Analysis of the Judgment of the Court of Cassation No. 28401 of 2022: The Crime of Non-Execution of a Judicial Provision Regarding Custody

The judgment of the Court of Cassation No. 28401 of 2022 represents an important precedent in family law, emphasizing the criminal responsibilities of parents in the event of non-compliance with visitation obligations established by the judge. In this article, we will explore the details of the case and the legal principles that guided the Court's decision.

The Case and the Allegations

F.S. was convicted for evading a provision from the Court of Gorizia that granted the father the right to visit his daughter. The Court of Appeal of Trieste upheld the first-instance judgment, highlighting that the mother’s relocation abroad, carried out without informing the father, constituted fraudulent behavior. In particular, the Court emphasized that the crime under Article 388 of the Penal Code requires behavior characterized by deceptive acts, not merely simple non-compliance.

The Court of Cassation clarified that, for the configurability of the crime of willful non-execution of a judicial provision, the evasive conduct must be characterized by an element of artifice, deception, or falsehood.

Fundamental Legal Principles

The Court reiterated some fundamental legal principles, including:

  • The necessity for the conduct of the custodial parent to be characterized by intent, that is, the conscious desire to evade a judicial provision.
  • Merely failing to meet obligations does not automatically constitute a crime, but it is necessary that there is a voluntary act obstructing the meetings between the minor and the non-custodial parent.
  • The parent's right to establish their residence abroad does not exclude criminal liability if done fraudulently.

Conclusions

The judgment No. 28401 of 2022 by the Court of Cassation provides a clear indication of the seriousness of the legal consequences that can arise from behaviors that do not comply with visitation obligations. It serves as a warning for all parents who find themselves in conflict over custody and visitation issues, highlighting the importance of respecting judicial provisions and always acting in the best interest of the minor. The Court's decision not only clarifies criminal responsibility in these cases but also serves to protect the right to visitation, which is fundamental for the well-being of the minors involved.

Bianucci Law Firm