Analysis of Judgment No. 31704 of 2024: The Declaration of Adoptability and the Right to Defense

The recent judgment of the Court of Cassation No. 31704 of 2024 raised important questions regarding the adoption process and the protection of biological parents' rights. In particular, the Court emphasized that the assessment of parental suitability cannot disregard the respect for the right to defense, which is fundamental in any legal proceeding.

The Case and the Judgment of the Court of Cassation

The case concerned mother A.A., who, after the declaration of adoptability of the minor C.C., appealed against the judgment of the Court of Appeal of Genoa. The Court, confirming the first-instance decision, asserted that A.A. was not suitable to take care of her daughter due to her living conditions and the lack of evidence of her parental capacity. However, the Cassation accepted A.A.'s appeal, highlighting that the assessment of parental suitability must be based on current data and not just on past situations.

In the matter of the adoption of a minor, the judge must base their conviction on investigations and insights related to the present situation and not the past.

The Right to Defense in the Adoption Procedure

One of the key points of the judgment was the recognition of the violation of A.A.'s right to defense during the first-instance proceedings. The Court emphasized that the mother had not been adequately assisted by a lawyer, which compromised her ability to present her version of the facts. This aspect led to the declaration of nullity of the investigative acts carried out until her arrival in the process.

Implications of the Judgment

The judgment of the Cassation not only overturned the decision of the Court of Appeal but also provided important guidelines for future adoption cases. In particular, it emphasizes the need to:

  • Guarantee the right to defense for all parents involved in adoption proceedings.
  • Consider the current situation of the parents, rather than limiting the examination to past events.
  • Carefully assess parental suitability, taking into account the economic and family stability of the parent.

Conclusions

In conclusion, judgment No. 31704 of 2024 represents a significant step towards greater protection of parents' rights in adoption proceedings. It reaffirms the importance of ensuring that every individual involved in such cases has the opportunity to defend themselves adequately, highlighting how the legal system must always be attentive to the centrality of the minor but also to the rights of the parents. With this ruling, the Court of Cassation underscored that every decision regarding adoption must be based on a thorough and current assessment of the family and personal situation of the parents.

Bianucci Law Firm