Judgment No. 17827 of 2023: Indirect Testimony and Usability of "De Relato" Statements

The judgment No. 17827 of February 7, 2023, filed on April 28, 2023, provides an important clarification regarding indirect testimony and the usability of "de relato" statements in the context of criminal proceedings. In particular, the Court of Cassation addressed the case in which a reference witness exercises the right to refrain from testifying as provided by Article 199 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Context of the Judgment

In this specific case, the Court rejected the appeal presented by the Court of Appeal of Palermo on February 15, 2021, establishing that statements made "de relato" by a witness who refrains from answering are freely assessable. This aspect is crucial, as these statements do not fall within the hypotheses of inadmissibility provided by Article 195, paragraphs 3 and 7, of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which regulates the conditions of admissibility of evidence.

The Principle of the Judgment

Examination of the reference witness - Refraining - Usability of "de relato" statements - Existence - Reasons. In terms of indirect testimony, in cases where the reference witness avails themselves of the right to refrain as recognized by Article 199 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, "de relato" statements are freely assessable, as none of the hypotheses of inadmissibility explicitly provided by Article 195, paragraphs 3 and 7, of the Code of Criminal Procedure come into play.

This principle emphasizes the importance of the judge's freedom to evaluate evidence, even in the presence of testimonies that may appear indirect or non-direct. The Court has clarified that the witness's refraining does not preclude the possibility of using their statements, provided these are considered in the overall context of the trial.

Implications for Jurisprudence

The decision of the Court of Cassation has significant implications for jurisprudence and legal practice. Among the main points are:

  • Recognition of the validity of indirect testimonies, expanding the possibilities of evidence.
  • Greater flexibility for judges in interpreting witness statements.
  • Clarity regarding the role of "de relato" statements in investigations and trials.

These considerations highlight the importance of careful analysis of evidence and its admissibility, as each case may present unique elements that require in-depth evaluation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, judgment No. 17827 of 2023 represents a step forward in understanding indirect testimony and its applications in criminal law. The significance of this decision lies in the freedom of the judge to evaluate evidence, who can now consider "de relato" statements even in the presence of a witness's refraining. This not only amplifies the possibility of achieving fair justice but also establishes an important precedent for future legal cases.

Bianucci Law Firm