served. Besides, if I had that kind of money and I served even a day in jail, legions of ninjas would be deployed.