Judgment No. 25059 of 2023: The Role of Common Knowledge and Presumptions in Defamation

The recent judgment No. 25059 of April 21, 2023, issued by the Court of Cassation, provides important clarifications on the proof of damage in cases of defamation. In particular, the Court has confirmed the legitimacy of resorting to common knowledge and presumptions to demonstrate the harm to a person's reputation. This principle is based on the consideration that the dissemination of harmful statements almost always leads to moral suffering for the offended person.

The Maxim of the Judgment

Defamation - Compensation for Damage - Proof - Recourse to Common Knowledge and Presumptions - Legitimacy. It is legitimate to resort to common knowledge and presumptions in proving the damage resulting from harm to reputation conveyed through means of dissemination of defamatory content, considering that, based on id quod plerumque accidit, it can be presumed that such harm has caused the offended person a moral suffering deserving of compensation and that the related causal link is, in this case, so evident that the burden of motivation by the judge regarding the existence of compensable moral damage can be considered satisfied through reference to the content and the methods of dissemination of the harmful statements.

The Meaning of the Maxim

This maxim represents a fundamental step in understanding defamation and compensation for damage. Essentially, the Court establishes that, in cases of defamatory statements, it is not necessary to prove in detail the damage suffered by the individual. The presumption of moral damage is, in fact, based on the idea that a person's reputation is a valuable asset and that any attack on it generates suffering that deserves compensation.

  • The recourse to common knowledge allows not only for the recognition of moral suffering for the harmed reputation but also simplifies the evidentiary process.
  • This approach aligns with the principle of equity, which seeks to ensure adequate protection of individual dignity.
  • The judgment is also based on the provisions of the Italian Penal Code, particularly articles 185 and 595, which govern compensation for damage and defamation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, judgment No. 25059 of 2023 represents an important affirmation of the right to reputation and dignity, emphasizing that the moral suffering resulting from defamatory acts must be adequately compensated. The use of common knowledge and presumptions in proving damage constitutes a step forward towards a justice system that is more accessible and respectful of individual rights. Legal practitioners should consider this jurisprudential orientation to better protect the rights of their clients.

Bianucci Law Firm