Comment on Order No. 19145 of 2024: Appeals and Reservation of Appeal

The recent Order No. 19145 of July 11, 2024, from the Court of Cassation has raised important questions regarding civil appeals, particularly those concerning non-definitive judgments. This ruling, issued by President F. De Stefano and Rapporteur S. Saija, focuses on the effectiveness of the deferred appeal reservation and its effects in the context of an immediate appeal by other parties involved.

The Context of the Judgment and Legal Principles

The case in question involved G. (L.) against M. (Attorney General's Office), and concluded with the declaration of inadmissibility of a counter-appeal filed against a definitive appellate judgment. The Court established that, in the presence of an immediate appeal by other parties, the deferred appeal reservation loses its effectiveness.

Proposal for cassation appeal by another party - Effects - Case. In the context of cassation proceedings, the deferred appeal reservation against a non-definitive judgment remains ineffective when one of the other parties has filed an immediate appeal, with the consequence that, in the absence of an immediate appeal (possibly incidental and late) by the one who made the reservation, the non-definitive judgment becomes final in the unappealed part. (In this case, the Supreme Court declared the inadmissibility of a counter-appeal filed against the definitive appellate judgment since the immediate appeal, filed by other parties against the non-definitive appellate judgment, rendered the prior appeal reservation ineffective).

The Implications of the Judgment

This ruling highlights some fundamental aspects regarding the system of appeals in the Italian civil process:

  • Deferred appeal reservation: it is a tool that allows a party to reserve the possibility of appealing a non-definitive judgment, but its effectiveness is contingent upon the absence of immediate appeals by others.
  • Immediate appeal: the submission of an immediate appeal by another party results in the ineffectiveness of the reservation, leading to the finality of the unappealed part of the judgment.
  • Consolidated jurisprudence: the Court of Cassation reaffirms a principle already established in previous decisions, ensuring clarity and certainty in civil proceedings.

Conclusions

In conclusion, Order No. 19145 of 2024 provides an important interpretation of the rules related to appeals in cassation. It underscores the importance of acting promptly and considering strategic choices regarding appeals. The decision contributes to outlining a clearer regulatory framework, providing useful guidance not only to lawyers but also to all legal practitioners involved in civil proceedings.

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