[1] He came from an educated and progressive Ligurian family; his cousin was Maria Vittoria Rossi, better known as Irene Brin, the fashion journalist and style icon.

In 1937 he wrote his second book "Skepticism and dogmatic in criminal law", which was also criticized for its too progressive ideas.

In those years he joins the resistance and, with his wife, he managed to save many young people from fascist raids.

In 1948 he published "The parties against democracy" and, shortly afterwards, was appointed Professor of Criminal Law at the University of Pisa.

In 1958 he was appointed Vice-President of the Chamber of Deputies (Italy), and in 1961 President of the Commission on the problems of Alto-Adige.