Speed Reading — Level 5 — 500 wpm 

Now do this put-the-text-back-together activity.

This is the text (if you need help).

An Italian court of appeal has said food theft because of hunger is not illegal. The Supreme Court of Cassation reversed the conviction of a homeless man, Roman Ostriakov, who was given six months in jail for stealing cheese and a sausage worth $4.50. He was also fined $115. His lawyers appealed for a reduction in that fine and got the whole conviction quashed. The court said taking the food, "does not constitute a crime" because he stole a small amount of food out of desperation. It ruled that stealing small amounts of food because of hunger is not a crime.

Many people hope this case will highlight the poverty and homelessness in Italy. They also believe it may mean hungry people who are arrested for shoplifting will not be convicted. A criminal lawyer said the case, "is a new principle", and it might lead to more, similar decisions when theft is "linked to poverty situations". The court said: "People should not be punished if, forced by need, they steal small quantities of food in order to meet the basic requirement of feeding themselves." Italy's La Stampa newspaper said: "In a civilised country, no one should be allowed to die of hunger."

Back to the food theft lesson.

More Activities