Order No. 15653 of 2024: Tolerance and Adverse Possession in Italian Jurisprudence

The recent order no. 15653 of 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, proves to be of great importance for the understanding of the subject of adverse possession and related exceptions. The ruling, which involves two parties, G. (T. G.) and G. (B. G.), clarifies some fundamental aspects regarding tolerance in the possession of property and the admissibility of exceptions during the appeal phase.

The Context of the Ruling

The order analyzes the situation in which an owner contests the possession of a property by an alleged possessor, arguing that such possession occurred merely by tolerance. The Court establishes that this deduction represents a broad exception, which can also be raised in appeal, provided that the facts are adequately demonstrated and comply with the procedural preclusions.

Maxim of the Ruling

Tolerance - Relative exception - Nature of a broad exception - Consequences - Admissibility for the first time on appeal - Conditions. In matters of adverse possession, the owner's assertion that the property has been enjoyed by the alleged possessor merely by tolerance constitutes a broad exception and, therefore, can be proposed for the first time also in appeal, as long as the demonstration of the relevant facts emerges from the collected evidentiary material in compliance with the procedural preclusions, since the prohibition under Article 345 of the Civil Procedure Code concerns only strict exceptions, that is, reserved exclusively to the party and not detectable ex officio.

This maxim highlights how tolerance, in possession contexts, should not be underestimated. The Court clarifies that the owner of a property can raise the exception of tolerance even at a later time, provided there is concrete evidence to support their claim. This aspect is crucial, as it offers greater flexibility to the parties involved in a legal dispute.

Legal Implications

The ruling refers to several articles of the Civil Code, including:

  • Art. 1140: Deals with possession.
  • Art. 1144: Concerns adverse possession.
  • Art. 1158: Governs possession and its protection.

Moreover, Article 345 of the Civil Procedure Code is cited, which establishes the rules for exceptions in the appeal phase. This legislation is fundamental to understand the legal context in which the Court's decision is situated, highlighting how jurisprudence can influence the way law is applied in practical situations.

Conclusions

In conclusion, order no. 15653 of 2024 represents an important milestone in Italian jurisprudence regarding adverse possession and tolerance. It not only clarifies the modalities of admissibility of exceptions but also provides relevant insights for the management of legal disputes concerning possession. It is essential for legal professionals to consider these developments to ensure the correct application of the rules and an effective defense of their clients' rights.

Bianucci Law Firm