The iconography of Justice, with scales and sword, was forged in the Middle Ages. Iusitia was first depicted among the theological and civil virtues, but subsequently became a protagonist and armed figure. By now we are used to her sword, which rises as a symbol of power. Beccaria has devised a different iconography of justice that invites to renew the penal system and to depose the sword. His thought-provoking idea could help to clarify his position regarding controversial issues, which have long been at the center of a thorough debate: how radical is his condemnation of death penalty, the ambiguity in the description of the executioner, the endorsement of forced labor and life imprisonment.
