After graduating in law from the University of Bologna, in 1903 he entered the administration of the Ministry of Public Works and, in 1912, became general manager of special services for the Southern Italy.

He took part in the debate on the Italian participation in the First World War on fiercely interventionist positions, and at the outbreak of the conflict he enlisted as a volunteer, deserving the praise of Francesco Saverio Nitti and General Armando Diaz and obtaining a silver medal for military valor.

In 1927 he was ousted from the Council of State, forced to abandon all political activities and returned to the private practices of advocacy and teaching.

On 24 March 1953 he was elected President of the Senate to replace Giuseppe Paratore, who resigned the previous day while the parliamentary obstruction of the opposition was underway to hinder the attempt by the majority to approve a contested electoral reform.

On 2 March 1963 the President of the Republic Antonio Segni appointed him Senator for life "for having illustrated the country with very high scientific merits and social."