"The capable and deserving, even if lacking means, have the right to reach the highest levels of education." Art. 34, paragraph 3, Constitution.

According to constitutional dictates, the primary mission of the University – education – is recognized as a right for everyone. Similarly, the Penitentiary Ordinance (Law 354/75), in Article 19, dedicated to education in prison, establishes that: "The completion of university and equivalent courses is facilitated."

Since December 2003, the University of Padua has embarked on a fruitful collaboration process aimed at bringing university education into the prison environment.