Commentary on the Judgment of the Supreme Court, Criminal Section VI, no. 16940 of 2024: The Illicit Retention of Minors and Parental Rights

The recent ruling of the Supreme Court, no. 16940 of 2024, provides significant insights into the issue of the illicit retention of minors, a topic of considerable relevance in family law. It addresses the delicate balance between a parent's criminal responsibility and the minor's right to maintain stable relationships with both parents. The Court partially annulled the judgment of the Court of Appeal of Bologna, highlighting the need for a careful evaluation of the best interest of the minor.

The Context of the Judgment

A.A., a Russian citizen, had been convicted of the crime of illicit retention of minors abroad, under Article 574-bis of the Criminal Code. The Court of Appeal of Bologna had upheld the conviction, also applying the additional penalty of suspension of parental responsibility. However, the Supreme Court deemed it necessary to re-examine the additional penalty, emphasizing that it must be justified based on the best interests of the minor.

The Constitutional Court has established that the automatic application of the additional penalty of suspension from parental responsibility is incompatible with constitutional parameters.

The Legal Issues Raised

Among the central points of the judgment emerges the issue of Italian jurisdiction concerning crimes committed abroad. The Court clarified that, despite the crime being committed in Russia, Italian jurisdiction can be maintained if the event of the crime, namely the interference with parental rights, occurs within Italian territory. This approach is based on the notion of the minor's "habitual residence," which plays a crucial role in determining legal competence.

  • Recognition of the habitual residence of minors as a criterion for jurisdiction.
  • Analysis of the best interests of the minor in decisions regarding parental responsibility.
  • Separation between the crime of illicit retention and international repatriation procedures.

Conclusions

The judgment no. 16940 of 2024 of the Supreme Court represents an important step forward in the protection of the rights of minors and parents. It highlights the importance of a case-by-case evaluation, taking into account the specificities of family relationships and the context in which minors find themselves. The necessity to balance the interests of the minor with parental responsibilities is a theme that will continue to be at the center of legal and social debate.

Bianucci Law Firm