Judgment No. 39498 of 2023: Analysis of the 'bis in idem' Prohibition in Criminal Matters

The principle of the 'bis in idem' prohibition is fundamental in the Italian legal system, particularly in criminal law. The recent judgment No. 39498 of June 7, 2023, issued by the Court of Cassation, provides important clarifications on this principle, highlighting the relationship between a dismissal decree and a subsequent criminal conviction.

The 'ne bis in idem' Principle

The 'bis in idem' prohibition prevents a person from being judged for the same act twice. However, the judgment in question suggests that a dismissal decree, issued pursuant to Article 131-bis of the penal code, does not preclude the possibility of a conviction for the same act at a later time. This aspect is relevant because it clarifies that, despite the dismissal seeming to close the case, it does not have preclusive effects on future criminal proceedings.

NE BIS IN IDEM - Judgment or criminal conviction decree - Previous dismissal decree pursuant to Article 131-bis of the penal code - Preclusion - Exclusion - Reasons. Regarding the 'bis in idem' prohibition, the issuance of a judgment or a criminal conviction decree is not precluded by the existence, for the same act, of a previous dismissal decree pursuant to Article 131-bis of the penal code, as the latter is not a measure subject to execution or capable of achieving irrevocability.

The Case of Mauro F. P.

In the judgment under examination, the defendant M. F. P. was subject to a dismissal decree for a specific act. However, the Court determined that this decree did not prevent a subsequent criminal proceeding leading to a conviction. This is particularly significant in a legal context where the 'ne bis in idem' principle is often invoked to avoid duplications of judgments. The Court referred to previous jurisprudence, highlighting a consistency in its interpretation.

The Implications of the Judgment

The implications of this judgment are manifold. First, it clarifies that a dismissal does not equate to a finding of not guilty, but rather to a decision not to proceed due to a lack of sufficient evidence. Moreover, the 'ne bis in idem' principle should not be interpreted rigidly, but must take into account the specific circumstances of each case. This way, greater protection of justice is ensured, preventing serious acts from going unpunished.

Conclusions

In conclusion, judgment No. 39498 of 2023 represents an important step in defining the 'ne bis in idem' principle in Italian criminal law. It underscores the importance of a flexible and contextualized reading of the norms, thereby ensuring a balance between the right to defense and society's interest in punishing crimes. Legal practitioners, as well as citizens, should pay attention to these jurisprudential developments to better understand their rights and duties within the criminal justice system.

Bianucci Law Firm