Comment on Order No. 8916 of 2024: Lis Pendens in Dismissal Proceedings

The recent Order No. 8916 of April 4, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, has provided an important clarification regarding the configurability of lis pendens in dismissal proceedings. In a constantly evolving legal context, it is essential to understand how the Court interprets the legislation and case law regarding workers and employers.

The Context of the Ruling

The central issue of the order concerns lis pendens, which is the situation where two pending lawsuits involve the same parties and the same cause of action. The Court established that, despite the difference in the claims arising from the role of claimant and defendant assumed by the same party in the two lawsuits, lis pendens still occurs. This aspect is particularly relevant in the field of labor law, where a reversal of roles between workers and employers frequently occurs.

Configurability - Elements - Difference in claims arising from the role of claimant and defendant assumed by the same party in the two lawsuits - Irrelevance - Case concerning dismissal proceedings. Lis pendens occurs when there is identity of parties and "cause of action," without the ex se relevance of the difference in "claims" because they are correspondingly opposed as a necessary consequence of the reversal of roles assumed by the same party in the different lawsuits, one as claimant and the other as defendant. (In this case, the S.C. confirmed the lis pendens between two lawsuits, both concerning the legitimacy of the dismissal imposed on the worker and the amount of hours worked, in the first of which the claimant was the employer, while in the second it was the dismissed worker).

Implications of the Ruling

The implications of this order are manifold. Firstly, it provides clear guidance on how courts should handle cases of lis pendens, especially in a labor context. It is essential for lawyers and legal professionals to understand that the role of claimant or defendant does not affect the configurability of lis pendens, but rather they must focus on the identity of the cause of action.

  • Recognition of lis pendens even in cases of role reversal.
  • Clarity on how courts should address issues of jurisdiction.
  • Practical implications for workers and companies in case of litigation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Order No. 8916 of 2024 represents a significant step in defining the procedural dynamics related to dismissal proceedings. The Court of Cassation has highlighted the importance of considering not only the roles assumed by the parties involved but also the substance of the cause, without being influenced by the diversity of claims. This approach simplifies the management of labor disputes and provides a solid foundation for future decisions, contributing to greater legal certainty in the labor sector.

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