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Analysis of Judgment No. 33988 of 2023: the Principle of 'ne bis in idem' in Precautionary Measures

The recent judgment No. 33988 of June 16, 2023, filed on August 2, 2023, has generated considerable interest in the Italian legal landscape, particularly concerning real precautionary measures. The Court, presided over by A. C. and with rapporteur A. C., addressed the issue of the principle of 'ne bis in idem' in relation to the issuance of a new preventive seizure on assets already subject to an annulled provision.

The Context of the Judgment

The case in question involves the defendant R. F., who had seen a preventive seizure order annulled. However, the Court established that, in the absence of the reasoning for the annulment order, there is no impediment to the issuance of a new seizure on the same assets. This clarification is fundamental, as it outlines a clear distinction between the precautionary phase and the merits phase, emphasizing that the precautionary judgment is not subject to the same rules of definitiveness.

The Principle of 'ne bis in idem'

Principle of "ne bis in idem" - Annulment of preventive seizure - Reasoning not yet filed - Issuance of a new preventive seizure on the same assets - Admissibility - Reasons. In the context of real precautionary measures, the principle of "ne bis in idem" does not preclude the issuance of a new preventive seizure order on the same assets for which the previously imposed restraint has been annulled following an appeal, as long as the reasoning for the annulment order has not yet been filed. (In the reasoning, the Court specified that, as long as the arguments of the annulment decision are not known, there are no preclusions arising from the so-called "precautionary judgment").

The principle of 'ne bis in idem' is a cornerstone of criminal law that prohibits being judged twice for the same act. However, the judgment clarifies that this principle does not operate in the context of precautionary measures, as their purpose is to ensure the effectiveness of the criminal process, not to punish the individual. Consequently, the possibility of adopting precautionary measures again on the same assets is justified until the reasoning for the annulment provision is made public.

Practical Implications of the Judgment

This judgment carries several practical implications for the management of precautionary measures:

  • Reinforces the judge's discretion in imposing new precautionary measures.
  • Ensures greater flexibility in handling situations where the reasons for annulment are not yet available.
  • Could lead to an increase in precautionary interventions during the investigation phase.

In summary, judgment No. 33988 of 2023 offers an important interpretation of the principle of 'ne bis in idem' in relation to precautionary measures, promoting greater effectiveness in criminal action without compromising the rights of the defendants.

Conclusions

The Court's decision represents a significant step in understanding the dynamics of precautionary measures within the Italian legal system. It highlights the need to balance the effectiveness of justice and the protection of individual rights, emphasizing the precautionary phase as a fundamental tool for safeguarding public order and preventing further offenses. The judgment thus invites reflection on a crucial theme in contemporary criminal law, paving the way for further jurisprudential developments in the field.