Usurpative and Appropriative Occupation: Commentary on Sentence No. 18222 of 2024

The recent Ordinance No. 18222 of July 3, 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, has provided important clarifications on the distinctions between usurpative and appropriative occupation, particularly in relation to damage compensation actions. This ruling is of fundamental importance for understanding the responsibilities of public administration in cases of land occupation without the necessary expropriation decree.

The Distinction between Usurpative and Appropriative Occupation

According to the ruling, usurpative occupation occurs when there is a transformation of the land in the absence of a declaration of public utility, while appropriative occupation is characterized by the irreversible transformation of the land itself. Both situations entail compensatory liability for public administration, as established by Article 2043 of the Civil Code.

  • Usurpative Occupation: Occurs in the absence of an expropriation decree and can be original or subsequent.
  • Appropriative Occupation: Involves an irreversible transformation of the land, without the necessary expropriation procedure.

Reclassification of the Compensation Claim

A crucial aspect of the ruling is the possibility of reclassifying the compensation claim. The judge has the authority to consider that a request originally formulated as an action for usurpative occupation may be regarded as relating to appropriative occupation. This aspect is fundamental to ensuring the protection of property owners' rights and to prevent public administration from evading its responsibilities.

URGENT (DRAINAGE WORKS AND RECONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS) DAMAGE COMPENSATION Usurpative occupation – Definition – Appropriative occupation – Definition – Filing of a damage compensation action – Following usurpative occupation – Acceptance of the claim – Reclassified by the judge as relating to appropriative occupation – Admissibility – Basis.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Ordinance No. 18222 of 2024 has confirmed the importance of a correct interpretation of the rules concerning expropriation for public utility. The possibility of reclassifying compensation claims offers greater protection to property owners, ensuring that the actions of public administration are always subject to legal scrutiny. It is essential that citizens are informed about these rights and that they seek legal professionals to protect their positions in cases of illegal occupations.

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