Summary of the Article: Amalia Pastore‘s Fulbright Research on Political Ineligibility
This article details the research being conducted by Amalia pastore, a doctoral candidate in law, as a fulbright scholar at Notre Dame Law School. Her research focuses on the legal mechanisms used by modern democracies to prevent individuals convicted of crimes from holding elected office, and ultimately aims to understand how these measures contribute to more representative democracies.
Key takeaways:
Research Focus: Pastore is investigating the prohibition of running for political office for those with criminal convictions, examining it as a tool to combat corruption and strengthen democratic governance.
Motivation: She is driven by a concern over the current “profound crisis” in contemporary democracies, specifically the impact of political corruption on citizens’ lives.She sees this issue as historically rooted and tied to fundamental questions about power.
comparative Study: Her research is a comparative analysis of legal systems in Italy,belgium (both EU members),and select U.S. federal states.
Collaboration: Pastore is working under the supervision of Professor Aj Bellia at Notre Dame, whom she praises as a meticulous and insightful mentor.
Background: Pastore has a strong academic background with degrees from several prestigious universities (Sapienza University of rome, University of Bari, Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and prior research experience in France.
timeline: Her research visit at Notre Dame began in April 2025 and will conclude in September 2025.
In essence, the article highlights a timely and crucial research project exploring the intersection of criminal justice, political participation, and democratic integrity. Pastore’s work seeks to identify best practices and contribute to a broader understanding of how to maintain public trust in democratic institutions.
