Commentary on Judgment No. 45644 of 2024: Probative Seizure and Data Return

Judgment No. 45644 of 2024, issued by the Court of Cassation, provides important insights regarding the management of evidence in the case of probative seizure. In particular, the decision clarifies the conditions related to the return of supports containing data, both paper and digital, establishing a fundamental principle: the extraction of copies is not permitted before the return. This aspect raises relevant questions and considerations for lawyers and legal professionals.

The Regulatory Context

The issue at hand is framed within a well-defined regulatory context by the Italian Code of Criminal Procedure. Articles 252 and 258 outline the modalities for seizure and return of goods, establishing that the return of a support containing data implies exclusive availability by the holder. The ruling emphasizes that the extraction of copies would, in fact, be an act that modifies this availability, creating an additional constraint not permitted without an appropriate expropriatory act.

Analysis of the Maxim

Return of what is seized - Extraction of copies - Admissibility - Exclusion - Reasons. In the case of probative seizure, where the return of a support – whether digital or paper – containing data is ordered, prior extraction of copies is not permitted, since this operation, depriving the holder of the exclusive availability of the data, creates an autonomous constraint, not allowed without a different expropriatory act.

This maxim highlights a fundamental principle in criminal procedural law: the protection of the holder's data availability is paramount. The ruling, therefore, clarifies that the return must take place without any interference, and that the extraction of copies, while it may seem like a neutral act, actually alters the dynamics of possession and control over the data itself.

Practical Implications of the Ruling

The practical consequences of this decision are significant. Among the main implications are:

  • Data protection: The ruling strengthens the rights of data holders, ensuring that they cannot be deprived of their availability without an adequate legal act.
  • Procedural clarity: Clear guidance is provided on how to manage probative seizures, avoiding conflicts and ambiguities.
  • Litigation risks: Disputes may arise if an extraction of copies is carried out without the holder's consent, leading to potential violations of the rights provided by the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Conclusions

Judgment No. 45644 of 2024 represents an important milestone in the management of evidence in criminal matters. It clarifies that the return of seized supports must occur without any extraction of copies, safeguarding the rights of the holder. This decision not only clearly defines the legal framework but also provides practical guidance for lawyers and legal professionals, emphasizing the importance of data protection and their exclusive availability.

Bianucci Law Firm