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Analysis of Judgment No. 36265 of 2023: Legal Continuity in the Illegal Export of Cultural Goods

The recent Judgment No. 36265 of June 15, 2023, filed on August 31, 2023, provides important clarifications regarding the illegal export of cultural goods in Italy. The Court examined the legal continuity between the repealed Article 174 of Legislative Decree No. 42 of January 22, 2004, and the current Article 518-undecies of the Penal Code, introduced by Law No. 22 of March 9, 2022. This ruling fits into an increasingly legal context focused on the protection of national cultural heritage.

The Regulatory Context

The judgment under review focuses on a crucial aspect of Italian criminal law, namely the protection of cultural goods from illegal trafficking. Article 518-undecies establishes penalties for anyone who transfers cultural goods abroad without the necessary authorizations, highlighting the importance of safeguarding our country's artistic, historical, and archaeological heritage. The rule requires that for the export of such goods, a certificate of free circulation or an export license must be present, regardless of whether the goods have been declared of cultural interest.

The Ruling’s Maxim

Illegal exit or export of cultural goods - Relationships between the crime previously punished by Article 174 of the Cultural Heritage Code and that currently sanctioned by Article 518-undecies of the Penal Code - Legal continuity - Existence. In the matter of illegal export of cultural goods, there is legal continuity between the repealed crime of Article 174 of Legislative Decree No. 42 of January 22, 2004, and that currently provided for by Article 518-undecies of the Penal Code, introduced by Law No. 22 of March 9, 2022, which punishes anyone who transfers cultural goods, items of artistic, historical, archaeological, ethnographic, bibliographic, documentary, or archival interest, or other items subject to specific protective provisions under cultural heritage regulations, without a certificate of free circulation or export license, regardless of whether the aforementioned goods have been subject to a formal declaration of cultural interest.

This maxim clearly expresses the legislator's intent to maintain continuous protection for cultural goods, despite regulatory changes. The continuity between the two provisions is essential to ensure that Italian cultural heritage is not compromised by illegal practices.

Implications of the Ruling

  • Strengthening of measures to protect cultural heritage.
  • Legal clarity for the authorities responsible for export controls.
  • Need for adequate information for citizens and industry operators.

Therefore, Judgment No. 36265 of 2023 represents an important step in the fight against the illegal trafficking of cultural goods, emphasizing how Italian legislation evolves to meet the needs of protecting national heritage. Legal continuity ensures that even new provisions can operate seamlessly with respect to previous ones, thereby ensuring greater protection and safeguarding of goods of cultural interest.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the analysis of Judgment No. 36265 of 2023 highlights the importance of a clear and coherent legal framework in the protection of cultural goods. The continuity between repealed and current regulations not only strengthens the fight against the illegal export of cultural goods but also serves as a warning to all those operating in the sector, urging them to comply with existing laws and contribute to the safeguarding of our cultural heritage.